Stem cells are cells that can make copies of themselves and develop into more specialised cells.
Different kinds
Some come from early embryos, while adult stem cells live in places like bone marrow and help repair tissue.
A treatment that already works
Bone-marrow transplants, which replace blood-forming stem cells, have been used for decades for some blood cancers.
Research uses
Scientists grow cells in the lab to study diseases and test how new medicines affect human tissue.
Be careful with clinics
Many advertised stem-cell 'cures' are unproven. Approved uses are specific and go through regulators.
Sources and corrections. This article draws on the sources listed here. Spotted a mistake? and we will correct it.
- 1 Sample source: background reference
- 2 Sample source: official or primary document
- 3 Sample source: explainer from another publisher (facts only)
