Cells are the building block of all living organisms and have a specified purpose. However, stem cells do not have a specified type or role, which allows them to morph into cells of different types. Stem cells banks are found in abundance in the human body.

These cells are unique and create more cells with the process of cell division. This regenerative property of stem cells allows them to heal injuries and ailments affecting the brain, bone, and muscles.

All these unique properties of stem cells have piqued the interest of scientists and clinicians across the globe. Numerous studies and research are being conducted to understand the potential of these cells in treating various diseases.

With the increasing awareness, health care providers are advising new parents to store the stem cells of their newborns. Let us learn three important facts about stem cells to help understand these cells and their benefits.

1. Sources of stem cells

Stem cells have two primary sources: adult body tissues and embryos. However, researchers are finding ways to develop stem cells from other cells.

The stem cells are found in various types of tissues in the human body like the brain, bone marrow, skin, liver, skeletal muscles, blood, and blood vessels.

They can be harvested from three main sources in the human body, which are blood, bone marrow, and umbilical cord blood. Umbilical cord blood is being recognized as a life-saving aid if a child develops severe illness like leukemia or other types of cancer.

Hence, parents are cryo-preserving their baby’s stem cells with private stem cell banks to be used in the future. They can also donate it to a public stem cell bank, where it can save someone’s life or help in medical research.

2. Stem cells are unspecified and regenerative

Each cell in the body has a specific purpose. However, stem cells are unique in this regard. A human body consists of stem cells throughout its life. These cells can remain dormant for a long time until needed by the body to grow new cells and tissues.

The body consistently uses these cells to renew its tissues and for regular maintenance. Stem cells also contribute to the healing and repair of the body after an injury or illness.

The regenerative property of stem cells allows them to renew themselves indefinitely with the process of cell division. The non-specified stem cells, when called upon, can regenerate cells, tissues, or even organs.

3. Stem cells have immense potential to cure diseases.

Many researchers believe that stem cell transfusion can treat numerous ailments. At present, the cells can treat eighty rare diseases, including different types of cancers, blood, immune and metabolic dysfunctions like leukemia, sickle cell anemia, etc. However, there is potential for so much more.

The regenerative properties of the stem cell make it a promising alternative for medical treatments. Scientists and researchers are looking for the clinical application of stem cells in treating various diseases like diabetes, heart disease, stroke, etc.

Also, clinical trials are being conducted to understand the benefits of stem cells in treating diseases like cerebral palsy, autism, and hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy.

Hence stem cells can help in treat numerous incurable diseases. However, the ongoing medical studies do not define the future benefits in clear terms. What can be said with certainty is that stem cells can make a significant contribution to modern medicine.

These are a few facts about stem cells that you should know. If you are a new parent, you should understand the immense potential of these cells.

It will help you make the significant decision of whether or not to preserve your child’s stem cells with a stem cell bank.