Over the years a lot has been said about stem cells, especially as opponents have attempted to drum up an ethical controversy surrounding their research and use. As such a hot-button topic, they have generated their fair share of misinformation. Here are four common myths about stem cells, debunked.
All stem cells come from embryos.
Stem cells can indeed be taken from embryos, but not all stem cells are embryonic. Adult stem cells, found throughout a developed human body, are a plentiful source and highly important to research about treating diseases. Additionally, stem cells can be taken at birth from the umbilical cord, a mother’s placenta, or amniotic fluid.
Heart disease can be cured by stem cell therapy.
Unfortunately, this belief is not true, but research is still being done so that one day this myth can become fact. At the moment, however, stem cells do have some benefits when it comes to treating heart disease. Recognized benefits when injecting the heart with a person’s own stem cells include improved blood flow, increased intake and use of oxygen, and an improvement in physical activity.
Stem cells research is illegal in the US.
Due to the controversy surrounding the use of stem cells, it is sometimes thought to be illegal. Although the use of embryonic stem cells requires following strict guidelines, research is legal and continues to offer promising new treatments for those with certain diseases and conditions.
Adult stem cells are better than embryonic stem cells.
It’s difficult to deem one type better than the other. Both adult and embryonic stem cells have proven benefits and limitations. Embryonic cells are sometimes thought to be the better type because researchers can manipulate them into becoming any sort of specialized cell created by the body.
On the other hand, it was once believed that an adult stem cell can only develop into the type of tissue it was taken from. However, new research suggests it may be possible to convert an adult stem cell into a different type cell than its origin. Additionally, adult stem cells have proven successful in treating various cancers, autoimmune diseases, and degenerative diseases.
Though they have shown promising benefits, adult stem cells grow old with you. As they age, they become more at more risk for genetic mutations caused by the environment. Also, they can in some cases be rejected by the body, in a way similar to organ transplant rejection. Embryonic cells, on the other hand, do not have these concerns. However, both are important types of stem cells and research into their full potential is still being conducted.
