WHAT ARE STEM CELLS AND HOW ARE THEY

USED TO CURE DISEASES SUCH AS ALZHEIMER’S?

By: Caroline Webster

Stem Cells

The definition of a stem cell A stem cell is a cell that has the ability to continuously divide and develop into other kinds of cells and tissues.

http://www.tellmeaboutstemcells.org/stem-cell-basics/index.php

• Its the bodies natural repair system.

• It’s the way the body renews itself.

• It’s a very controlled process.

Unspecialized Cells Stem cells don't have

a specific job or function but they have the potential to become specialized cell types. They become heart cells, nerve cells, brain cells or any of the 220 cell types.

http://www.dimensionsofdentalhygiene.com/print.aspx?id=3346

http://science.howstuffworks.com/life/cellular-microscopic/stem-cell1.htm

Why does the body use stem cells?

Regenerative medicine- Stem cells for example repair your organs..

The body uses specific tissue stem cells to replace cells when they die

Ex- The intestines: when you replace the lining of your intestines the stem cells are hard at work beneath the lining of the intestine replacing the cells

Types of stem cells

http://www.tellmeaboutstemcells.org/stem-cell-basics/the-two-types.php

Unlimited or embryonic stem cells are pluripotent- Meaning the can be grown into any kind of tissue in the body

More promising for curing diseases

Unlimited stem cells can be replicated outside of the body.

Limited stem cells also known as adult stem cells are rare. These types of stem cells are used to repair organs and tissues from where they came.

Limited stem cells can not be replicated outside of the body, they must be frozen.

Alzheimer's disease Alzheimer's disease is the loss of brain function.

Researchers injected stem cells into mice and were able to identify that these human cells which were from adipose tissue behaved in a special way.

These stem cells were able to migrate through the blood barrier and into the brain.

They injected the mice for ten months and after analysis they discovered it improved the ability to learn and remember.

http://drjockers.com/2012/11/natural-solutions-to-beat-alzheimers-disease/

Citations Works Cited "10 Talks on the Future of Stem Cell Medicine." TED

Blog 10 Talks on the Future of Stem Cellmedicine Comments. TedConferences, 13 Sept. 2012. Web. 15 Sept. 2014.

"Adult Stem Cells Can Prevent Alzheimer's Disease." News-Medical.net. AZoNetwork Site, 27 Sept. 2012. Web. 15 Sept. 2014.

"Frequently Asked Questions." Stem Cell Basics [Stem Cell Information]. NIH, 28 Apr. 2009. Web. 15 Sept. 2014.

"Stem Cells." Stem Cells. University of Utah. Web. 15 Sept. 2014.