STEM CELLS?
Video found on youtube at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=evH0I7Coc54 by TED-ed channel. Lesson by Craig A. Kohn, animation by Qa'ed Mai.
A Journey into Stem Cell
by Rio A. Ramzy (Committee)
A wondrous life comes from a cell. The genesis of life comes from a stem cell.
Stem cell is a cell which is not yet differentiated. Simply put, it is a cell which can transform itself into anything and committed to its chosen path. Like a chameleon, it can adapt. Like a monk, it is focused once the path is laid. Although a committed cell may exhibit some features of stem cell, the stem cell stands out for its potency (what it can become) and self-renewal (high proliferation rate) (Knoepfler, 2013).
Once a stem cell becomes a committed cell, there is no return. It cannot revert to its original state. Or so we thought. Now, with technological advances unimaginable before, stem cell can be engineered and controlled for human use. Perhaps the most celebrated finding in stem cell research is on the hands of Shinya Yamanaka, who proves that an ordinary cell can be reprogrammed into being a stem cell called induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) (Knopfler, 2013). Someday, we do not need to take stem cells from embryo anymore. And in a foreseeable future, stem cell is a saviour for curing the uncurable and more.
But a great power comes with a great responsibility. There are still a long journey to go as scientists are working on increasing productivity of producing stem cell and guiding the cell into becoming a specific cell. The world needs to be convinced that stem cell technology is safe and benefits them.
Where are we currently in the road to stem cell technology? How is the progress? Find out more on Lumière International Conference 2016: STEM CELL TECHNOLOGY.
References
Knoepfler, P. (2013). Stem Cells: An Insider's Guide. London: World Scientific Publishing.