Has the adult stem cell put the stem cell research debate to rest? Previously, there was much stem cell controversy over the concept of isolating extra human embryos for scientific research, extracting the stem cells and discarding the rest of the cells. People who believe life begins at conception would call this “murder.” Others argue that stem cell therapies are our obligation to try to save as many lives and alleviate as much suffering as possible. The recent finding that stem cells adult derived can be as versatile and useful as fetal stem cells has been met with favor by politicians and religious leaders who previously opposed stem cell research.

To be considered an embryonic stem cell, a young cell must be located in the inner mass of the blastocyst. By contrast, the adult stem cell is not characterized by its origin. To be considered stem cells adult variety, the cell must have the ability to differentiate and must be able to self-renew for the lifetime of its host. Scientists are always discovering new locations of adult stem cells, which have grown from the spinal cord and the bone marrow to include the brain, the blood vessels, the hair follicle, skeletal muscle, fat, the skin’s epithelia, the digestive system, the cornea, the retina, the peripheral blood, the teeth, the liver and the pancreas.

One of the most exciting adult stem cell discoveries occurred in 2008 when researchers at the Salk Institute for Biological Studies in La Jolla, California coaxed mouse brain stemcells to differentiate into support cells and function with the surrounding neuronal network. When pampered in a Petri dish, scientists found that they could encourage oligodendrocyte cells to form the fatty myelin sheath that speeds up the transfer of electrical signals along the axons. They could also stimulate cellular growth in the hippocampus; the brain’s center for memories and learning. Scientists hope this research can provide a breakthrough in the treatment of multiple sclerosis, Alzheimer’s, stroke and epilepsy.

In recent stem cell news, researchers at the University of Pittsburgh found that they could implant a corneal adult stem cell into the cloudy eyes of mice to restore clear vision within three months. Since the stem cells came from the mice themselves, it was additionally beneficial that the body’s immune system did not react harshly against the implanted stem cells. It’s hoped that further research will be able to help humans who have suffered eye injury, trauma and blindness.