We now know that there are two types of stem cells, namely Embryonic Stem Cells (ESC) and Adult Stem Cells (ASC).
An ESC is a stem cell from a fetus. The scientific belief was that these cells are the only cells that are so primitive that they are capable of becoming almost any other cell. Any ESC research will involve their extraction which kills the fetus, therefore raising moral issues and debates.
An ASC is a stem cell from a person after birth. Just a few years ago, these stem cells were believed to be limited to making only blood cells. We now have scientific evidence that these stem cells have a great deal of potential. Indeed, they constitute our body’s natural renewal system, and they do not have any moral considerations since they come from our own body. ASC is also known as Bone Marrow Stem Cells.
Cord Blood Stem Cells
A cord blood stem cell is a stem cell isolated from the blood in the umblical cord from a new born baby. Fewer ethical concerns are attached to the use of cord blood cells, because the cord is a “waste product”. Some people even pay to have their child’s cord blood frozen for later use, should the child need stem cells. In fact it is also ASC.
Adult versus Embryonic Stem Cells
Which type of stem cells should we use, ASC or ESC ? Watch this video.
Here is a fantastic video on Bone Marrow Stem Cells.
