Please join the Red Rock Center for Independence in rallying groups to advocate for these rights and services. Contact Pam Karakas at 673-7501 ext. By Ceil Stevenson Vision scientists believe that stem cells could provide an abundant source of healthy cells for use in retinal cell transplants, however, before stem cells can be tested safely in humans, researchers must gain a greater understanding of these unique and amazingly adaptable cells. A stem cell is an immature, precursor cell that has the ability to become almost any type of cell in the body. Theoretically, a stem cell can reproduce itself an infinite number of times.
Stem cells are present at the beginning of life.
As stem cells mature, they become further specialized, creating all of the cell types that make up the body's organs and other complex biological systems. These progenitor cells are thought to be stem cells that have partially committed to becoming a specific cell type. In laboratory experiments, scientists have shown that progenitor cells can be coaxed to differentiate into mature,functioning cells. Scientists are just beginning to unlock the potential benefits and limitations of stem cell use for therapeutic treatment of diseases. As a result, a precise definition and an understanding of a stem cell's properties and its medical benefits are not yet fully known.