By Joan Naper
Mention stem cell research and most people will have a strong reaction. Some oppose it. Many do not understand it. Others see it as an amazing source of revolutionary medical advancement. Many research scientists and teachers at Northwestern fall into the third group. They have seen the potential of stem cells in treating diseases and conditions such as Parkinson’s, juvenile diabetes, spinal cord injuries, and cancer.
Stem cells are undifferentiated cells that can both renew or replicate themselves and differentiate into other specialized cells. In other words, stem cells can divide indefinitely to provide as much tissue as needed for therapy, and they can be coaxed to develop into virtually any type of body cell.
