A Brief History Of Stem Cell Research

A Brief History Of Stem Cell Research

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Stem cell research is one of the most controversial topics within the world of medical research, and for obvious reasons. The application of stem cell research is still a hot topic even today, and to fully understand why, it can be useful to gain knowledge into the history of stem cell research.

The term stem cell was first used in 1908 by Alexander Maksimov, a Russian histologist. Maksimov referred to stem cells at a medical meeting in Berlin, where he highlighted the possible use of them in research. Some 60 years later, in the 1960s, much research was carried out to show evidence of adult neural stem cells in the brain that assist with brain function and brain growth throughout life, key researchers included Santiago Ramn y Cajal.

Throughout the 1960s, animal research was carried out on mice, with results showing that these rodents have self-renewing stem cells in their bone marrow. This research proved that stem cells existed and was a joint effort between Ernest Armstrong McCulloch and James Edgar Till in 1963. By 1968, the first ever bone marrow transplant was successfully completed between two siblings suffering from severe combined immunodeficiency (SCID), with positive results.

During the 70s, stem cells were discovered in the human umbilical cord and, in 1981, the term embryonic stem cell was coined. Major research was carried out in the 1990s, with the first stem cells to be cultured in vitro, and the first stem cell line was isolated by scientists at the University of WisconsinMadison. This meant the scientific world was one step closer to using stem cells in transplants, as well as opening the door to further drug research. A major breakthrough in the treatment of leukaemia also occurred in the 90s, with evidence clearly showing that the disease starts with haematopoietic stem cells.

Throughout the 2000s ground-breaking research reports were published and many medical feats occurred such as the first clones of human embryos being created, from which stem cells could be harvested. Animal research with rats showed that stem cells could assist with paralysis and many new forms of stem cells were discovered.

In 2008 the first human embryonic stem cells were produced without the use of an aborted embryo, which meant harvesting could be performed in a much more ethical manner. Further to this, stem cells were created with the use of a single human hair in 2008 and trials using stem cells in humans began in 2010.

As of 2011, research has begun to see whether stem cells can be used to stop endangered animal species from going extinct, which would help to preserve many animal populations.


About the Author:
If you are currently carrying out stem cell drug research you can find information on bioorganic and medicinal chemistry online now.



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