An adult stem cell is an undifferentiated cell found in a differentiated tissue that can renew itself and (with certain limitations) differentiate to yield all the specialized cell types of the tissue from which it originated. An adult stem cell may be pluripotent, which denotes the ability of a single stem cell to develop into many different types of the body but not all of the cell types of the body required for fetal development. Adult stem cells also include those from umbilical cord blood.

Forty years of adult stem cell research have proven their value for treatment of only a limited number of specific conditions and diseases. Adults do not have stem cells in many vital organs, so when those tissues are damaged, scar tissue develops. Stem cells derived from Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer (SCNT) and those derived from excess in vitro-fertilized eggs that would otherwise be discarded have the capacity (totipotency) to become any kind of human tissue and have the potential to repair vital organs. Adult stem cells from donors are more likely to be rejected, appear to be more susceptible to chromosomal abnormalities, have shown limited growth potential, and are difficult to isolate and grow.

It has not been shown that adult stem cells donated by the patient for the patient can be regressed and reprogrammed to become new cell types. Although these cells may exhibit the characteristics of the desired cell type, it has not been demonstrated that they function properly. They have, in fact, been shown to fuse with healthy cells, producing cells with an abnormal number of chromosomes.

Scientific evidence supports the contention that adult stem cells do not have the potential to regenerate tissue to the same degree as those derived from Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer (SCNT) and those derived from excess in vitro fertilized eggs that would otherwise be discarded. Studies of adult stem cells are important and will provide valuable insights into the use of stem cells in transplantation procedures. However, only through exploration of all types of stem cell research will scientists find the most efficient and effective ways to treat diseases.

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