OK I see a pattern in these threads now :)
Coleus, if you have any regarding treatment of long term effects of head injury with stem cells, throw one up :)
These are fascinating and useful threads. Thanks.
This also highlights the general issue of an autologous approach of stem cell therapy (using your own cells) compared to an allogeneic approach (using transplanted cells, including the use of fetal stem cells).
Abortion proponents often used to promote the use of fetal stem cells in research, as some kind of a potential cure-all.
In practice though, fetal stem cells have been among the least useful for actual therapies.
Currently, tissue-specific stem cells are the most useful (skin stem cells for skin regeneration, cartilage stem cells for cartilage, etc.).
Ultimately, we will likely gain fine control over the now identified signaling system (Yamanaka factors) that tells cells whether to be undifferentiated stem cells, tissue-specific stem cells, or adult tissue specific cells - allowing therapies where people can replenish their own internal supply of stem cells.
When we are able to do this well (some has already been demonstrated), all our organs will likely be able to be renewed with fresh youthful cells, addressing many age-associated diseases.
For now, transplanting youthful (but not fetal) stem cells is the best stem cell therapy that is widely available, but once the technology for the cultivation of the individual’s own supply of youthful stem cells is developed, the supporting infrastructure to support that will quickly become a widespread laboratory staple.
It is going to be an historic milestone in life extension, as well as disease treatment.