Uses of Stem Cells

Heart disease - there has been some success in using stem cells to replace heart muscle tissue which has been damaged in a heart attack.Type 1 diabetes - experiments regenerating insulin-producing cells of the pancreas that have been destroyed by the immune system have had some success.Parkinson's disease - stem cells might be useful in replacing the dopamine producing cells in the brain.Alzheimer's disease - the cells destroyed by the build-up of abnormal proteins may one day be regenerated using stem cell therapy.Macular degeneration - scientists are currently researching the use of stem cells in the treatment of degeneration of the retina in the elderly and in diabetics.Birth defects - the experiments in mice show promise.Spinal injuries - there has been limited success in restoring movement to rats with damaged spinal cords by using stem cell implants.