Stem cells

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Significant advances in stem cell research have garnered attention from the scientific community and society at large. Previously, the study of most stem cells, aside from those regenerating the hematopoietic system, was limited to a small group of researchers. The real momentum began in 1998 when James Thomson and colleagues successfully derived pluripotent human embryonic stem (ES) cells, marking a breakthrough that shifted scientific focus. This development led to the generation of specialized human cells in vitro, transforming stem cell research from a niche interest into a promising avenue for treating serious conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular diseases, and neurodegenerative disorders. The emergence of regenerative medicine has its roots in this once-esoteric field. Since 1998, extensive research has explored both embryonic and adult stem cells. Early findings suggested that adult stem cells might possess greater plasticity than previously thought, potentially rivaling embryonic stem cells. However, subsequent observations regarding the transdifferentiation capacity and plasticity of adult stem cells have not been consistently replicated. These findings have fueled ongoing debates about the relative capacities of adult versus embryonic stem cells and their potential roles in regenerative medicine.