What are stem cells?

Stem cells are a type of cell that have the ability to divide and differentiate into various types of specialized cells in the body. They are characterized by their ability to self-renew and differentiate into different types of cells, such as blood cells, nerve cells, and muscle cells, among others.

There are different types of stem cells, including embryonic stem cells, which are derived from the inner cell mass of a developing embryo, and adult stem cells, which are found in various tissues in the body and have a more limited ability to differentiate into different cell types.

Stem cells have the potential to be used in various medical applications, including tissue engineering and regenerative medicine, where they can be used to replace damaged or diseased tissues and organs. They are also being studied for their potential use in treating a range of diseases, such as Parkinson's disease, diabetes, and heart disease.