FOR KIDS: Stem cells: The secret to change

Unusual, versatile cells hold the key to regrowing lost tissues

By Alison Pearce Stevens

Web edition: April 15, 2013

Neurons created from induced stem cells in Iqbal Ahmads lab glow red with fluorescent dye. Scientists are using stem cells to try to help restore sight to patients with glaucoma, and more.

Credit: Courtesy of Iqbal Ahmad

Inside your body, red blood cells are constantly on the move. They deliver oxygen to every tissue in every part of your body. These blood cells also cart away waste. So their work is crucial to your survival. But all that squeezing through tiny vessels is tough on red blood cells. Thats why they last only about four months.

Where do their replacements come from? Stem cells.

These unusual cells also show promise in curing a host of diseases, scientists report. And their source can be your skin and other tissues.

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FOR KIDS: Stem cells: The secret to change