Stem Cells

Stem Cells. The basic building blocks of the human body. Embryonic stem cells, the tiny cluster that develops in the first days after fertilisation of a human egg, divide and divide again to become blood, nerves and tissue as required. Scientists found a way to direct them to become specific cells, for instance to repair the damaged myelin sheath around the nerves in people with multiple sclerosis.

Multiple sclerosis

A disabling neurological condition affecting 85,000 mostly young adults in the UK. The cause is unknown and there is no cure. The immune system is wrongly triggered to attack the protective myelin layer around nerves that send messages to the brain. Movement becomes progressively more difficult. Some people have flare-ups followed by periods of recovery (relapsing remitting MS) and some deteriorate steadily (progressive).

Cord blood

Umbilical cord blood contains stem cells. They are not thought to have the same potential as embryonic stem cells but they have been successfully transplanted into patients with blood diseases, such as leukaemia, thalassaemia and sickle cell disease. Cord blood is an alternative to a bone marrow transplant. A very close match is needed between patient and donor, however, which is why some parents with sick children want to have babies through test-tube fertility techniques, to select a perfect match sibling.

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