Stem cells sound magical, but they're not all created equal

Most people have heard of stem cells.

- JENNIFER ZENKER

They are often described as 'miracle' cells -ones that can grow into any other type of cell in our bodies, promising revolutionary medical treatments.

However, not all stem cells are the same, and not all of them can become treatments equally well.

To appreciate what stem cells actually do - and can't do - we need to understand their different types. Each comes with its own strengths, limitations, and challenges.

Stem cells already save lives in Australia and worldwide. But if we want them to help more people, science alone is not enough. We also need strong regulation, industry partnerships, and public trust.

What are the three types of stem cells?

Stem cells are the body's raw materials: unspecialised cells that can, under the right conditions, develop into many different types of specialised cells, including blood, skin, heart, or brain.

There are three main stem cell types: adult, embryonic, and induced pluripotent.

As their names suggest, they are found in adult tissues, come from embryos, or are created in the lab, respectively. Let's look at each type in detail.

Adult stem cells: proven but limited

Adult stem cells are found throughout the body, often named after the tissue they come from - such as bone marrow, skin, or gut.

Because they are collected from a donor or the patient themselves, their use is ethical and based on informed consent.