Stem Cell Basics

This primer on stem cells is intended for anyone who wishes to learn more about the biological properties of stem cells, the important questions about stem cells that are the focus of scientific research, and the potential use of stem cells in research and in treating disease. The primer includes information about stem cells derived from embryonic and non-embryonic tissues. Much of the information included here is about stem cells derived from human tissues, but some studies of animal-derived stem cells are also described.
The NIH developed this primer to help readers understand the answers to questions such as:

• What are stem cells?
• What are the different types of stem cells, and where do they come from?
• What is the potential for new medical treatments using stem cells?
• What research is needed to make such treatments a reality?

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1. Introduction: What are stem cells, and why are they important?
2. What are the unique properties of all stem cells?
3. What are embryonic stem cells?
4. What are adult stem cells?
5. What are the similarities and differences between embryonic and adult stem cells?
6. What are induced pluripotent stem cells?
7. What are the potential uses of human stem cells and the obstacles that must be overcome before these potential uses will be realized?
8. Where can I get more information?

International Stem Cell Research

The International Stem Cell Forum (ISCF) is made up of 14 leading funders of stem cell research from around the world. It was founded in January 2003 to encourage international collaboration and funding support for stem cell research, with the overall aim of promoting global good practice and accelerating progress in this vitally important area of biomedical science.

The International Society for Stem Cell Research is an independent, nonprofit organization established to promote and foster the exchange and dissemination of information and ideas relating to stem cells, to encourage the general field of research involving stem cells and to promote professional and public education in all areas of stem cell research and application.

The UK Medical Research Council sponsors the UK Stem Cell Bank, which is responsible for storing, characterizing, and supplying ethically approved, quality-controlled stem cell lines for medical research and treatment.

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The following is a selection of Web sites representing foreign organizations involved in stem cell research.

• Australia
  • Australian Stem Cell Centre Unites leading Australian academic researchers with the biotechnology industry to develop innovative therapeutic products.
  • Health Insite List of stem cell resources.
• Canada
  • Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR) CIHR is the major federal agency responsible for funding health research in Canada. The site offers links to stem cell research guidelines, the Stem Cell Oversight Committee, and funding opportunities.
• China
  • Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research in China A September 2002 Report from the U.S. Embassy, Beijing.
• Europe
  • EuroStemCell Eleven academic institutes and enterprises from eight European countries compare stem cell information and evaluate their therapeutic potential.
  • Stem Cells: Therapies for the Future? News and information about this 2001 conference.
• Finland
  • The Academy of Finland Governmental funding organization for scientific research of all disciplines in Finland.
  • Tekes—National Technology Agency of Finland A publicly funded expert organisation for financing research, development, and innovation in Finland.
• Israel
  • The Hadassah Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research Center Part of Hadassah University Hospital's Goldyne Savad Institute of Gene Therapy.
• Japan
  • Kyoto University Home page for the University's Stem Cell Research Center.
  • RIKEN Center for Developmental Biology Home page for the Center's Laboratory for Stem Cell Biology.
• Singapore
  • Stem Cell Research Singapore Serving the stem cell research community of Singapore.
• United Kingdom
  • Centre for Stem Cell Biology Part of the University of Sheffield.
  • Institute for Stem Cell Research Includes links to its research groups and collaborative initiatives.
  • Institute of Human Genetics at the University of Newcastle upon Tyne Outlines their current research projects.
  • Scottish Stem Cell Network A multidisciplinary forum of scientists and clinicians advancing stem cell biology into identifiable health benefits.
  • UK National Stem Cell Network Promotes research activities and events at the national level to speed the translation of basic stem cell research into therapeutic applications in the control of degenerative diseases.

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The links included here connect you to other Internet sites that operate independently of the NIH. The NIH is not responsible for the availability or content of other sites. Permission to reproduce information at other sites may be required. The NIH does not endorse, warrant, or guarantee the information, services, or products described or offered at these external sites.

this article was taken from: http://stemcells.nih.gov/info/basics/