Stem cell research is in advanced stage nowadays and because of sophisticated laboratories, ordinary cells can now be converted into more developed cells that can be useful in treating a myriad of chronic conditions. This procedure is utilized to help the body generate cells for different nerve and muscle tissues.

Today, many stem cell therapies use umbilical cord blood and bone marrow to improve the medical condition of individuals who are affected by serious diseases. To further appreciate the health benefits of such medical breakthrough, it would be best to understand its rich history.

History of Stem Cell Research

In the early 1900’s, scientists experimented with oral bone marrow transfers to leukemia patients. It was deemed unsuccessful at that time but the said move paved the way for the advancement of dedicated lab experiments that were directed to successfully infuse healthy stem cells to individuals with defective or abnormal bone marrow. In the 1950’s, the first successful allogeneic transplant (a medical procedure wherein a patient acquire blood-forming stem cells) was performed in France.

In 1958, Dr. Jan Dausset’s discovery of histocompatibility antigens (cell membranes that can be used to identify cells), sort of jumpstarted that whole stem cell research sector. This is because it led to the discovery of human leukocyte antigen (HLA). These organisms help the immune system pin-point the healthy cells that can be used to help damaged ones.

In the 1960s scientists focused their experiments on cell transplants between siblings and on HLA compatibility and in 1973, the first bone marrow transplant was performed. The latter then resulted to the development of the National Organ Transplant act in 1984. In the 1990’s, bone marrow transplantations became more popular than ever since they became effective and safe treatments for hemophilia, blood caner, and leukemia, among others.

Conclusion

By looking at the rich history of stem cell research, it can be said that such breakthrough is one of the best things that has ever happened in the medical field. Because of it, more and more life-threatening health conditions are being treated on regular basis. These would not have been possible if scientists and medical practitioners did not spend a substantial amount of time to perform researches and experiments. In the end, knowing the history of stem cell research is important for those who want to appreciate the benefits of the said study and know its notable contributions in the medical field.