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There is very exciting research going on in the field of cell amplification and gene targeting. Cell amplification is currently in clinical trial and allows doctors to increase the numbers of stem cells in laboratory cell culture to numbers that would improve the chances of engraftment for an adult and to allow stocks of cells to be replenished. Gene targeting may allow introduction of novel or absent genes into the body via engineered stem cells.
More recently, umbilical cord blood stem cells have been found to possess some of the qualities of embryonic stem cells that have the potential to grow into all the tissues of the body. When fully understood stem cells may form the basis of nerve and muscle regeneration therapies, and the treatment of medical conditions such as Diabetes, Autoimmune Diseases, Parkinson's and Alzheimer's disease.
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