8. I am pregnant. Should I speak to my gynecologist about extracting the stem cell post birth?

It’s important that you intimidate your doctor before hand. The stem cells are found in fresh umbilical cord blood cells, which if not extracted are discarded. They can also advice you on the cost incurred and highlight the use of stem cells.

9. Why use embryonic stem cells when there is so much controversy surrounding it? Why not just stick to fully grown stem cell research?

Human embryonic stem cells (hES) are pluripotent. This means that they can be stimulated to various cell types and have the ability to form all the tissues found in the embryos. They display much greater development potential than fully grown stem cells which are multipotent, i.e. they can differentiate only into few particular cell types.

10. Do stem cells also help in nervous system diseases?

Research done on animals has shown positive results in case of Parkinson’s and spinal chord injuries. Further clinical trials are being human beings with good progress. The exact effect will be known only after sometime.

11. How is the fully grown stem cells extracted? Is there any risk?

The extraction procedure is simple and same as extracting blood from the body. The risk involved is as little as that during routine diagnostic procedures.