Growing Cells
Although these images may look like designs on the paisley shirt of an aging Why Files staffer, they are actually (A) gut, (B) neural, (C) bone marrow, and (D) cartilage cells cultured from embryonic stems cells by a University of Wisconsin-Madison research team.

Embryonic stem cells are undifferentiated cells that are unlike any specific adult cell. The exciting thing is that they can develop into any form of adult cell. In theory, if stem cells can be grown and their development directed in the lab, it would be possible to grow clinically important adult cells like the ones shown here.

The ability to grow specific cells might make it possible to treat a range of cell-based diseases like juvenile onset diabetes mellitus and Parkinson's disease in which the disease affects only a few cell types. Replacing faulty cells with healthy ones offers hope of lifelong treatment. Similarly, failing organs could be repaired by injecting healthy cells to replace those that are damaged or diseased.

But wait, there's more! By being able to generate specific types of cells, scientists hope to learn how to develop medications which impact only specific types of cells.

For more information about stem cells, check out the most powerful cell, or do some learning about learning.