How Do Newborn Stem Cells Work?
Stem cells are amazingly powerful. They have the ability to divide and renew themselves and are capable turning into specific types of specialized cells - like blood or nerve. After all, these are the cells responsible for the development of your baby's organs, tissue and immune system
The umbilical cord: nurturing life during and after pregnancy.
Throughout pregnancy your baby's umbilical nurtures life. It carries oxygen-rich cells and nutrients from your placenta to your baby and then allows your baby to pump deoxygenated and nutrient-depleted blood back to your placenta. This constant exchange is protected by a special type of tissue that acts like a cushion, preventing twisting and compression to ensure that the cord blood flow remains steady and constant.
The umbilical cord is a rich source of two main types of stem cells: cord blood stem cells and cord tissue stem cells. Through the science of cord blood and cord tissue banking, these stem cells can help nurture life, long after your baby’s birth.
What's possible with cells from your baby's umbilical cord?
The therapeutic potential of stem cells from the umbilical cord is vast. Cord blood is already being used in the treatment of nearly 80 life-threatening diseases2, and researchers continue to explore it's potential. Duke University Medical Center is currently using cord blood stem cells in a Phase II clinical trial to see if it benefits kids with Autism. The number of clinical trials using cord tissue stem cells in human patients has increased to approximately 150 since the first clinical trial in 2007. Cord tissue stem cells are also being studied for the potential use in kids with Autism - a Phase I Clinical Trial is underway.