'Making stem cell banking from umbilical cord is a trick

Private hospitals with the stem cell bank of the infant's umbilical cord to use in cases of serious illnesses later are deceptive.

The above information was published by the leading US scientist in this field on February 20.

Speaking at the annual meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), Irving Weissman, director of the Institute for Rehabilitation and Biological Stem Cells, at Stanford University in California, USA, said Umbilical cord contains stem cells that can maintain the ability to hematopoietic to the extent of only children.

According to him, they can also be converted to mid-tissue cells - glass-like cells - with little ability to regenerate scars, bones and fat, but do not work to regenerate the brain, unable to create blood, does not help heart patients, can not regenerate musculoskeletal as many people think.

However, the stem cell's "unproven healing ability" is very popular in many countries with loose regulations in the medical industry, and even the banking websites are found. umbilical cord stem cells in the European Union (EU) member states and in the United States.

Mr. Weissman said that private hospitals are "making money" from people who believe in the ability of stem cells to get rid of umbilical cord.

It is expected that in April, the International Stem Cell Association will publish a report on stem cell therapy through the preservation of newborn's umbilical cord for future use.