Stem Cell Timeline
Although stem cells have generally been considered a modern development the actual history leading up to stem cell development spans centuries, from the 1800s to modern-day scientific application:
Mid-1800s – Cells were first discovered as the basic building blocks of life, with some cells being noted as having the capability of producing other cells within a body.
Early 1900s – During attempts to fertilize mammal eggs outside of parental bodies it was discovered that some cells had the capability to produce blood and generate additional cells for fetal development.
1968 – The first successful bone marrow transplant was performed in order to treat two siblings suffering from combined immunodeficiency syndrome, a landmark breakthrough in adapting one individual’s cells to a foreign body.
1978 – As a result of further investigation into human cell development and application in science stem cells were first discovered in human fetal cord blood.
1981 – The first in vitro (test tube) stem cell line was developed from laboratory mice, providing a basis for further studies into other cell development trends in other mammals
1988 – Embryonic stem cell lines were first successfully derived from a hamster, leading researchers further down the line towards modern-day developments by broadening the scope of focus for cell sources.
1995 – The first primate embryonic stem cell lines were developed, allowing for a more realistic study of cells that develop close to human-like characteristics.
1997 – Two major discoveries took place this year, both in the form of successfully cloning a sheep from ovine stem cells (proving that the central DNA structure found within the stem cell structure is fully compatible to an entire living creature) as well as leukemia’s origin being discovered as residing in hematopoietic stem cells – potentially hinting at an actual cancer stem cell for further study towards combating cancer development.
1998 – Thompson at the University of Wisconsin successfully cultivated the first human embryonic stem cell line, sparking the first major ethical debate in terms of stem cell research and both its application to as well as effect upon human beings.
1999 and 2000 – Scientists discovered that by manipulating various tissues from adult mice they could generate different types of cells and stimulate growth, giving birth to the study of what is now commonly known as “adult stem cells” and both their collection from and application to fully developed adults (a much more ethically acceptable practice to most individuals).
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