Stem-Cell Work Yielding New Approach to Disease: Induced Pluripotent Stem-Cell Research Soars, Spurring Dreams of Clinical Applications

Interest in stem cells escalated in 2006 when scientists figured out how to reprogram some specialized adult cells to assume a stem-cell-like state. Called induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), these cells opened the door to a range of potential applications, including generating cells and tissues to replace those that are faulty or missing in patients with cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or other maladies. Visions of new treatments and even cures for debilitating and fatal illnesses proliferated, and some of that work is well under way. Now, ten years later, those visions are looking more like real possibilities as research moves from the lab to the clinic and expands toward a greater understanding of the basic science behind stem cells and its applications.