Final answer:
Stem cells are used in laboratories to research and develop potential treatments for diseases by inducing them to differentiate into specialized cells. Various types of stem cells, including embryonic, adult, and induced pluripotent stem cells, are being studied for their regenerative capabilities despite ethical and immunological challenges.
Step-by-step explanation:
Stem cells are being utilized in laboratory settings for their ability to differentiate into specialized cells, which holds promise for regenerative medicine and cellular therapies. Due to their capacity to regenerate and repair cellular damage, they have become pivotal in researching treatments for aging-related wear and tear on cells, as well as for various diseases like diabetes and heart disease. Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) are pluripotent and can become almost any type of cell, while adult stem cells are multipotent and can differentiate into a limited range of cells.
Laboratory techniques involve inducing stem cells to differentiate by changing the growth conditions. For example, adult stem cells from bone marrow and skin can keep dividing and provide the body with a source for renewing and repairing tissues. Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are adult stem cells that have been reprogrammed to function like embryonic stem cells, making them capable of generating cells characteristic of all three germ layers.
Despite the exciting potential for cell-based therapies, challenges such as immune system rejection and ethical issues must be addressed. Ongoing research in the lab includes growing specialized tissues, like stomach tissue, which allows for the study of diseases in a controlled environment with the aim of applying this knowledge towards therapeutic treatments in the future.