Final answer:
Current use of stem cells includes cell-based therapies for diabetes and heart disease, using hematopoietic stem cells for bone marrow transplants, and banking cord blood and baby teeth as a source of stem cells for future treatment purposes.
Step-by-step explanation:
Stem cells have a prominent role in current medical treatments due to their unique ability to differentiate into specialized cells. An example of how stem cells are currently used is in cell-based therapies for diseases like diabetes and heart disease. In these therapies, stem cells are grown and induced to differentiate in a lab setting and are then injected into patients to repair damaged tissues. Adult stem cells are beneficial in this context as they are not seen as foreign by the patient's body.
Another practical application of stem cells is in the use of hematopoietic stem cells derived from sources like red and white blood cells for bone marrow transplants in conditions such as leukemia. Also, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) are famed for their potential in regenerative medicine, as they avoid the ethical issues associated with embryonic stem cells while providing broad differentiation capabilities.
Additionally, cord blood and deciduous teeth banking are emerging as a method to preserve a child's stem cells, which could be used for future medical needs without concerns of tissue rejection.