This is a short preview of Chapter 1 (15 min) of STEM CELL REVOLUTIONS (71 min). Our educational packages come with all five dedicated chapters.

All of our bodies contain stem cells – special cells that make replacements for the cells in our bodies that die every day through wear and tear, or are lost in injury or disease. Stem cells were discovered after the Second World War, by scientists trying to find a cure for radiation sickness.

Two Canadian scientists found that a single starter cell could give rise to all types of blood cell – and that because these cells could also make perfect copies of themselves, they could do this again and again. Their experiments became the foundation of stem cell biology. In 1981, American scientist Howard Green showed that skin also contained stem cells and became the first person to grow skin stem cells in the laboratory.

A downloadable Teacher Pack with learning outcomes and recommendations for use in the classroom has been compiled by EuroStemCell and will be included with any educational DVD or download.