Twenty Years of Stem Cell Research

The last 20 years of stem cell research

Timeline detailing the last 20 years of stem cell research

In 2001, former President George W. Bush requested a review of the previously approved guidelines for federal funding of embryonic stem cell research. He put a hold on federal funds for research. Three years later, in 2004, California responded with Proposition 71, which authorized the state to spend $3 billion on stem cell research. California was the first state to enact such legislation. In the same year, South Korean scientists claimed the world’s first successfully cloned human embryo. The embryos were cloned as a source of stem cells, rather than for reproductive purposes. This sparked more debates surrounding the use of stem cells, as well as the morality of cloning. A couple years later, in 2006, Japanese researcher Shinya Yamanaka discovered that, when activated, skin cells from mice could be reprogrammed to immature stem cells. These stem cells can then differentiate into varying types of cells within the body. Yamanaka’s findings are another catalyst in stem cell research, and within the following decade, there were several experiments conducted which reflected medical promise. In 2010, the United States-based company, Advanced Cell Technology, was approved to conduct a trial in which they treated patients with Stargardt disease with embryonic stem cells. Lastly, in the years 2011 through 2013, there was another breakthrough with stem cells being used in medical treatment. As a part of a trial study, five patients with spinal cord injuries were treated with human embryonic stem cells. Following treatment, all patients showed significant improvement, and human embryonic stem cells were thus deemed a safe and effective treatment.