Glossary

In stem cell research, scientists can reprogram cells that have undergone differentiationThe process by which stem cells transform into specific, specialized cell types with distinct functions and features.differentiationThe process by which stem cells transform into specific, specialized cell types with distinct functions and features., such as skin or blood cells, to revert back into an embryonic-like state. The resulting cells are called induced pluripotent stem cellsiPSCs are adult cells — typically skin or blood — that have been reprogrammed in the lab to behave like stem cells, giving them the potential to become any of the cell types found in all major tissues in the body. Because they are made from a patient's own cells, they carry that person's unique genetic code, making them a powerful tool for disease research and personalized medicineinduced pluripotent stem cellsiPSCs are adult cells — typically skin or blood — that have been reprogrammed in the lab to behave like stem cells, giving them the potential to become any of the cell types found in all major tissues in the body. Because they are made from a patient's own cells, they carry that person's unique genetic code, making them a powerful tool for disease research and personalized medicine.