Stem cells are fast becoming relevant to all aspects of our society, with medical, scientific, ethical, political, and economic implications. Therefore it is important that scientists and non-scientists alike be provided with accurate information about stem cell biology. The goals of the UCR Stem Cell Center is to provide the members of the community with a better understanding of the science of stem cells so that they have the necessary tools to make reasoned decisions about the related society issues.

UCR has a strong history in training undergraduate and graduate students and is developing a complete training program in stem cell biology.

Stem cell biology is currently one of the most exciting fields in science with the potential not only to answer basic biological questions but also to provide new therapies and treatments for debilitating diseases. Some of the most important biomedical breakthroughs of this century are likely to come through the use of stem cell technology.

Diseases that could in the future be treated by stem cell biology include (but are not limited to) diabetes, Parkinsons disease, spinal cord injury, Alzheimers disease, aging, heart disease, stroke, burns, amputations, and osteoarthritis.

Stem cell biology will form an important component in both the UCR Health Sciences Research Institute and future Medical School, which will work to facilitate translational research.

Web link to UCR Health Sciences Research Initiative: http://www.hsri.ucr.edu/ Web link to Medical School: http://www.medschool.ucr.edu/

Basic research is needed to understand, control, and use stem cells safely and effectively for therapeutic and environmental purposes.

The UCR Stem Cell Center is making major contributions to stem cell biology by attacking basic biological problems at an interdisciplinary level, enabling translation to the clinical level, and by using stem cells to monitor the effects of the environment on human health.

The Center has faculty working with various types of stem cells including human embryonic, mouse embryonic, hematopoietic, and human umbilical cord stem cells.

Stem cells are valuable tools that have the potential not only to treat numerous diseases, but also to study development and evaluate the toxicity of chemicals and drugs.

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Stem Cell Center