Can We Treat Alzheimer's With Period Blood?

Q & A

What is the main topic of the SciShow video?

The main topic of the video is the potential of menstrual stem cells in regenerative medicine and their advantages over embryonic stem cells.

Why are stem cells important in the field of regenerative medicine?

Stem cells are important in regenerative medicine because they are highly flexible and can differentiate into specific types of tissues, which can be used to heal or replace damaged tissues due to various causes.

What ethical issues are associated with the use of embryonic stem cells?

The ethical issues with embryonic stem cells involve the destruction of an embryo for research purposes, which is a hotly debated topic.

What is the alternative source of stem cells mentioned in the video?

The alternative source of stem cells mentioned is menstrual blood, which is abundant and less contentious compared to embryonic stem cells.

How do scientists determine if a cell is a stem cell?

Scientists determine if a cell is a stem cell by testing its ability to clone and differentiate into other types of cells.

What is the difference between embryonic stem cells (ESCs) and mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) in terms of plasticity?

Embryonic stem cells are pluripotent, meaning they can become any tissue or organ in the body, while mesenchymal stem cells are less adaptable and can only turn into a few kinds of cells.

Why are menstrual stem cells considered a breakthrough in stem cell research?

Menstrual stem cells are considered a breakthrough because they are not only ethically less complicated but also demonstrate high plasticity and rapid cell division, outperforming MSCs derived from other bodily locations.

What are some of the potential applications of menstrual stem cells in regenerative medicine mentioned in the video?

Potential applications include treating stroke conditions in rats, correcting learning and memory deficits in Alzheimer's mice, treating diabetes in mice by producing insulin, restoring liver function, improving COVID-19 outcomes, reducing inflammation, diminishing infertility, and accelerating wound healing.

How do menstrual stem cells compare to bone marrow stem cells in terms of cell division speed?

Menstrual stem cells double faster than bone marrow stem cells, taking an average of just over 19 hours to double their population, compared to 2 to 8 days for bone marrow stem cells.

What is the current availability of menstrual fluid donation sites?

Menstrual fluid donation sites are not widely available yet, but there are a few options such as a facility in India for menstrual blood banking and a company in Florida that offers private menstrual blood banking.

How can viewers support the video and learn more about advanced geometry puzzles?

Viewers can support the video by visiting brilliant.org/scishow or the link in the description, where they can get a 30-day free trial and 20% off an annual premium subscription, and explore courses like 'Advanced Geometry Puzzles'.