Military Funding Stem Cell Research for War Wounds

Here you can read an interesting article about using stem cells to improve war wounds. The military is keen on using stem cells to ameliorate wounds. Stem cells may be useful for creating new tissue that can replace damaged tissue. Just this past April, the US Department of Defense has launched the Armed Forces Institute of Regenerative Medicine (AFIRM). AFIRM consists of several government agencies. This institute will fund about 250 million dollars towards using stem cells to help soldiers who were maimed in wars.

Stem cells will be used for tissue engineering. Tissue engineering is the synthesis of whole tissue composed of a number of cells. The new tissue may be able to replace missing tissue. In the future stem cells may even be used to replace whole body parts such as missing limbs.

This new government programme will stay clear of using the more controversial embryonic stem cells. This program is currently backed by the Bush administration. The new stem cell therapies are quickly moving towards having clinical trials. They should be very useful for many soldiers

Unfortunately many of AFIRM's project will remain top secret. AFIRM will not yet disclose their information or publicize it. The projects are solely intended to help soldiers. However, this technology may eventually find use in civilian areas in the future. I think in the future it could potentially be used by anyone.