Cellular architects: mesenchymal stem cells crafting the future of regenerative medicine

Abstract

The field of stem cell research has experienced rapid growth in the 21st century, marked by significant discoveries and advancements. Stem cell research is expanding more than twice as fast as the world average growth in research. Notably, the annual growth rate of studies on induced pluripotent stem cells, a rapidly growing type, is an astonishing 77%. Major breakthroughs include the generation of the first functioning whole organ, the thymus, and the birth of the first documented human baby girl through in vitro fertilization, who now has children of her own. Stem cell research aims to create other functioning whole organs like the kidney and intestine. © 2025 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.