Stem cell centre

·         On February 7, 2008 VP Hamid Ansari laid foundation for the Rs 150 crore facility, most advanced Stem Cell Centre of India, in Hyderabad

·         Stem Cell Centre is being developed as a collaborative venture of the Indian Council of Medical Research, National Institution of Nutrition, Department of Biotechnology and Department of Science and Technology.

·         The centre will be ready in two years and will offer a wide range of facilities for research and training focusing on liver, diabetes, heart disease, kidney, bone and cartilage therapies

·         Stem cells are the building blocks of blood and immune systems.

·         They are present in the bone marrow and generate new cells throughout our lives.

• Other than bone marrow, the blood in the umbilical cord also has stem cells and can be used as a source of cells for transplants