Bloody Period Finally Good For Something!
Hold up! Scientists have recently discovered that the cells that are shed from the womb lining during a woman’s period contain a new type of stem cell that may be used in the treatment of damaged and/or old tissue. The company, Cryo-Cell, has sponsored a blood bank for women to store their own menstrual blood for future use in the treatment of cancer and other diseases. Um, yeah. So while it’s cool that such a huge advancement in science has been made, especially given all the controversy over stem cell research and fetal tissue, some doctors think a blood bank like this preys on womens’ fears. On the other hand, being so in charge of your future health is empowering. But can we please pay a gofer to collect our period blood for us, thanks? It’s kind of icky. [Science Daily, BBC News]