iPS cells (induced pluripotent stem cells)

Induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells are specialized cells taken from a person's body, such as skin or blood cells, that scientists have reprogrammed to revert back to a flexible, embryonic-like state. This means they can develop into almost any type of cell in the body, such as heart, muscle, or nerve cells. iPS cells are valuable for research, drug development, and potential therapies because they offer a way to generate patient-specific cells without using embryonic tissue, reducing ethical concerns and immune rejection risks. They hold promise for advancing personalized medicine and regenerative treatments.