Growing replacement organs. Spinal regeneration. Repairing cardiac tissue in the aftermath of a heart attack. These ideas have belonged to the realm of science fiction for generations, but all are now realistic goals, thanks to groundbreaking research in the field of adult stem cells.

How promising is the adult stem cell field? In awarding the Nobel Prize to the U.K.’s John Gurdon and Japan’s Shinya Yamanaka, the Nobel committee said the duo and this type of research have completely revolutionized science. And science is only the first thing it promises to revolutionize.

The best part from our perspective? Texas has a realistic opportunity to become the center of this rapidly emerging industry.

Today begins the Houston Stem Cell Summit, one of the largest and most informative events of its kind in the United States. This event brings together researchers and business leaders from across the spectrum of industries involved in adult stem cell research, discussing academic advancements, therapies, patient experiences and the evolving regulatory and business climates surrounding stem cell applications.

Over the past 36 months alone, researchers at Texas facilities ranging from the Texas Heart Institute to the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center to Baylor University have published more than 100 peer-reviewed stem cell studies. Looking back to the beginning of 2000, that number grows to more than 500.

We’ve also been bringing some of the greatest names in stem cells to Texas, including Dr. Doris Taylor, formerly of the University of Minnesota, whose notable accomplishments include growing a human heart in a lab using adult stem cells.

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