Editorial

Abstract

The field of stem cell research has seen significant advancements over the past few decades. This issue starts with a paper describing 30 years ago when a group of prominent cardiologists met and envisioned incorporating stem cells into innovative approaches for treating cardiac diseases. Although the initiative did not meet its initial goals, the journey over these 30 years has provided valuable lessons.

The theme of stem cell research continues with the next paper that attempts to build a hierarchy of glioblastoma stem cells. Given the poor prognosis of this cancer, the insights from this paper are crucial. The hope is that the incremental progress by various researchers could be combined to deliver efficacious drugs to the brain to target glioma stem cells without causing toxicity.

This issue also addresses healthy stem cells. Rojas et al. explore a knowledge gap concerning hematopoietic stem cells in the oral cavity. They question whether the oral cavity is similar to other extramedullary sites of hematopoiesis or if it uniquely supports hematopoiesis to sustain the necessary immune cells. The authors expand into stem cells within the dental pulp, proposing a potential link between dental pulp stem cells and leukemia in the oral cavity, as well as other solid tumors.

Additionally, this issue discusses circadian rhythm and its interplay with several diseases including cancer and nutrition. The authors discuss the significant discoveries from the past decade’s research in chrono-nutrition. In the final paper of the issue, the topic of space medicine is discussed. The article comprehensively addresses the effects of low gravity on human organs, with a focus on nephrology.