What should be considered when undergoing stem cell therapy?

After a hematopoietic stem cell bone marrow transplant, does the DNA in the recipient's blood match that of the donor?

Can mesenchymal stem cells be produced in bulk?

Could an allogeneic stem cell injection trigger a rejection response?

What research and potential applications of stem cells exist in orthopedics?

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On August 18, the 47th installment of the "Understanding the Future" science lecture series was held under the theme: The Fantasy and Reality of Rejuvenation—The Future of Stem Cells and Regenerative Medicine "Under the theme," during the Q&A session, audience questions flooded in.

In Leonardo da Vinci's and the Age of Exploration's time, the average human lifespan was 35; by the time Voyager was launched, the average human lifespan had risen to 64.

According to the latest data from China's National Health Commission this July: In 2018, the average life expectancy of Chinese residents reached 77 years, while their healthy life expectancy was only 68.7 years. As of the end of 2018, China had approximately 249 million people aged 60 and older, accounting for 17.9% of the total population. Among them, more than 180 million seniors suffered from chronic diseases, with a staggering 75% of older adults living with one or more chronic conditions.

How can we help people improve their quality of life as lifespans continue to extend? In recent years, stem cells have increasingly become a public focus in the health sector, with growing hopes that they could be used to treat diseases—and even combat aging itself, helping us maintain youthful vitality indefinitely.

"The application of stem cells can be categorized into three key areas: as models, tools, and therapeutic agents. In practice, the journey from in vitro culture and preclinical research—often relying on animal experiments—to eventual clinical applications is actually a lengthy and complex process. Moreover, as stem cell research continues to advance, there remains an urgent need to strengthen strategic scientific planning, industry development, regulatory frameworks, and public outreach," said Li Wei, researcher at the Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, and Deputy Director of the National Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology.

Li Wei believes that regenerative medicine holds the potential to spark a new wave of medical revolution.

Currently, the stem cell research team at the Institute of Zoology of the Chinese Academy of Sciences has initiated and successfully completed clinical studies involving stem cell therapy for several Parkinson's disease patients, building on 12 years of foundational and preclinical research.

"Through follow-up, we’ve found that the current-stage research is highly safe. Such incremental progress is a tremendous boost for the steady advancement of regenerative medicine," said Li Wei. He added that while stem-cell research and development promise to bring transformative changes to health and life, it’s still a process that requires patience, confidence, and optimism—approaching it with positivity but avoiding any unnecessary risks or haste. In the near future—likely within five to ten years—officially approved stem-cell therapies, having received approval from the National Medical Products Administration, are expected to hit the market. 。

The "Understanding the Future" lecture series, organized by the Future Forum, is a public-benefit science lecture event open to everyone. Held monthly, it features insightful and forward-thinking innovative scientists as keynote speakers, who engage in cross-disciplinary conversations with prominent figures and entrepreneurs from related industries—aiming to spread the spirit of science and inspire scientific thinking. The format of the lectures continues to evolve, with content spanning fields such as life sciences, medicine, materials science, social sciences, quantum physics, chemistry, mathematics, humanities, and technology. This particular session will be hosted by Wang Haoyi, a Young Council Member of the Future Forum, Researcher at the Institute of Zoology, Chinese Academy of Sciences, and Deputy Director of the State Key Laboratory of Stem Cell and Reproductive Biology.

"The Future Forum is one of China's most prestigious grassroots science-focused public welfare organizations, co-founded in 2015 by a group of scientists and entrepreneurs who are passionate about both science and philanthropy. Since its establishment, the Forum has remained committed to its mission of 'promoting the spirit of science and supporting innovation-driven national development,' striving to serve as a 'bridge' that brings science to the public, connects the scientific community with industry, and acts as a 'catalyst' that leverages private capital to fuel groundbreaking scientific breakthroughs. In 2016, the Future Forum launched the Future Science Prize, which honors scientists whose pioneering research—carried out primarily in the Greater China region—has made significant, internationally recognized contributions," said Wang Haoyi.