What is a pluripotent stem cell?

Michael D. West, Ph.D. and CEO of AgeX Therapeutics, discusses how pluripotent stem cells were first isolated by researchers in the 1990’s. Dr. West calls pluripotent cells “miraculous.” They are at the base of the tree of human life. Dr. West notes that pluripotent cells are naturally immortal (meaning they can replicate indefinitely) plus they can also branch out into any different cell type in the human body. Scientists are researching pluripotent stem cells as ways to replace all cells in the human body like heart cells and brains cells to give humans a healthier, longer life. This video is part of a series from AgeX on research into aging and human longevity. For more information on Agex Therapeutics, please visit .