Stem cell research is relatively new but offers the potential to yield a cure for some of the most tragic diseases of our world. Stem cell research was initiated in the early 1900s. Since then, stem cell research has expanded significantly as researchers search for cures, but it has also generated huge public resistance to using embryonic human cells for research purposes on moral and ethical grounds. In this research paper, stem cells will be explained and an argument presented as to why stem cell research should be allowed to continue; indeed, it should be supported. There is no general consensus as to who discovered stem cells. In the mid 1800s, “it was discovered that cells were basically the building blocks of life and that some cells had the ability to produce other cells” (Murnaghan). From that time on, cell study became a hot topic and launched the field of biotechnology, which is the intense study of cells (Panno xi). For one to choose a side of the debate he or she needs to fully understand what exactly a stem cell pertains and how stem cells can become such a vital part of curing diseases. Stem cell research is a subset of biotechnology. Stem cells are “special cells that have the ability to divide for an indefinite period and can give rise to a wide variety of specialized cell types.” Stem cells are complex and consist of a large amount of information. Scientists are learning how to coax stem cells into producing cell types that may be used to cure diseases. Diseases that affect the brain, spinal cord, or heart are ideal candidates for stem cell therapy, because these organs have lost the talents that stem cells retain, particularly the ability to proliferate and differentiate (Panno xi). These organs cannot repair themselves, but scientists believe that it is possible to train stem cells to replace the worn out blood cells. Scientists have confidence that stem cells can help eradicate cardiovascular disease, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and also some cancers (Panno xii). However, stem cell research has a setback that makes finding critical answers take more time. In 2013, the progression of stem cell research has exponentially grown, but so has the debate and controversy over how medical workers extract these cells. Research in humans for stem cells are assembled from various different sources. The least controversial source is through adult bone marrow or skin. An aborted fetus is another source, which is a human growing in the womb from the first eight weeks after fertilization until birth. Extracting from an embryo is the most controversial source of retaining stem cells. There is no possible way of getting the stem cells without destroying the embryo. The general way of getting to these embryos is from fertility clinics. The discarded embryos that couples no longer need or want can be considered for stem cell research. Controversy really began to rise when some scientists started to create embryos purposely for stem cell research. People saw this as “destroying potential human life” (“Stem...”). President George W. Bush had a strong stance on this issue and changed the law when he was in office. Currently today’s regulations state “researchers can only use embryonic stem cells not specifically obtained by destroying the embryos” (“Stem...”). In more understandable terms, embryos cannot be created solely for the purpose to be destroyed. The main question is, if scientists can extract stem cells from adult humans then why are they extracting from embryos and causing a heated debate? A study done in 2001 by National Institutes of Health, stated that there are differences between stem cells from different sources. In their studies, “embryonic stem cells are more plentiful and easier to extract. They also grow and multiply more easily than other stem cells. Stem cells taken from adults do not have the flexibility to develop into all types of cells” (“Stem...”). The main concept
According to scientists from New York stem cell foundation laboratory, the first prosperity in using the cloning technique which it was on dolly. Stem cell has a lot of benefits which able to treat diseases, such as diabetes and spinal cord injury by change the old with new one. Some researchers show that SCNT can use to change the genetic material of an egg cell with the DNA from a mature cell like a skin cell. In 1996 the first animal cloned was Dolly. After that, scientists did a lot of researchers…
Induce Pluripotent Stem Cell Induction of Pluripotent stem cells is one of the most controversial topics that many Biology scientists want to discover. In the article titled “Induction of Pluripotent Stem Cells from Adult Human Fibroblasts by Defined Factors,” scientists do the research on how to develop the pluripotent stem cells from somatic cells (Takahashi et al. 2007). Induction of Pluripotent Stem cells is the process that reprograms human somatic cells into pluripotent stem cells so that they…
Stem cells are special cells that have not decided what they are yet. Stem cells can form any body part, including body parts that normally don't regenerate. If you can control the stem cells and inject them then you can do things like re-grow kidneys or a liver, or make better bone and skin repairs. Or more scientifically put: Stem cells are cells found in most, if not all, multi-cellular organisms. They are characterized by the ability to renew themselves through mitotic cell division and…
I have chosen to do my research of news articles on stem cell research, an often controversial, but necessary topic. In my first article, from, The New York Times, titled, “Cloning and Stem Cell Work Earn Nobel,” by Nicholas Wade, I learned that stem cells generated by the induced pluriponent cells (IPS) will enable replacement tissue to be generated from a patient’s own cells for use against a vast variety of degenerative diseases. Though this breakthrough is still in the distant future…
conducted to assess people’s knowledge on stem cells, and compare that knowledge to their personal feelings on the matter. A variety of sources were used, mainly media websites such as, CNN, CBC, and the BBC. In addition, the National Geographic magazine was used as a resource, which had extensive information on stem cells. The survey was answered by all ages, ranging from 15 – 53. Most people knew what a stem cell was, but few knew the full potentials of stem cells, and the history behind them. Majority…
Stem cells are the basic building blocks of life. They have the most amazing abilities and qualities, with the potential to become different types of cell in our bodies. That's why they offer us the greatest potential to treat conditions that affect us all. For many people in the general public, however, the topic is a confusing one and it can be difficult to understand and interpret information about stem cells. You may still be unsure just what stem cells are or what relevance they have to your…
What are stem cells? Stem cells are the master cells of the human body. They can divide to produce copies of themselves and many other types of cell. They are found in various parts of the human body at every stage of development from embryo to adult. Stem cells taken from embryos that are just a few days old, can turn into any of the 300 different types of cell that make up the adult body. What types of stem cell exist? Stem cells can be classified into three broad categories, based on their…
Stem Cells are the blank cells that can be inserted into an organism that would ultimately help produce more cells. There are people who believe that Stem cells should be used for medical purposes and those who believe it should not. I believe that Stem cells should be used for medical procedures because it helps make more cells. It also helps cells repair damaged tissue. Not only do I believe that stem cells should be used in Medical purposes but EU as well. ( http://www.stemcellresearchfacts…
Introduction Stem cells are undefined cells with the potential to become any type of specialized cells. Stem cells can be derived from embryos, fetuses, and even adult cells. Stem cells can be used to replace tissue that is damaged, or even destroyed. If used to its full potential stem cells can help to fight the effects of aging. Stem cells draw in a mass of controversy and issues on many fronts both scientific, and moral. Stem cells could eliminate the problems thought to be unsolvable, and better…
Stem Cells: Saving Lives One Cell at a Time More than half a million Americans die from cancer each year. Cancer is the second leading cause of death, after heart disease (“Cancer” 1). Stem cells are unlike any other cell in the body. Since stem cells have the potential to turn into any type of cell, stem cell research could be the answer to the mystery behind cancer and other diseases. Stem cell research should be federally funded because it can help cure and treat diseases, guidelines are…