In using stem cells there are several potential important uses. Human stem cells application can be used for cell-based therapies, and for testing new drugs. There are some differences between Human stem cells and embryonic stem cells. Human stem cells as their name suggest are derived from Adult stem cells are somatic, which means they are found in the body, not the embryo. These stem cells can only develop into the cell types of their original tissue. [1] While embryonic stem cells are derived from the embryos that develop from eggs that have been fertilized in-vitro- in an in-vitro fertilization clinic- and then donated for research purposes with informed consent of the donors. They are not derived from eggs fertilized in a woman’s body. [1]
There are many controversial arguments in regard to scientist using human stem cells in research, as mentioned earlier the use of human stem cell in cell therapy and drug research is only to mention some of the ways that it can be used. What most scientist are arguing about in the use of human stem cell research is in the use of human stem cell for other types of research.
Research Uses
Researchers can use stem cells to learn about the events leading to human development. They extract the cells to determine the processes that the stem cells go through to differentiate into specific cells. Scientists follow the pathways of development that lead to cancers or other abnormalities in cells to identify how they may develop treatments for those developmental problems. They perform tests by shutting off or turning on genes or regulating cell division.[1]
Medical Uses
Due to the ability to differentiate into any type of cells, scientists are using stem cells to treat diseases. The unlimited division of stem cells creates a renewable source of cells and tissue to repair cells whose defects have caused strokes, diabetes, arthritis and Alzheimer's disease. By injecting healthy stem cells into a defective body tissue, the stem cells have a positive effect, which can lead to rejuvenation and repair of that tissue.[1]
Controversy
There is a continuing debate over whether the use of human stem cells will lead to cloning, which degrades the value of human