Introduction Stem cell research and engineering is a widely disputed topic that often divides people in science, ethics, and religion. In order to fully understand the controversy surrounding this area of scientific research and discovery, one must be informed as to what stem cells are. In the article, “Human Embryonic Stem Cells: Research, Ethics and Policy”, stem cells are described as “primitive cells with the capacity to divide and give rise to more identical stem cells or to specialize and from specific cells of somatic tissues” (Wert 672). Essentially, stem cells can potentially provide an unlimited supply of cells that could form some or all body cells. This ability to transform into different types or all types of cells depends of the type of stem cell, which can be divided into embryonic stem cells and adult stem cells (Bishop 1). Embryonic stem cells are extracted from preimplantation embryos and are pluripotent, meaning they possess the ability to form cells of all tissues in the adult human body. Adult stem cells, however, are limited to what tissues they can transform into.
Currently, our research and understanding of embryonic cells is finite, yet it is evident that the development of this research could have a significant impact on our treatment of various diseases, disorders, and cancers. Conflicting opinions and scrutiny surrounding the ethics of embryonic stem cell research delay the development and expansion of embryonic stem cell research. Many who
Researching the future potential of embryonic stem cells is the new hot topic debate in ethics. The moral objections from two opposing sides clash in a political and ethical battle of who is correct. Each faction tries to define the classification of what deserves unalienable human rights. Likewise, determining what is classified as human behavior such as sentiment, interests and pain has been the ground on which pro-stem cell research stand. Since these embryos share only genetic similarities and
Stem Cell Research Legislation and Legal Issues:
A stem cell can be described as the primary building block of the human body and have become important because of its ability to develop into a different cell type. Due to this ability to develop into different cell types, scientists have continued to build up ways to use stem cells to renew or repair damaged tissues or organs. As a result of such efforts, it's expected that stem cell research can contribute to the discovery of new therapies for
Politics and Stem Cell Research
The President’s Council on Bioethics published “Monitoring Stem Cell Research” in 2004. This report was written in response to President Bush’s comments regarding research of human stem cells on August 9, 2001. President Bush announced that he was going to make federal funding available for research that involved existing lines of stem cells that came from embryos. He is the first president to provide any type of financial support for the research of human stem cells
Stem cell research, through its ethics, methods, and funding, has caused great controversy over the past several decades. Scientists, medical specialists, religious groups, spiritual groups, the government and the public have devoted a major interest in this subject. Some portray stem cell research as a dangerous, inhumane study whereas others see it as a growing beneficial factor for opportunity of the advancement of the medical world. Stem cell research has been proven to aid various diseases
While some people might say that stem cell research is immoral and unethical, others believe that it is a magical solution for almost any problem, thus leading to a very controversial issue. Scientists have been searching for years for ways to eradicate incurable diseases and perform other medical procedures that yesterday's technology would not fix. With the rapidly arising, positive research on stem cell technology, the potential that exists to restore any deficiency is in the same way, likely
Stem cell related diseases affect over 100 million americans (White). Right now, there are plenty of government funds for stem cell research, and if we continue on the same path as we are now, stem cell research should be successful; however, the ethics used for embryonic stem cell research are incomprehensibly horrific (Stem cell policy). If this continues to be funded, it could have answers to numerous major diseases, including why they are caused, prevention, and cures for the diseases. More
worry that their research will be stifled by new laws and restrictions, while society fears that these researchers will take advantage of them if not regulated properly. This is clearly seen in the debate over stem cell research and synthetic biology, like genetically modified organisms, on whether such topics are ethical or non ethical. The right education is needed in order to fully understand both sides of these issues and to debate what is ethical and what is not. This research paper will go
solution to these sicknesses was inside the very people they torment. Stem cell research is undeniably a heated topic in today’s world. Supporters claim it is saving lives, however, from the opposition, it is viewed as murderous. Both sides present a strong argument and have respectable pros and cons. Despite the opposing side’s argument, it is in the United States’ best interest to invest tax money into stem cell research because it has already proved successful in advancing out nation scientifically
Stem Cell Research Summary Article
By Lizika Marrée-Mills
What are stem cells?
Stem cells are identical cells that can characterize into specialized cell types. Most stem cells come from two main sources; embryonic stem cells and adult stem cells.
1. TwoTypesofStemCells
a. Embryonic stem cells
i. These are pluripotent cells. This means their main function is to make any other cell in the body. These cells are made from ones found in early human embryos, which are called blastocysts.
ii. Embryonic
Adult Stem Cells
Imagine if you could save the life of a child with cancer, correct a man’s paralysis as a result of a stroke, or give a woman who suffers from infertility the gift of life. At the present time there is no cure for terminal diseases like cancer, Parkinson’s, Type I diabetes, spinal cord or brain injuries. The possibility has presented itself by perfecting the use of adult stem cells. Throughout the evolving technologies and experiments, medical researchers have discovered the