Stem Cells : Research For Disease Modeling And Drug Development

Embryonic stem cell research is a highly debated and sensitive topic.  There is a lot of good that can come from researching this technology of stem cell research because many people all across the globe would benefit from it.  The United States will soon fall short while other countries are already using this advancement if we cannot come to a logical conclusion on this vital issue.

The studying of stem cells is a very controversial issue that has been around since 1998 when the research of the use of embryonic stem cell treatment began. The main issues surrounding the discussion of treating people with life-altering disabilities through the use of these pluripotent cells is the ethicality of the matter and whether or not it is a savage act against a fetus. Many who oppose the use of these stem cells derived from excess embryos use the formerly stated opinion to support their argument, while those who are pro research argue that the destroying of one life could save another. The core complications that arise in studying stem cells lies in many Christian-like ethics and morals, otherwise called Christian bioethics. These are rooted in the modern day controversies arising due to advancements made in biology and medicine, mixed with religious views that argue against it. The conflicting interests of the polar opposites which are scientists and those with religious views have caused many complications along the way to discovering new treatments and cures for diseased cells. This bumpy road which has refrained scientists from making tremendous breakthroughs must smooth itself out, and the only way possible is through coming to an agreement that certain stem cell research should be practiced, such as the IPSC and adult stem cells, and others like the

The importance of ethical issues is often understated in public knowledge. Embryonic stem cell research should be of the utmost importance in the American society due to increased federal funding and the promises research in this field hold. As with many other controversies, embryonic stem cell research can be described as a dispute between religion and science due to the destruction of a viable human embryo. Depending on the status an individual grants an embryo will likely determine their stance on the issue. Next, many changes in legality and public acceptance have prompted leaders to increase funding and expand research nationally. Since taxpayers’ dollars are at work, the public should be aware of this prevalent and advancing ethical issue and be informed of its specifics. The public should also be aware of the advancements in healthcare that this research promise. Due to the changes in funding and legality, many discoveries have been made, pushing this science further. Many scientists believe embryonic stem cell research holds the key to curing many bodily injuries and deadly diseases such as spinal cord and brain injuries, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s. Also, many scientists conceive that, in the future, it will be possible to “grow” human organs from an individual’s stem cells for transplantation. The latter are only a few of the plethora of anticipated and promised treatments research in this field holds. Lastly,

Embryonic stem cells are found in human blastocysts (Marcovitz 17). A blastocyst is a very young embryo (just a few days old) that contains around 200 undifferentiated stem cells (Marcovitz 17). German Zoologist Valentin Hacker coined the term “stem cell” after he discovered them in a blastocyst of a crustacean (Marcovitz 18). Embryonic stem cells were collected for the first time in 1988 by Dr. James Thomson of University of Wisconsin and by Dr. John Gearheart of Johns Hopkins (Panno 76). These stem cells are unspecialized; they do not perform a specific function like cells such as muscle and nerve do (“Stem Cells”). They are also pluripotent, meaning they have the ability to divide and become specialized cells (“Stem Cells”). This is why stem cells hold so

In the past few years’ embryonic stem cells have been used and tested a whole lot. Which begs the questions what are they? What do they do? Is the use of them ethical? Embryonic stem cells are cell that can turn into whatever kind of cell is needed these are also referred to as pluripotent stem cells these are obtained by uses unborn children. This leads into the point that the use of embryonic stem cells in organ transplants is not ethical because embryos are killed to use and test.

Embryonic stem cell research and use is a scientific advancement that could change medical history. There are two types of stem cell research, adult stem cells, and embryonic stem cells. Embryonic stem cells receive a very negative connotation in society, and there are many misconceptions about the process and the ethics of embryonic stem cell research. A large majority of society immediately assume that it is the use of aborted embryos because of the word embryonic, and adult stem cells are not as effective as embryonic. However, this is not the case. Embryonic stem cell research is in progress to help cure and reduce the effects of very fatal and harmful diseases that take many of societies precious lives. If research continues to

The ethics of research involving fetuses or material derived from fetuses have been widely debated for over three decades, portrayed by its proponents as holding the key to scientific and medical breakthrough and by its opponents as devaluing the most basic form of human life. The latest chapter in this long saga involves the use of embryonic stem cells. Research in this field took a great leap forward in 1998, when the first successes in growing human stem cells in culture were reported independently by Drs. James Thomson and John Gearhart. According to the National Institutes of Health, embryonic stem cell research "promises...possible cures for many debilitating diseases and injuries, including Parkinson 's disease, diabetes, heart disease, multiple sclerosis, burns, and spinal cord injuries. The NIH believes the potential medical benefits of human pluripotent stem cell technology are compelling and worthy of pursuit in accordance with appropriate ethical standards (National Institutes of Health 2000). Research in this new and developing field has sparked controversy centered on the moral implications of destroying human embryos and poses several compelling ethical questions. Among them: Does life begin at fertilization, in the womb, or at birth? Might the destruction of a single human embryo be justified if it can alleviate the pain and suffering of many patients?

It is imperative that students who are planning to enter the medical field be well-informed about this issue so that they can begin to develop their own convictions about medical ethics, specifically regarding the stem cell debate. This report defines what stem cells, describes the different types of stem cell research and their potential role in disease therapy, and the presents the ethical controversy surrounding stem cell research.

Using Embryonic stem cells, there is a chance that over 80 diseases could be cured. These diseases include diabetes, spinal cord injury, and maybe even cancer. Despite all the possibilities that stem cells offer, some feel that the methods used to obtain embryonic stem cells are unethical; However, there are actually many reasons to continue stem cell research. Embryonic stem cell research should be funded because the blastocyst, or embryo, is willingly donated, and can’t feel pain. Although many people say that the

The society is not at an agreeable point when it comes to the research of stem cells obtained from human embryos. The disagreement narrows down to a clash between the two fundamental principles of ethics: The duty to prevent and alleviate suffering, and the duty to respect the value of human life. In most situations, both principles can be satisfied. However, in the research of embryonic stem cells, it might not be inherently possible.

Even though many people are unsure about stem cell use, research shows that stem cells are able to help people. Around 50,000 adult stem cell transplants happen around the world each year (“Rethinking Stem Cells” ). Imagine a world with no sickness or no cancer but also if that means killing embryos. If research keeps happening, stem cells may have the answers to many questions for great

Embryonic stem cells research is the most debated type of stem cell research. The moral standings of embryonic stem cell research have been debated since the research started. The side against the research claims that it is wrong to value one’s life above another and that the elimination of the most basic form of life is murder. While the side supporting the research claims that the research could bring about the cure for many types of diseases and help save the lives of millions. Embryonic stem cells are controversial because of how they are obtained and used. While the two sides argue over whether it is moral or not, they both agree that adult stem cells have potential without the moral dilemma.

Embryonic stem cell research has been a heated debate for upwards of 30 years due to the controversial nature of extracting embryos for research purposes. Recently the ban for federal funding to research embryos has been lifted; therefore, sparking even more debate on whether or not embryonic stem cells research is ethical. Embryonic stem cell research is the extracting of embryos in order to conduct research in cell repair and growth. There are two moral principles to choose between: is it used to prevent or help suffering and pain, or should we respect the value of human life? Embryonic stem cell research is considered murder by many. Also, with thousands of embryos preserved in in vitro fertilization (IVF) clinics, “it appears that there

For a few decades, although mostly within the past fifteen years, medical teams have relished in the research of stem cells, especially embryonic stem cells. The fascinating potential associated with these cells is intoxicating, and scientists across the nation are eager apply their findings towards curing diseases and saving lives. Yet despite all of the excitement, many people are uncomfortable with the topic. From its inception, stem cell research has consistently sparked ethical conflict. Although many types of stem cell research should certainly be allowed, embryonic stem cell research is absolutely wrong and should be prohibited.

Bioengineering has been a growing field over the past few years. The new advances and research that result from bioengineer can solve problems deemed impossible before. Engineers have been working on new technology that utilizes stem cells to treat disease and save lives. The stem cells used in treatment are called embryonic stem cells. Embryonic stem cells are formed from five-day old human embryos. The usage of embryonic stem cells has caused controversy from pro-life advocates who believe embryos to be a human life; and the use of embryonic stem cells immoral. Despite the beliefs of pro-life advocates who consider the use of stem cells murder, the usage of stem cells for medical and scientific research and advancements is absolutely ethical.