Stem Cell Research : Stem Cells

Stem Cell research and its funding have caused a lot of controversy throughout the past years. Stem cells are cells that are present in all living organisms. These cells have the potential to grow into any type of cell, including blood cells, nerves, muscles, and pancreatic cells. Stem cell research is essential because of the beneficial aspects it has to offer. Stem cells could potentially treat conditions such as Alzheimer 's, Parkinson 's, birth defects, strokes, Diabetes, cancer, and help in the reconstruction of severely damaged organs. Although stem cell research withholds great potential for many medical advances, a lot of controversy surrounds the sources and methods of obtaining stem cells and the possibility of improper usage of the knowledge acquired from research and experimentation. It is necessary for scientist to continue research as well as recognizing any ethical issues that may be present.

Many of us have all heard the saying that a “lizard can lose its tail,” and bizarrely enough it will grow back. This was always considered impossible for humans, an idea belonging in the realm of science fiction, but now the regeneration of tissue is an extremely realistic possibility. Despite some opinions, this process does not happen naturally, or take place as cinematically as one might imagine. Over the past decade, there have been major advances in regenerative medicine, commonly known as stem cell research. Stem cells are undifferentiated cells within the body that have the capability to specialize into any tissue. They are most commonly found in cord blood, bone marrow, organ donations, placenta, and embryos . Stem cells are seen by some as a new miracle treatment, encouraging many countries to invest in their research.

Thesis: Stem cell research is a great example for the controversial uprisings by advances in bio-medical research. There are many different pros and cons when it comes to discussing the use of stem cells. In order to develop an opinion of whether or not stem cells should be used, one must first understand what they are and how they are used. Moreover, I will point out how stem cell research is beneficial in today's society.

Stem cell derivatives may be a beneficial source of transplantable cells that may be able to repair and regenerate certain tissues. If this could be accomplished, the medical benefits would be enormous, such as helping Parkinson disease, MS, diabetes, and muscular dystrophies. Although, this could be an extremely important advancement in the field of medicine, there exist many ethical and religious issues that look down upon destroying embryos for research. The stem cells that are focused on in this report are embryonic stem cells. However, adult stem cells may also be used to give rise to lineages of cells that are more specialized than themselves. They are more differentiated than embryonic stem cells. Research using adult stem cells is much less controversial since they can be obtained without destroying an embryo. There is also a strong political aspect that has been brought up in recent discussions regarding groups who try to push adult stem cell research over embryonic stem cell research since they consider it a more permissible option. In contrast, people in favor of embryonic stem cell research try to discredit the potential of adult stem cell studies.

In November of 1998, a group of researchers announced that they had successfully isolated and grown a special kind of cell with the potential to develop into virtually any kind of human tissue. The scientists had made the discovery of embryonic stem cells. The discovery was considered to be an innovative

Attempts were made to fertilize mammalian eggs outside of the human body and in the early 1900s, it was discovered that some cells had the ability to generate blood cells. In 1968, the first bone marrow transplant was performed to successfully to treat patient’s severe combined immunodeficiency. There have been many stem cell discoveries since the early 1900’s but the two majors were in 1998 when, Thompson, from the University of Wisconsin, isolated cells from the inner cell mass of early embryos and developed the first embryonic stem cell lines. Then, in 1999 and 2000, scientists discovered that manipulating adult mouse tissues could produce different cell types.

used to either create organs or tissues to be used in transplantation and to treat many

cancer stem cell: current controversies and new insights” National Institutes of Health (995) December 5, 2005]

In Brazil 2009, there was an 18 year old boy that had half of his jaw and teeth removed because of a tumor. Scientists took some of his bone marrow and extracted the adult stem cells from it and formed an osteoblast, which is a bone forming cell. Six months after the osteoblast was injected, it started forming new bone material which filled the gaps (NIH Stem Cells). Stem cells could be a genius way to treat many diseases and disorders and it should be supported by everyone.

A brief introduction to stem cells; Stem cells are cells that are undifferentiated, or, simply put, a cell that has not yet been given a job, such as cells that create molecules. In recent years, scientists have discovered the potency that stem cells contain, due to their versatility. For example, stem cells could be studied and used to cure a man of liver disease, a child’s handicap, a woman’s breast cancer, etc…, etc…. One may now be asking themselves? “That’s great… then why are so many people against stem cell research? What could possibly be the drawback? “. You see, stem cells are acquired by human embryos, or, in Layman’s Terms, unborn fetuses. Take for

Embryonic stem cell research is already proving useful in the study of regenerative medicine, human development, cellular responses to disease, drug testing, and many other fields. This is just the tip of the iceberg. There is still much more to be discovered and created using the research platform this stem cell research provides. Although opponents argue it to be unnecessary, it is clearly important because embryonic stem cells are the most pluripotent stem cells, and all stem cells are required for the full potential of research. Embryonic stem cell research can also be justified, because the embryos come from sources where they would otherwise be destroyed, but they are instead contributing to the advancement of medicine and science. Finally, and notably, this field is supported, and is clearly leading to a new future of science and research. This research is important to everybody because it is creating and will continue to create cures, medicines, and therapies. Any person could be struck by a disease or ailment unexpectedly, and the more research scientists are able to do with a variety of options means that person may not have to experience discomfort or pain for long. This research is helping reduce or eliminate fatal disorders as well, meaning that it could possibly save a loved one’s life, if they struggle with a terminal illness. In these ways, embryonic stem cell research continues to be an issue that affects, and should be understood by, everybody. Embryonic stem cell research, though controversial, is a field so valuable and with so much potential that it is important to contribute

There are different types of Stem cells that are used in medicine. They are used as a type of therapy. These types of therapies are used as a way to treat or prevent a disease or a certain condition. Bone marrow transplant is one of the methods of Stem Cell therapy, it is also the most common type.

1) How are stem cells different from normal cells? Why are these differences important for medical research?

Stem cells are unique cells because of their special features. First of all, they are able to regenerate themselves through the process of cell division. Each time this process happens, each new cell created can become another type of cell. Secondly, if they undertake some conditions, they can become tissue and organ cells. There are two main types of stem cells that are being looked today, embryonic stem cells and adult stem cells (Also known as somatic stem cells). However, all stem cells have three main functions.

As scientists continue to gain new knowledge of stem cells and their capabilities, there are opportunities revealed for treatments and possible cures for diseases. In the article, “Stem Cell