Stem_Cell_Research

Stem Cell Research Ashford University Alicia Lanier Philosophy 200 [ June 11, 2012 ] Sundie Goulding Stem Cell Research has burst on the national political scene in the United States only within the last decade. The Stem Cells are very special types with the potential for developing into any one of the 200 or more different types of cells found in the human body: Skin cells, nerve cells, liver cells, blood cells, and h potential raises the heart cells, For example. This potential raises the possibility that stem cells may be used in bring about revolutionary changed in medicine, drug testing, and a number of other fields of research. The Ethical Dispute which is the Opponents of research holds that human life that begins as soon as an egg is fertilized, and they considered a human begin. They therefore consider any research on stem cells to be necessities the destruction of a human embryo to be morally abhorrent. Some opponents of hesc also argue that research on stem cells obtained from adults is just as promising and renders hesc that research is unnecessary most scientist, however, dispute this claim, citing great potential in the field of adult stem cells that several drawbacks as compared with hecs’s which they continue to advocate funding for both sides of the conflict of stem cell research. Stem Cells in general have the remarkable potential to developing into many different cells types in the body during the early life and growth, In addition in many tissues they serve as a sort of internal repair system, dividing essentially without the limit to replenish other cells as long the person or animal is still alive. When a stem cell divides ,each new cell has the potential either to remain a stem cell or become another type of cell with a more specialized functions such as a muscle cell, red blood cells, or a brain cell. The stem cells are distinguished from other cell types by two important characteristics. First, they are specialized cells very capable of renewing themselves through cell division, sometimes after long periods of in activity. Second, under certain physiologic or experimental conditions they can be induced to become tissue- or organ- specific cells that have special functions, In some organs, such as the bone marrow, stem cells regularly divide to repair and replace worn out or damaged tissues In other organs, however such as the pancreas and the heart stem cells only divide under special conditions. In recent years, scientist primarily worked with two kinds of stems cells from animals and humans. Embryonic stem cells and non- embryonic “somatic or adult stem cells. The functions and characteristics of these cells will be explained. Embryonic stem cells as their name suggests, are divided from embryos that develop from eggs that have been fertilized invitro clinics. In today’s society to understand the Pro’s and Con’s of stem cell research there are a number of medical researchers who believes that the stem cell therapy has the potential to change treatment of human diseases and reduce the suffering people face on everyday basis when they have diseases. They also believe that there are a lot of potential to replace the damaged and diseased tissues in the body without getting the risk of rejections. Stem Cell Research is one of the greatest debate topics of the 21st century. Stem cells are a powerful tool in the light to save lives. But with so many ethical issues surrounding stem cell research. I feel that we may lose a powerful asset. I have always believed that President Bush and his staff are well aware of the truth about embryonic versus adult stem- cell research, In the public sector many people will read about stem cell development , and some will recognize the high profile “Icons” or that will be simply there just to put the program down meaning there’s no need for stem cell research. I wonder are there knowledgeable people that do not perpetuate the truth. President Bush and Congress obviously have the final say on how our federal research dollars are being spent. The hope is that all who are participating in this debate are fully informed about the facts and are not swayed by celebrates who are unfortunately ill- informed or deliberately misled, but rather weigh both scientific and the ethical evidence. Stem Cell Research has a lot of misinformation and deception going on in the process that accounts for the stem cell debate, This is probably the worst problem in this whole debate, the perpetuation ( innocent or not is the question) that has misleading statements which obscure many of the real facts . What is usually lacking from press reports are a few adjectives that will clarify the situation defining whether the cells discussed are human or animals cells, and especially whether they are embryonic or adult stem cells. Stem Cell research has found that there are many kinds of cell transplants can be used to treat a wide variety of ailments and illness that are caused by cell death. One of the problems is brain damage; this is where trauma injuries around the brain can often cause cell death, and loss of other vital brain essential molecules like neurons. The main system of the brain contains neural stem cells which are essential in the health of the brain, stem cell treatments can help replace and reinvigorate these cells, essentially treating brain damage at a cellular level. The Cons of Stem cell research has many aspects surrounding stem cell research and treatments still retain controversy and skepticism to this day. One of the main cons of Stem Cell research can be it s controversial nature, and contains many reasons within itself to why there are still many who opposes and detract from the revolutionary nature of stem cell research and treatment there are so many Human Rights activist and religious proponents that claim that stem cell research violates their natural morals, In my opinion the activist and religious organizations are not thinking in a more logical form when it comes to stem cell research this can help a lot of people with their illness which will lead to a much faster recovery rate they feel that it’s not capable of creating a human embryonic stem cell line in the laboratory. The creation of this stem cell line also involves destroying, a human embryo for its cells making it a strong reason as to why pro- life activist also contest this line of research. The scientific debate is what can stem cells do for us' The scientist don’t know , exactly we do know , that because stem cells are undifferentiated, they aren’t committed to becoming a liver cell say, or a blood cell, scientist may be needed. The cells may also be able to replace damaged or sick cells in a patient with an injury a degenerative disease. The scientist are getting these cells from a vast majority of stem cells that are discarded or excess embryos which are stored at a in-vitro clinics. In the most controversial method, scientist can also pull stem cells from aborted fetus, but not before asking for a signed consent from the patient who decided to have an abortion. This is the procedure most often highlighted by pro-life activist who opposes supporting stem cell research. Beyond the political debate swirling around stem cell research there remains a great deal of scientific skepticism. Stem Cell Research will it help us understand the cause of cellular development and differentiation. Will the scientist develop stem cells for transplant that will not set off an autoimmune attack from their new host' In the near future ,could scientist use stem cells to eliminate the need for human subjects research of stem cells in the future will help cure a lot of the diseases that individuals face every day and the government needs to continue to fund this program for the next generation this will allow many people who are battling disease such as cancer, diabetes and other chronic illness have a chance in to live a healthy and have a more productive lifespan. Reference: www. Healthguidence.org Stem Cell Research by: David E .Newton. Cell of Cells by: Cythina Cox www.Allabout popularissues.org stemcells.ninh.gov/inform fags.asp.