Stem_Cell

Zachary Friedel GMC 154 Hayes Stem Cell Research Stem cells are living cells found in all multicellular creatures that can split through mitosis and change into different specific cells and can self-duplicate to create more stem cells. There are two main types of stem cells: Embryonic stem cells, which are farmed from an embryo five days after fertilization of the egg, and adult stem cells that are found in a variety of different areas. In adult creatures, stem cells are a sort of repair system for the body, rebuilding adult tissue. “On April 29, 2011, a panel of judges from the US Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia overturned a lower court decision that blocked public spending on stem cell research. The now defunct ruling stated that federal funds could not be used inresearch involving human embryos.”(http://www.researchamerica.org/stemcell) This ruling is very important for the development of stem cell research, it seems that most people that oppose stem cell research only know about the third form of getting stem cells and that’s the embryonic stem cells. “Those who value human life from the point of conception, oppose embryonic stem cell research because the extraction of stem cells from this type of an embryo requires its destruction.”( http://www.allaboutpopularissues.org/pros-and-cons-of-stem-cell-research.htm) Because of this opposition during the presidency of George W. Bush, two bills were vetoed by the President for the enhancement of stem cell research. Since the election of President Obama the restrictions on Stem cell research have been lifted. This just to goes to show that the understanding of this research and the benefits that come with it are starting to be understood by the majority of the people. Stem cells ability to change into almost any kind of other cell, give great hope for the advancement of medicine. This developing research could be used for stroke patients, Cancer patients, and just about any other form of damaged tissues. “Dead cells of almost any kind, no matter the type of injury or disease, can be replaced with new healthy cells thanks to the amazing flexibility of stem cells.” (http://www.allaboutpopularissues.org/pros-and-cons-of-stem-cell-research.htm) I don’t really understand why anybody would want to halt the growth of this research. Even the Embryonic stem cells have their place in this research, with the ability to grow these in a lab, but starter embryonic stem cells are needed. If someone is going to abort a pregnancy why let that “life” go to waste when it could be used to save another life. In conclusion I think that we need to stop letting are moral ignorance stop the development of our technology. We can’t grow as a people if we don’t accept what science and technology are offering us. Let take whatever steps are needed to cure these diseases and move forward and a race. Work Cited http://www.allaboutpopularissues.org/pros-and-cons-of-stem-cell-research.htm http://www.researchamerica.org/stemcell_issue'gclid=CLPHzYH6-akCFY5x5QodMh3caw http://stemcells.nih.gov/info/basics/basics3.asp