The Advantages and Disadvantages of Stem Cell Research Essay

For the past few years, there has been a continuous controversy regarding the bioethical issues of stem cells and the pros/cons of its research. In order to understand the clash of opposing opinions on stem cells, it is important to know the root of stem cells, as well as their functions and scientific findings. â€Å"Stem Cells are very essential to develop organisms. They are non-specialized cells which have the potential to create other types of specific cells, such as blood, brain, tissue or muscle cells† (Experiment Resources, 2008). In addition, injuries or illnesses that cause dead cells can be replaced with new healthy cells via steam cells (Houdmann, 2010). It has been shown that, â€Å"stem cell research strives to achieve the†¦show more content†¦Although these types of cancer therapies are used as treatment, high-dose of treatments can impair or destroy the bone marrow of patients (National Cancer Institute, 2011). When a bone marrow has been damage or d estroyed, it is difficult for patients to function because they are incapable to make the blood cells necessary to fight against infections, which means a lack of immune in their system. Also, they will be unable to avoid bleeding and carry oxygen to their blood cells and rest of body organs and tissues (National Cancer Institute, 2011). Secondly, the major advantages and disadvantages of stem cell research are explored through the source of embryonic cells. Embryonic stem cells are developed from a female egg once it is fertilized by sperm. The development takes 4-5 days (Experiment Resources, 2008). Embryonic stem cells are, â€Å"extracted directly from an embryo before the embryos cells begin to differentiate. At this stage the embryo is referred to as a blastocyst. There are about 100-200 cells in a blastocyst, a very large percentage of which are stem cells, which can be kept alive indefinitely, grown in cultures, where the stem cells continue to double in number every 2-3 da ys† (Houdmann, 2010). The main disadvantage of embryonic cells is that, people who are pro-life argue that, the removal of stem cells from the blastocyst can cause the development of theShow MoreRelatedStem Cell Research : Stem Cells1416 Words   |  6 PagesSTEM CELLS In this report, I mainly focused on Stem-Cells. You will read about Stem-Cells and its history from the moment this term was known. Also, you will know the Sources, properties, and the types of Stem-Cells. In addition, you will know some of the pros and cons researches about Stem-Cells. Stem-Cells are cells that have the ability to divide and multiply and renew itself. †¢ Sources of Stem-Cells: 1- The first source is Bone Marrow. 2- The second source isRead More Stem Cell Research Essay example988 Words   |  4 PagesStem Cell Research Stem cells are a large focus of study in todays biomedical world. Stem cell research offers the hope of transplants being done without the sacrifice of another person losing an organ. 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. ?Stem cells have the remarkable potential to developRead MoreSupport of Embryonic Stem Cell Research Essay769 Words   |  4 PagesEmbryonic stem cell is one of the most controversial, widely discussed medical issues in the United States today. The medical use of stem cell raises difficult moral and political questions. To understand about embryonic stem cell. I thought we should discuss what embryonic stem cells are. According to Scientific American; June 2004, embryonic stem are derived from the portion of a very early stage embryo that would eventually give rise to an entire body. Because embryonic stem cells originate inRead MoreStem Cells And Its Effects On Society910 Words   |  4 Pages Stem cells are unspecialized cell that can both reproduce itself indefinitely and, under appropriate conditions, differentiate into specialized cell s of one or more types. (Reece, Jane B., and Lisa A. Urry, 2011.) The term â€Å"stem cells† were first seen in scientific literature in 1868, a German biologist Ernst Haeckel used this term to describe the fertilized egg that becomes an organism. On February 2, 1963 the firs piece of evidence of blood stem cells appear, Ernest McCulloch and James Till conductedRead MoreStem Cells And Its Effects On Society909 Words   |  4 PagesStem cells are  unspecialized  cell that can both reproduce itself indefinitely and, under  proper  conditions, differentiate into specialized cells of one or more types.  (Reece, Jane B., and Lisa A.  Urry, 2011.) The term â€Å"stem cells† were first seen in scientific literature in 1868, a German biologist Ernst Haeckel used this term to describe the fertilized egg that becomes an organism. On February 2, 1963 the firs piece of evidence of blood stem cells  seem, Ernest McCulloch and James Till conductedRead MoreHow Do Imagi ng Modalities And Detection Of Stem Cells Within The Body1722 Words   |  7 Pagesattempts to analyze different imaging modalities as they pertain to the targeting and tracking of stem cells within the body. Nuclear medicine modalities, positron emission tomography (PET) and single photon emission computed tomography (SPECT), are utilized to image the physiological changes within the body and the migration of stem cells. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) can be used to target and track stem cells while maintaining their viability. Although these modalities are effective, their high costRead MoreResearch On Stem Cell Therapy1547 Words   |  7 Pages Research on stem cells has indicated new possible therapies and treatment for people with conditions that were once considered terminal. Parkinson’s disease, Alzheimer s disease, and multiple sclerosis are a few of the many diseases that stem cells might be able to treat. Stem cells have the capability to repair heart muscle an d neural tissues, improving the overall prognosis of the patient. For example, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation and mesenchymal stem cell therapy have shown promisingRead MoreWhat Is the Future of Humans If We Utilise All Aspects of Available Biotechnology?1635 Words   |  7 Pagessocial and biological implications. Biotechnology, at its simplest is technology based on biology – it employs the use of cellular and bimolecular processes to develop products and technologies. The variety of living cells used for their biochemical talents range from simple singled-cells bacteria and yeast to complex multi-cellular organisms, such as plants and humans. Over the years, biotechnology has been a rapidly developing area of science that seeks to improve living conditions for all peopleRead MoreAdvantages Of Human Embryonic Stem Cells1572 Words   |  7 PagesCompare advantages and disadvantages of human embryonic stem cells (hESC) for use in cellular therapy The research of human embryonic stem cells (hESC) is talked about a lot in the field of medical research, not just by the scientists, but also by politicians, religious groups, etc. The discovery of stem cells is known as a medical sensation, with its research having the potential to cure many diseases. But there are still ethical issues standing in the way of this research, and due to this, differentRead MoreThe Potential Use for Stem Cells699 Words   |  3 PagesIn tissues like bone and muscle stem cells can make replacements for muscle and tissue that are lost from disease or tear. There are three main types of stem cells embryonic stem cells adult stem cells and induced induced-pluripotent stem cells. Adult stem cells can usually develop into the same type of tissue that they are in. Stem cells are cells with the ability to divide for indefinite periods of time. Stem cells have the potential to save many of lives from diseases birth defects and many more