EMBRYONIC STEM CELL RESEARCH

Embryonic Stem Cell Research



Abstract

A new step in technology that seems to make the theme itself talk shows, round tables and dinner tables of embryonic stem cell research. With supporters and opponents on both sides of the issue, it is clear that this is a controversial procedure will continue to encourage discussion, whether on television, in newspapers, or simply among people in general. The inventiveness of this scientific progress shows promise in the future, helping to find cures for devastating diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, cancer, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's and many other diseases.

Embryonic Stem Cell Research

Stem cell research has been a major biological breakthrough in recent years. It has great potential to help people and ease suffering. But there is also a moral question raised about stem cell research, and that comes from the source of stem cells. Ever since Stem Cell research started, there has been much debate over whether or not it should be allowed. Some people are completely against stem cell research because the stem cells are often taken from aborted pregnancies, they consider it murder. While others want stem cell research to continue because it can help ease people's suffering and cure disease. There are already certain restrictions (in many countries) on much of the research and it is unclear if these restrictions will be lifted.

Stem cells have the ability to divide rapidly. These cells are unspecialized or 'blank' cells meaning they have no purpose as of yet, under the right conditions they can become cells with special functions like heart or liver cells. This means stem cells could repair diseased or damaged organs. So for example if part of a mouse's spine was removed stem cells could be put in its place and under the right conditions form the missing part of the spine. The stem cells would become spine cells. Stem cells can be extracted from adults and umbilical cords after a child is born, but are usually taken from embryos or tissue from aborted pregnancies (before the first trimester). Embryonic stem cells are of corse taken from human embryos. It is also possible to clone embryonic stem cells but this is banned in Australia and the USA. After years experimenting with extraction of mouse embryonic stem cells, scientists in 1998 found how to isolate human stem cells from embryos and grow them in laboratories. These cells were used for in virtro, and when no longer needed were given to researchers. Stem cells in the Foetus are the origin of specialized cell types that make up the lungs, heart, liver and other tissue. Adult stem cells in some tissue such as muscle tissue are there to replace cells lost from disease injury and wear and tear. Scientists are more interested in embryonic stem cells then adult stem cells because they are grown easily in laboratories and seem to be able to become any kind of cell. Adult stem cells can only generate cells of the tissue they reside in, so for ...