Stem Cell Research, Ethics And Policy Essay - 2393 Words

Introduction Stem cell research and engineering is a widely disputed topic that often divides people in science, ethics, and religion. In order to fully understand the controversy surrounding this area of scientific research and discovery, one must be informed as to what stem cells are. In the article, â€Å"Human Embryonic Stem Cells: Research, Ethics and Policy†, stem cells are described as â€Å"primitive cells with the capacity to divide and give rise to more identical stem cells or to specialize and from specific cells of somatic tissues† (Wert 672). Essentially, stem cells can potentially provide an unlimited supply of cells that could form some or all body cells. This ability to transform into different types or all types of cells depends of the type of stem cell, which can be divided into embryonic stem cells and adult stem cells (Bishop 1). Embryonic stem cells are extracted from preimplantation embryos and are pluripotent, meaning they possess the ability to form cells of all tissues in the adult human body. Adult stem cells, however, are limited to what tissues they can transform into. Currently, our research and understanding of embryonic cells is finite, yet it is evident that the development of this research could have a significant impact on our treatment of various diseases, disorders, and cancers. Conflicting opinions and scrutiny surrounding the ethics of embryonic stem cell research delay the development and expansion of embryonic stem cell research. Many whoShow MoreRelated Politics and Stem Cell Research Essay examples850 Words   |  4 PagesPolitics and Stem Cell Research The President’s Council on Bioethics published â€Å"Monitoring Stem Cell Research† in 2004. This report was written in response to President Bush’s comments regarding research of human stem cells on August 9, 2001. President Bush announced that he was going to make federal funding available for research that involved existing lines of stem cells that came from embryos. He is the first president to provide any type of financial support for the research of human stem cellsRead MoreLegal Issues Regarding Stem Cell Research1666 Words   |  7 PagesStem Cell Research Legislation and Legal Issues: A stem cell can be described as the primary building block of the human body and have become important because of its ability to develop into a different cell type. Due to this ability to develop into different cell types, scientists have continued to build up ways to use stem cells to renew or repair damaged tissues or organs. As a result of such efforts, its expected that stem cell research can contribute to the discovery of new therapies forRead More The Ethics of Stem Cell Research Essay1005 Words   |  5 Pages While some people might say that stem cell research is immoral and unethical, others believe that it is a magical solution for almost any problem, thus leading to a very controversial issue. Scientists have been searching for years for ways to eradicate incurable diseases and perform other medical procedures that yesterdays technology would not fix. With the rapidly arising, positive research on stem cell technology, the potential that exists to restore any deficienc y is in the same way, likelyRead MoreEssay on Stem Cell Research: Should it be Permitted?868 Words   |  4 PagesStem cell related diseases affect over 100 million americans (White). Right now, there are plenty of government funds for stem cell research, and if we continue on the same path as we are now, stem cell research should be successful; however, the ethics used for embryonic stem cell research are incomprehensibly horrific (Stem cell policy). If this continues to be funded, it could have answers to numerous major diseases, including why they are caused, prevention, and cures for the diseases. MoreRead MoreStem Cell Research Summary Article1058 Words   |  5 PagesStem Cell Research Summary Article By Lizika Marrà ©e-Mills What are stem cells? Stem cells are identical cells that can characterize into specialized cell types. Most stem cells come from two main sources; embryonic stem cells and adult stem cells. 1. TwoTypesofStemCells a. Embryonic stem cells i. These are pluripotent cells. This means their main function is to make any other cell in the body. These cells are made from ones found in early human embryos, which are called blastocysts. ii. EmbryonicRead More Embryonic Stem Cell Research Essay1451 Words   |  6 Pagestechnology has allowed for a new understanding of stem cells and further developments in research. The use of stem cells in regenerative medicine may hold significant benefits for those suffering from degenerative diseases. To avail such advancements in stem cell research could see the alleviation or complete cure of afflictions that take the lives of millions worldwide each year. (McLaren, 2001) A stem cell 1 is able differentiate into any somatic cell found in the human body, including those identicalRead MoreEthical Issues Related to the Cloning Debate1389 Words   |  6 Pagesbiology and future biologist, this question also has personal relevance. Our science is evolving at a rapid pace. As human cloning becomes increasingly possible, it is important that we analyze the ethics of cloning so that judicious public policy can be created. It is therefore my position that research into cloning should continue to fulfill the fundamental goals of scientific exploration and to explore the possibilities that cloning might have in terms of benefitting human society; on the otherRead MoreThe Evolution Of Stem Cell Research1334 Words   |  6 PagesAdult Stem Cells Imagine if you could save the life of a child with cancer, correct a man’s paralysis as a result of a stroke, or give a woman who suffers from infertility the gift of life. At the present time there is no cure for terminal diseases like cancer, Parkinson’s, Type I diabetes, spinal cord or brain injuries. The possibility has presented itself by perfecting the use of adult stem cells. Throughout the evolving technologies and experiments, medical researchers have discovered theRead MoreStem Cell Research: The Debate Over Federal Funding Essay899 Words   |  4 PagesEmbryonic Stem Cell Research: Pro-Federal Funding The Alliance for Aging Research is a non-profit organization that promotes the use of federal funding for embryonic stem cell research. As an agency geared toward improving the health of human beings as they age, some of their responsibilities include lobbying for federal legislation, conducting studies and surveys, and creating and distributing educational materials to health care professionals and the public. With Baby Boomers closely reachingRead MoreStem Cell Research And The Arguments For And Against Its Development999 Words   |  4 Pages15010 Millican, Nikki K. SN 30 April 2015 [STEM CELL RESEARCH: AN UNDERSTANDING OF CONTRAVERSY] The meaning of stem cell research, and the arguments for and against its development â€Æ' Nikki Millican Chief Kamman Legalman Accession 15010 29 April 2015 Stem Cell Research: An Understanding of Controversy Stem cells make up every organ and tissue that reside inside the human body. These cells help to regenerate and replace defective tissues and cells that are injured and destroyed within our body