Stem Cell Research

 

 

 

 

Stem cell research is a form of biotechnology, something that has changed the lives of millions of people with many more miracles on the horizon. Without getting too technical, biotechnology involves the use of living organisms or byproducts as a means of modifying or enhancing the environment, as well as human health. For instance, to make bread, yeast cells are used and for wine, fermentation occurs. However, one of the greatest forms of biotechnology is called stem cell research, which is without doubt, one of the greatest discoveries known to mankind.

 

Stem cells are capable of developing into a variety of cell types within the body during infancy and childhood. What scientists, researchers, and medical professionals have found is that stem cells actually help repair internal systems of the body. As they divide, these cells have the ability to replenish other cells but only in a living individual. Once stem cells divide, new cells either remain a stem cell or develop into a different type of cells with specific functionality. For instance, cells could be brain cells, muscle cells, or even red blood cells.

 

Through many years of in-depth research, it has been discovered that the regenerative ability of stem cells are extremely beneficial in the medical sector. Although there are multiple examples, one in particular is that stem cells can be used to treat a variety of diseases to include heart disease and diabetes. While tremendous headway has been made regarding the power of these cells, ongoing stem cell research has become one of the most important arenas of biotechnology, with experts excited about additional benefits yet to be discovered.

 

We wanted to provide some specific examples of the benefits offered from research done on stem cells to help people better understand their unrivaled worth. Even so, the use of stem cells remains a controversial decision, partly due to misunderstandings about how they are extracted and used. For instance, people who support the right to life believe the only way to get stem cells is by taking them from aborted fetuses and while this is in fact one option, there are others as well. It is true that stem cells can be found in the placenta, as well as blood but more and more, these cells are being taken from fertilized eggs that have not been implanted.

 

Embryonic Stem Cells, those coming from aborted fetuses is a hot topic, something done days after a woman has conceived or between weeks five and nine. Due to the ethical dilemma, researchers have discovered a way of using adult cells. With this, Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells (iPS) are actually derived from a non-pluripotent cell artificially, usually from adult somatic cells. As a result, the issue of ethics is put to rest for the most part while the benefits that come from these cells still available for use. 

 

Using these cells, the list of health issues that have improved or even been eliminated is long, some including Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, spinal cord injuries, heart disease, Type 1 diabetes, stroke, birth defects, and more. In fact, thanks to stem cell research, it has been discovered that damaged organs can be repaired or replaced safer, risk of a person’s body rejecting a transplanted organ is greatly reduced, and new research suggests that some forms of cancer may also benefit.

 

Even methods used specific to biotechnology and stem cells is being modified to fall in line with ethics. For years, significant controversy surrounded methods as well as the use of stem cells but again, in-depth research and nanotechnology has allowed experts to devise methods that are more ethical but also safer and more cost efficient. Although there will always be people who oppose stem cell research altogether, believing this is messing with life and playing God, it is believed that further progress will bring this remarkable medical miracle to a point that is more acceptable.

 

It is true that people involved with stem cell research must also consider the ethical aspect of projects. Studies for this type of medical treatment must be defended from an ethical point of view and with adult cells now being an option for use, this appears possible. Regardless, researchers are left in a position of needing to measure life against life, which can be an uncomfortable position to be in. However, ethics is not the only consideration associated with stem cell research.

 

Other aspects considered include impact on the environment, costs, potential risks, etc. The one thing that is know is that because of research that has been done in this area, many people now live a healthier life and some have had their lives saved. Stem cell research is likely to remain somewhat controversial but hopes are high this will begin to decline as more knowledge is gained and methodologies improved upon.