...composed of three major components: a tissue scaffold; biological factors; and cells. Among these three components, the source of the cells used in the medical device is the largest source of controversy. Not only can the origin of the cells affect the funding of an engineering project, but it can even lead to the overall rejection of the project by society if they feel that the source is morally objectionable. This essay will explore two common sources of pluripotent cells used in tissue engineering, the laws that are set in place in accordance with...
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...think that the human embryonic stem cell (hESC) research should be continued since if this research is successful, it can be beneficial for all human beings and encourage further development. Because hESC is pluripotent, it can transform to any other types of cell. Thus, it can be used to cure many diseases that are incurable, such as type-1 diabetes and genetic disorders. Many people will gain from the hESC research. Moreover, the research also encourages many further developments. For instance, Shinya Yamanaka has successfully transformed human skin cells into induced pluripotent (iPS) cells, which function exactly like human embryonic stem cells. Thus, I think the hESC research should be continued. I think that scientists should not use discarded embryos from fertility clinics to conduct human embryonic stem cell research since this source of embryos addresses the concerns of those who do not want to see embryos destroyed for research purposes. Scientists can use induced pluripotent stem cells instead. In this way, they can avoid many controversies of using discarded embryos from fertility clinics, and the iPS cells act exactly like the hESC. Although the embryonic cells are going to be destroyed, many people still think that destroying embryos for research is violating sanctity of life. Therefore, using iPS cells can solve the ethical problems that bring from using hESC for research, and the iPS cells are easier to obtain...
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...Research paper on Stem Cell Research Legislation and the related legal issues: What is the history of Stem Cell Research Legislation in the United States? How does it compare to comparable statutes in the rest of the world? In this paper talk about what the current legislative state of affairs is and where the law on stem cells in the United States should go in the future and why. Make sure you use ample research and cited sources to support your arguments but make sure to state your own opinion on the issues as well. Stem Cell Research TJ AS OF: 2/4/2009--Introduced. Stem Cell Research Improvement Act of 2009 - Amends the Public Health Service Act to require the Secretary of Health and Human Services to conduct and support research that utilizes human embryonic stem cells, regardless of the date on which the stem cells were derived from a human embryo. Limits such research to stem cells that meet the following requirements: (1) the stem cells were derived from human embryos donated from in vitro fertilization clinics, were created for the purposes of fertility treatment, and were in excess of the needs of the individuals seeking such treatment; (2) prior to donation, it was determined that the embryos would never be implanted in a woman and would otherwise be discarded; and (3) the individuals seeking fertility treatment donated the embryos with written informed consent and received no financial or other inducements. Requires the Director of the National Institutes of...
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...Stem Cell research is a very controversial topic in today’s society. This topic brings up many ethical questions about it is right to do the research or not. Stem cells come from embryos that are only a few days old. The ethical issues that arise are many. If one believes that an embryo is a baby upon fertilization, then one would feel that this was unethical to do the research no matter what the benefits would be. On the other hand, some feel the benefits of what can be learned from stem cell research outweighs the ethical and moral dilemmas that are argued. This long debate brings about many questions about the ethical approaches, that there have been restrictions placed on the research in the lines of what type of embryos can be used for the research. Ethical or not there are always two sides to debate, stem cell research is no different. Throughout this paper I will discuss the ethical issues that stem cell research brings into light and the benefits that stem cell research brings into light that may just outweigh the ethical issues, then determine it these benefits and ethical issues really make stem cell research the most beneficial way to help cure diseases such as juvenile diabetes, Parkinson’s disease or even spinal cord or neck injuries. Argument for Research Stem Cell research can help scientist discover more about human cells and how they grow, change, and replace damaged cells within the body. The information that can be learned is priceless. Using this research...
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...advances in this day and age is improving very quickly and the innovation of helping others using various different methods is rapidly changing. Embryonic stem cell research is a very controversial topic in society at this moment and there are many people who believe in the use and many who oppose the method. Embryonic stem cells can possibly be used to cure many of humanities common ailments because of their unique qualities in being able to grow into many different types of cells. With this capability we have the capability to restore failing organs and other diseases. The ethically controversial part of this topic is the method of retrieving such stem cells. Stem cells are derived from an embryo, which requires...
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...An understanding of the types, characteristics, and important benefits of stem cells Aids in understanding the ethical and social considerations of this controversy. There are Two main types of stem cells. One type, embryonic, uses the undifferentiated cells of an Early human embryo to create any new, specialized type of cell (Brignier and Gewirtz S337). Embryonic stem cells are very useful for cell based therapies because they can Develop into more than 220 cell types that are found in an adult, and they have the ability To reproduce in large numbers. They are capable of almost unlimited cell divisions when Placed in culture. This makes embryonic stem cells very flexible and versatile. Using Stem cells to learn about the ways that these cells differentiate, grow, and renew will also Have profound results in the study and cure of cancers, birth defects, diabetes, and spinal cord Injuries, and other diseases caused by dysfunctional cell replication. Research on 3 Embryonic stem cells can also improve drug safety, as a drug can be tested on a stem cell Line before use in a patient (Louis 2009). The embryonic stem cells are extracted from The inner cell mass during the early blastocyst phase of embryonic development. After an Egg is fertilized, generally during in vitro in the laboratory, it begins dividing. The Blastocyst is a hollow ball of about 150 cells. The inner cell mass are the cells located in The inner part of the ball, and once extracted, the embryo is no longer viable...
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...Stem Cells and the Future of Developmental Medicine Stem cells have a remarkable potential to develop into many different cell types in the body during early life and growth. Stem cells undergo processes to form new types of cells which can have a specialized function. According to this function, lives could be saved by the formation of new tissues and organs. Some of the specialized cells are muscle cells, brain cells or blood cells. Although stem cell research is debatable due to moral concerns, its positive medical benefits exceed the negative social consequences. Stem cell research is a complex subject that has two main types which are embryonic stem cells and adult stem cells. Bongso and Lee explain that there are three methods in which embryonic stem cells can be retrieved. These are from embryos left from fertilization treatments, embryos produced for this function or by moving genetic material from one cell to another. The second two methods are considered to be immoral compared to the first one due to ethical reasons (2005, p.14). They also clarify that the cells should be tested to insure “Embryos are of high quality and free from both genetic and infectious diseases” (Bongso & Lee, 2005, p.15).Couples that have extra embryonic cells either donate them to childless couples, research or are get rid of them (Bongso & Lee, 2005, p. 16). Development in stem cell research has shown potential to cure life threatening diseases. Stem cells have helped in liver repair...
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...Devry University | The Social Implications of Stem Cell Research | How Stem Cell Science Affects Society | | David Gaudette | 4/9/2010 | For the sake of clarification, I will use a general definition of stem cell research for the basis of this paper. From the journals, books, and academic articles I have read in order to gather the information needed to write about this subject, I have come to the conclusion that the general purpose of stem cell research is to further the understanding of stem cells in order to develop ways to grow or modify them for medical purposes in which to reduce the suffering of people with disabling diseases or conditions. | David Gaudette Humanities 432 Burke Bowden March 28, 2010 Social Implications of Stem Cell Research The topic of stem cell research has always been scrutinized and hotly debated regarding the legal, ethical, and social implications that are associated with the studies and research methods being performed by scientists around the world. The purpose of this paper is to look closely at the social implications of stem cell research, and briefly explain and identify the effects it has on society and culture. The scientific study of stem cells has affected people in many different ways. There are various treatments and therapies derived from stem cell research that have changed the lives of many people around the world. For example, due to the continuing efforts of the scientific community, patients with disabling...
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...2013 Formal Essay I Stem Cell Controversy Religion and science, two forces that mix as well as oil and water. For thousands of years people have argued which side is correct: one extreme will tell you that a strong faith in God will lead to a better life, the latter extreme will tell you that life has many more complexities than just a faith a deity. These two both see life differently, the Christians think life should be cherished no matter how small or suffering. While science believes there can be something extracted from one’s small life, scientists have found, that the earliest cells of an embryo can be developed into any sort of cell. The study of this is known as stem cell research. The inner cell mass of blastocyst is extracted from the woman’s ovaries and differentiated into embryo bodies and from there they differentiate into either neuronal or pancreatic cells (bethesda). From here, it is difficult to produce enough stem cell lines or to produce the correct cell type (National Cancer Institute). This finding can save or increase many humans quality of life. But is it ethically correct? Is it morally correct? Could these findings interfere with the “circle of life”? Could this interfere with the genetic code of humans and astronomically change the world forever? Are we interfering with God’s will or the circle of life? The history of stem cell research is brief. In 1962, a new frog was produced by taking an adults frog’s intestinal cell and transporting it into...
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...“Embryo Research is ethically justifiable.” - Discuss Genetic engineering is an umbrella term for all gene modification and research that is taking place in modern science. Embryonic research has results in multiple successes including stem cell research but has come under serious controversy for using potential life for gain with no regard for that life. T - Kantian Ethics is purely deontological looking at doing duty for duties sake not the outcome of an action therefore for Kantian ethics to agree with the statement Embryonic research must pass the categorical imperative. I - An example of embryonic research includes eugenic genetic engineering in which germ-line therapy to create a better ‘race’ of people by changing the genetic makeup of future generations. C - Although eugenic genetics is illegal in most countries, examples have been seen throughout history such as Hitler’s arian race in which he tried to exterminate other unworthy races like jews. K - Eugenic engineering would have to passed the principle of universalisability; in which the moral choice would have to be universal across everyone worldwide without conflict interests. Eugenic engineering would not be successful, by choosing to create a certain race it would create huge conflict from those who do not fit the model. Minorities would be ignored and potentially discriminated upon. E - When applied to the issue, the principle of universalisability becomes an unrealistic choice to make an ethical decision...
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...The control and manipulation of genetic material has become common place in our society. What was once the dream of science fiction authors and fans has become reality. Such topics as stem cell research, in vitro fertilization, and cloning have created quite a stir in scientific communities. However, these advancements do not come without a cost, or without ethical dilemmas. First, a definition of these terms is required. Following that, we will explore some topics and the ethics associated with them. Stem cells exist in all living things. These cells go on to either produce more stem cells or specialize to become different types of living tissue. Stem cells can be broken down into two main classifications, embryonic stem cells and adult stem cells. Embryonic stem cells, as the name would imply, are only found in developing embryos. These cells are the most versatile. On the other hand, adult stem cells are only able to transform into a select few types of tissue. (Bongso & Lee, 2005) In vitro fertilization involves the fertilization of an oocyte outside of the female reproductive system. Fertilization occurs in a Petri dish, after which time the embryo is reintroduced into a female uterus where it is allowed to implant and develop. (Seibel, 2008) Cloning is a scientific method of producing an offspring that is genetically identical to the parent. In cloning, only one parent is required, therefore it is considered to be asexual reproduction. (Rugnetta, 2012) All of these...
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...Stem Cell Research and the Utilitarian Principle Human Embryonic Stem Cell (HESC) Research offers hope in alleviating suffering from debilitating diseases and possibly death. HESC are characterized by their ability to self-renew and different into different types of cells (pluri-potency). The main goal of HESC Research is to identify which mechanism governs cell differentiation, and then turn the HESC into the specific cells types which may be used to treat various illnesses. The restorative benefits of HESC are strong factors in favor of the research. Despite the promise of HESC Research, many still oppose it because harvesting of HESC ultimately leads to the destruction of the human embryo. For many this constitutes a destruction of a potential human which is in conflict with religious and moral views in our society (Stanford Encyclopedia of Philosophy, 2008). The crux of the matter is thus; if viewed only in terms of consequences, one could argue that it is almost certain the potential health benefits of HESC outweigh the loss of embryos. However those in opposition of the research argue that it is morally impermissible to intentionally kill innocent human beings. The premise of their argument against destruction of the embryos is that embryos are human beings; but there is much debate about when human life actually begins. Utilitarianism and science are uniquely suited to each other in that the ‘greatest happiness’ principle of utilitarianism is similar...
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...Is genetic engineering ethically right? Genetic engineering was first discovered in the 1970’s and since then ethical questions been raised regarding the process and results. Some people are excited by the possibilities of genetic engineering while others believe the process is unethical and should be banned as they claim scientists are ‘playing god’. Ethics is the philosophical study of what is morally right or wrong. It is a system of moral principles. They affect how people make decisions and lead their lives. Philosophers tend to divide ethical theories into three areas; meta-ethics, normative ethics and applied ethics. This was first done by David Hume the philosopher who argued how we should look at ethical situations. “Meta-ethics looks at the meaning of language used in ethics, and raises questions about truth. Normative ethics tries to find practical moral standards that we can all live our lives by. These are also called ethical theories. Applied ethics is the application of theories about whether something is right or wrong in specific issues.” Distance Learning Centre, Ethics Pack, 2012. In the 1960’s a professor, Joseph Fletcher founded the theory Situation Ethics. In Situation Ethics right and wrong depend on the situation. There are no universal moral rules or rights, each case is unique and deserves a unique solution. “Situation Ethics is all about agape or love. You should always do the most loving thing” Distance Learning Centre, Ethics Pack, 2012. There...
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...STEM CELL RESEARCH AND THERAPYAND ITS IMPACTS ON SOCIETY Abstract There are several types of stem cells being used in stem cell research and therapy today. They are embryonic, adult and induced pluripotent stem cells. Each will be discussed further. This topic has stirred much moral, ethical and political debate as whether cells from fetuses should be used in this research. This impacts governmental policies on laws and funding. Another issue that must be analyzed is the economics and who should have access to this treatment. The views of people and government on this research differ greatly across the world. There are countries that have very strict laws restricting this research while others take an extremely liberal stance. Stem Cell Research and Therapy and Its Impacts on Society Introduction Stem cells are the basic unit of life that gives rise to all living things. They are the undifferentiated cells that transform into the specialized cells that make up all of the tissues in organisms. With further research and understating, these cells can be used in medicine to cure a wide range of diseases. The most important type of stem cell to humans is the pluripotent stem cell which is usually obtained from human embryos. This has sparked controversy in many aspects of human life. In this paper, we will concentrate on animal and human stem cell research, and its impact on society. A Brief Description Of The Technology And An Explanation Of The Associated...
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...STEM CELL RESEARCH AND THERAPYAND ITS IMPACTS ON SOCIETY Abstract There are several types of stem cells being used in stem cell research and therapy today. They are embryonic, adult and induced pluripotent stem cells. Each will be discussed further. This topic has stirred much moral, ethical and political debate as whether cells from fetuses should be used in this research. This impacts governmental policies on laws and funding. Another issue that must be analyzed is the economics and who should have access to this treatment. The views of people and government on this research differ greatly across the world. There are countries that have very strict laws restricting this research while others take an extremely liberal stance. Stem Cell Research and Therapy and Its Impacts on Society Introduction Stem cells are the basic unit of life that gives rise to all living things. They are the undifferentiated cells that transform into the specialized cells that make up all of the tissues in organisms. With further research and understating, these cells can be used in medicine to cure a wide range of diseases. The most important type of stem cell to humans is the pluripotent stem cell which is usually obtained from human embryos. This has sparked controversy in many aspects of human life. In this paper, we will concentrate on animal and human stem cell research, and its impact on society. A Brief Description Of The Technology And An Explanation Of The Associated...
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