...Stem Cell Research Paper Stem Cell Research Paper Human Biology The human body is capable of many miraculous feats. Every hour, every minute, every second, millions of cells are working to maintain homeostasis within the body. This paper is going to focus on one type of cell in particular, the stem cell. The properties of this little cell are amazing. These unique cells self-regenerate through cell division, and in addition to being unspecialized, have the ability to develop into many different specialized cells of the body. Numerous studies have shown the potential of stem cells to cure cancers, as well as slow or reverse the damages of some neurological disorders, yet stem cell researchers have met with both public and legal resistance during their attempts to show the incredible usefulness of these cells. Therefore, the question is, with stem cell research showing the potential to reverse the damage from or slow the progression of neurological disorders, and possible cures for cancer and other diseases and disorders are the possible benefits too much to ignore? The ability to self-regenerate is one the things that makes the stem cell such an appealing area to study. Most cells and organs in the body do not have the ability to self-regenerate, nor self-repair but stem cells can do both. Stem cells themselves are unspecialized, in that they have so special function (Stem Cell Basics, 2009). Part of the beauty of the stem cell is that through cellular...
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...FALFA11 Sec E The history of Stem Cell Research Legislation in the United States Adult stem cell research on humans began in the 1960's, first achieving success in the treatment of a patient with severe combined immunodeficiency disorder in 1968. Since the early 1970's, adult stem cells have been successfully used for treatment of immunodeficiency and leukemia. Many are in support of the scope, nature, necessity and urgency of stem cell research. If the possibility is there to preserve life and cure diseases such as Cancer, Leukemia, Heart Disease AIDS/HIV, the United States Federal Government should issue more funds towards stem cell research. Those very same people that are against stem cell research may someday find themselves in dire need stem cells to save their lives. A German AIDS patient was able to stop drugs he had been taking for 10 years after getting a transplant of stem cells from a donor with a rare gene variant known to resist the deadly disease. The transplant also cured his leukemia, researchers reported. Embryonic stem cell research does not appear to be ethical and it seems as if a life is being taken in the process. One can’t help but pose the question, “when do the actual stages of life begin”? A Blastocyst is a thin-walled hollow structure in early embryonic development that contains a cluster of cells called the inner cell mass from which the embryo arises. The outer layer of cells gives rise to the placenta and other supporting tissues needed for...
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...Stem Cell Research Stem cells are generic cells that can make exact duplicates of themselves indefinitely and can be used to form specialized cells of each tissue type. They are the foundation for every cell in the body. Stem cells are unique because they can self-sustain and replicate themselves. Scientists have found that stem cells can be programmed to perform many special functions in a body. There are two main types of stem cells that scientists have found to be the most promising in the reproduction of tissues. They are adult stem cells and embryonic stem cells. Embryonic stem cells can be found in the earliest stages of fetuses. Embryonic stem cells are unique because they can be programmed to be any kind of cell in the body. Embryonic research has been experimented much more on mice. There have been no proven tests on human embryonic cells. Adult stem cells are not as much of a heated debate as embryonic stem cells are. “The use of ESC’s (embryonic stem cells) is unacceptable to some people because they can only be harvested from embryos that are destroyed in the process” (Aldhous, Reich). Embryonic stem cells have to be taken from an unborn fetus, while adult stem cells can be acquired from a fully developed being. From the highest political viewpoint embryonic stem cell research is not looked upon with fondness. The Bush administration shut down all government funding of embryonic stem cell research. Adult stem cells, also referred to as multi-potent cells...
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...Stem Cell Research Sarah-Renee Keller So far, stem cell research had been a topic of great debate and will continue to be. This is mainly for moral or religious reasons. Stem cell research, though hotly debated, could possibly change or save millions of lives. This is why I believe Stem Cell Research should be continued. The advantages outweigh the disadvantages. Also, while the moralities of others should be considered and respected as much as possible, it shouldn't take precedence when the benefits of stem cell therapies have the potential to be so many. Definition of stem cells Stem cells are cells with the ability to divide many times and can eventually develop into many different tissues that perform specific functions. The two types of stem cells are embryonic and adult (or somatic) stem cells. Embryonic stem cells are obtained from embryos, most of which are left over attempts from in-vitro fertilization. They are then placed in a culture dish in the hope that they will continue to multiply and not differentiate. Somatic stem cells are cells acquired from adults in tissues that need to generate more cells to maintain themselves and function (such as bone marrow). Scientists typically have much more difficulty trying to generate adult stem cells in cultures than embryonic stem cells. Stem cells can be totipotent, pluripotent, or multipotent. Totipotent cells are the most useful, because they can become any cell or tissue type. The middle ground between...
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...Stem Cell Research Embryonic stem cell research dates as far back as the early 1900’s when scientists discovered that certain cells could produce more cells in both animals and humans. In 1961, two scientists, Dr. James Till and Dr. Ernest McCulloch, proved the existence of cells that can “self-renew repeatedly for various uses.” (“Stem cell history,” 2011). Stem cells are an important element to medical research. According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, “there are four primary sources for embryonic stem cells: existing stem cell lines, aborted or miscarried embryos, unused in vitro fertilized embryos, and cloned embryos.” (2008). In order to extract stem cells found within an embryo, the embryo will be destroyed in the removal process. This is where the ethical and funding debates come in to play. The debate over embryonic stem cell research is politically divided among Democrats and Republicans. As history has shown, Democrats seem to be more supportive of expanding the research as a whole, while Republicans are only supportive of expanding the research as long as it does not involve destroying or harming human embryos. The first time the U.S. government and Department of Health and Human Services placed a ban on researching embryos was after the famous 1973 Supreme Court decision in Roe v. Wade that allowed private abortions. The government was worried about the aborted fetuses becoming exploited for research purposes, so they temporarily suspended...
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...Zaccaria Introduction to Ethics April 27, 2015 Outline THESIS: Is the use of stem cells favorable for healing and or curing human diseases more favorable for healing and or curing diseases more significant than the ethical concerns and arguments? I. What are stem cells? A) An unspecialized cell that can generate to one or more different types of specialized cells regenerated as blood or nerve cells. B) Stem cells are present in embryos and in tissues of adult organisms. II. How are stem cells used? A) Scientific Research B) Potential disease and treatment and or cures C) In vitro fertilization D) Cloning and Genetic Engineering III. Ethical concerns regarding stems cells. A) Scientific research perspective B) Political/Moral Ethics perspective C) Religious/Utilitarianism perspective IV. Conclusion | Stem Cells Risk or Benefit Since the introduction of DNA, scientists have researched many ways to treat and extinguish disease. One interesting way is through the use of stem cells. To get better understanding of stem cells, they are defined as non-specific biological cells capable of differentiating into specialized cells. Stems cells have a unique quality of developing and duplicating cells through the process of cell division. The distinctiveness of stem cells is that they are unspecialized, meaning no specific function, making them capable...
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...have done your research on both the Democratic and Republican candidate and also on the issues facing America today. Stem cell research is one of the many pressing issues that will play a big part in the election and one that the Bush administration had to tackle when George W. Bush first took office. Stem cell research is definitely an issue that American’s shouldn’t take lightly because it has the potential to save millions of lives and keep America’s reputation as the “medical pioneers.” Like all issues though, unfortunately stem cell research has pro’s and con’s and depending on how firm your religious beliefs are planted and what your religious beliefs are, it may effect which side you take. Diabetes, heart disease, cancer, and Alzheimer’s; these are just a few human diseases and disorders that may have affected you or someone you know. If you knew that scientists were on the brink of curing diseases such as these, would you support them? The real question remains; would you continue your support knowing that a person was saved at the sacrifice of another being that had no voice? Let’s first explore and understand the facts. What exactly are stem cells? Our bodies contain hundreds of different types of cells that carry out functions for different organs in our bodies such as our blood, heart and brain. There are 220 different types of cells to be exact and researchers have discovered a way to extract these cells from human embryos and grow the cells in a laboratory...
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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 Cells For as long as humans exist optimal health will continue to remain necessary for a productive life. As new medical discoveries are made each year humans become healthier, and their life expectancy increases. Stem cell research, a relatively new field, aims to improve and lengthen human life. The possibility that stem cells could cure many long term health problems makes this research beneficial to the human race. The value of stem cells comes from their ability to replicate many times and develop into tissue. Scientists suggest that stem cells have the ability to treat debilitating health problems such as: Alzheimer’s disease, spinal cord injuries, strokes, burns, heart disease, diabetes, osteoarthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis. Scientists obtain stem cells from embryos, adult tissue, umbilical cord blood, and bioengineered cells. The major controversy surrounding stem cell research and therapies is due to the fact that embryos are destroyed when harvesting the cells. Embryonic stem cells, also called blastocysts, exist in three to five day old embryos. Destroying embryos brings up ethical concerns for many individuals. Despite this controversy scientists aspire to use embryonic stem cells because they can differentiate into every type of cells, whereas adult stem cells can be differentiated only into the cells, from where they were originated. In order to decide how one feels about stem cell research, one must first decide when life begins. Does life begin the...
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...Stem Cell Research One topic or issue that has been and still is considered to be the most controversial not only in the USA but in many other countries across the world is stem cell research. Personally, I have mixed views about stem cell research. Considering the knowledge that I currently have about stem cell research, I can say that I am definitely in support of it. On one hand I can understand the controversy and views associated with those who are opposed to the research and use of stem cells. Many of the anti-stem cell research advocates have more of a major issue with the source of the stem cells rather than the method of research used. Stem cells are found throughout the body and are capable of regeneration and transforming into any one of the body’s numerous cell types. Majority of the stem cells used are from adult tissues and referred to as the adult stem cells, or somatic cells, which are derived mostly from blood, bone marrow, and the skin. The other types of stem cells also being used are the umbilical cord stem cells, amniotic fluid stem cells, and embryonic stem cells. The most versatile and controversial of all the stem cells are the embryonic, which are also believed to be more promising for studying, treating and curing diseases. The controversy associated with embryonic stem cells are the simple fact that they are derived from embryos which were developed and donated for research purposes by a donors who signed consent for the eggs to be fertilized...
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... Baylois Francois, Grass Kathleen, (2006) “Stem cell trials: Lessons from gene transfer research”, 23-26. When I first heard of stem cell research I wondered how the government could refuse Stem cell research, something that holds the cure for diseases like Alzheimer’s , Cancer or even HIV/AIDS. I didn’t know the background story and how stem cell research borders on the morality of what is ethical and what isn’t. Is it acceptable to save one life but kill another? The critics and the religious minded who believe life begins at conception see this as murder, while proponents praise it as innovative and groundbreaking, in helping save millions of lives. This Cutting-edge new experiment challenges and goes against numerous religions that oppose killing human life, which makes it so controversial. The issue of stem cell research largely involves the destruction of five to seven year old embryos, and raises the morality of this experiment. It questions our principals and makes us wonder are we really sacrificing a life or saving one? You have to choose between two wrong things. While there is immense excitement among scientists and people of the possibility of the millions of human lives stem cells can save there is also a great safety concern as well. Stem cell research has always been a very relevant topic. Over the last decade politicians, Scientists and theorists have debated on the medical advancement of stem cell research, its regenerative medicine and the remarkable...
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...One of the most popular clinical studies being researched these days is stem cell transplantation. Until recently, moral issues of states and countries haven't allowed research to expound deeply into the unknowns. Within the last ten years though, scientists have made leaps and bounds in finding out concrete facts that this stem cell research has supplied. Tommy G. Thompson, Secretary of Health Services states, "I believe it will open up a world of opportunity for scientists, not only at the NIH, but elsewhere, because it demonstrates a cooperative atmosphere among academia, the private sector, and government that will allow us to move ahead" ("sign stem"1). New ways of conducting stem cell research have made the healing and repairing treatment for many diverse applications. To prove their point, scientists have broken down the basic facts of their studies throughout the last ten years. Embryonic stem cell transplantation is a related course of cells that are in charge of certain functions and systems of the body. The cells used in the transplantation process are contrived from "cryopreserved suspensions" from the fetal liver, thymus, bone marrow, spleen, brain, and the pancreas. Introducing these cells to the body can be approached in different ways. The first step taken is engrafting or multiplying cells in the affected area. These cells will then supplement missing or declining cells and replace/repair missing functions of the body. Production then commences with considerable...
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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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...WEEK 6: Stem Cell Research Legislation Course Project Abstract Stem cell research while very important in the medical field has and continues to be a source of controversy. Over the years legislation in the United States has gone back and forth over what is deemed acceptable and ethical as it pertains to this research. Due to recent legislation the ability exists to realize the potential of this research both in the United States and globally. It would be in the best interest of humankind for this research to continue with allowance and funding from the government. According to the National Institutes of Health Resource for Stem Cell Research: Stem cells have the potential to develop into many different cell types in the body during early life and growth. Stem cells are distinguished from other cell types by two important characteristics. First, they are unspecialized cells capable of renewing themselves through cell division, sometimes after long periods of inactivity. Second, under certain physiologic or experimental conditions, they can be induced to become tissue- or organ-specific cells with special functions. Given their unique regenerative abilities, stem cells offer new potentials for treating diseases such as diabetes, and heart disease. (n.d.) Although these cells have these unique capabilities to possibly save lives, they are also the center of much controversy surrounding their usage. The debate on the ethicality...
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...Raymond Swayze Comp II In 2004, 7,266 blood stem cell donations and 1,126 cord blood units were provided in desperate need. More than 50,000 patients worldwide have received blood stem cells from an unrelated donor(WMDA). Different types of stem cells have the ability to heal many types of damaged human tissue. There’s only one type of stem cell that can almost guarantee it can fix any kind of tissue. This is known at the embryonic stem cell. The only way to obtain these cells is by taking them from the embryo, which will ultimately kill the embryo. To some people this is considered a form of abortion. This is such a hot topic because people have to choose to either save a current life, or kill a future life it. Of course there are two sides to every argument. One side is for it and one side is dead set against. Is the price of stem cells worth saving a life? In every opinion you form you must first realize how stem cell research works. The definition of a stem cell is an undifferentiated cell. This means the cell has no true function. Stem cells are placed along specialized cells. Specialized cells include, but not limited to the following, skin cells, muscle cells, or any other cell that plays a specific role in the human body. In the Multiple Scleroses disease the myelin protecting the neuron is missing. When myelin is missing there is constant pain. In a study in 1998 at the University of Wisconsin researchers gathered a group of mice that were genetically deficient...
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