...Stem cells are cells that are not yet specialized but are able to be specialized to do a specific job or create a certain object within the body, for example, skin, muscle, or bone. There are many positives when working with stem cells, like curing diseases and fixing bones by regrowing new ones. On the other hand, stem cells are mostly taken from an embryo which creates a lot of ethical and controversial issues. Disassembling embryos, human cloning, and the fact that the treatments may not work are all negative effects of stem cell research. Many believe that at the moment of conception there is another life growing inside of you. To take that life and disassemble it to save another human life is perceived as unethical because the embryo does not get a say in the matter for what the human race is paying to have done to it. Thankfully, in 1996, there was a legislation created prohibiting the use of taxpayers’ money toward stem cell research, but still many private groups continue to fund for the researchers which cause many people to fight...
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...The 21st century is characterized for its technological advancements. Rapid renovation in medical research, disease treatment, and advanced quality of life has marked the turn of the century. Recent development in stem cell research has brought forth an ethical debate; whether research to achieve new medical remedies is permissible at the stake of, arguably, the unborn life of frozen embryos or if stem cell research should cease at the cost of disease stricken people worldwide to preserve an embryo that may never be born. 1. Massage (Articulate) the Problem: a) What is the current undesirable situation? Identify and define issues in the dilemma. The current undesirable situation pertaining to frozen embryo donation is the donor being forced to keep frozen embryos against their own discretion. It may be unfavorable to keep embryos frozen for an extended period of time because of the financial burden. To extract, freeze, and preserve embryos, clients can expect to pay an initial fee of approximately $10,000. According to USCFertility, client can also expect a storage fee of $500 per year and to thaw frozen embryos an additional payment of $5,000 is required (uscfertility.org). Another issue apart of this ethical dilemma is whether embryos are classified as a person or property. If assumed to be property, it is debatable whether preservation of embryos can be mandated. Lastly, and perhaps the most controversial component of this dilemma is defining “conception” to establish when...
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...Stem Cell Research Essay Stem Cell research is a highly controversial topic in the world of science. Many people disagree with and oppose the research because of their belief that the research is unethical. The laws regarding the research of Stem cells vary from country to country. Many countries have very strict laws on the research and some have completely banned it. There are many organizations and scientists that are pushing for the research and study of the stem cells. These viewpoints establish that Stem cells can be very beneficial for human use. There are three main types of stem cells: embryonic, tissue and induced pluripotent (Euro Stem Cell, 2012). Embryonic stem cells are used because they do not have a designated function...
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...Stem cells are a special type of cell located in the bodies of all multicellular animal life. They are the precursor stage of all adult cells, so are unique in their ability to develop into every other type of cell in the human body. This specialisation makes them of great interest in the field of biomedicine, as they can be utilised to replace damaged or lost cells in individuals with injuries or genetic illnesses. However, the research and usage of human stem cells remains a controversial and divisive matter. This essay will explain the main reasons why controversy surrounds their use as a medical therapy. The main controversy of stem cells being used in medicine revolves primarily around the research and usage of a particular kind of human stem cell; embryonic stem cells(ES cells). ES cells, as the name implies, are stem cells found only in the innermost mass of cells within blastocysts; the early stage of a human embryo. The extraction of these cells for use however, results in the destruction of the blastocyst. This raises issues about the morality of extracting ES cells, as they can only be removed at the cost of denying the future embryo the chance of developing into the foetal stage and subsequently, becoming a human life. One philosophical outlook on why the use of ES cells is immoral is that “...the human embryo is the same individual as the human organism at subsequent stages of development”1, a viewpoint that is relayed in the sentiments of a 2003 public...
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...Stem Cell Ethics Essay In today’s society there are many things that are deemed ethical or not unethical. Underage drinking, drug use, divorce, these are just a few that might be considered unethical. Stem Cell Research can fall into either category depending on a person’s views. A stem cell is a biological cell found in every multicellular organism that can divide into different specialized cells. In a growing embryo, stem cells help maintain the regeneration parts of organs. “Cells grown in the lab provide scientists with the opportunity to "engineer" them for use in transplantation or treatment of diseases” (National Institutes of Health). There are two different types of stem cells, embryonic and adult. Embryonic cells are in the inner cell mass and adult cells are found in tissues. “Embryonic stem cells exist only at the earliest stages of embryonic development and are capable of making any cell type in the body. Under the right conditions, these cells retain the ability to divide and make copies of them indefinitely. Scientists are beginning to understand how to make these cells develop into any of the more than 200 different types of cells in the human body” (Stem Cell Research). “Adult stem cells are more limited and specialized than embryonic stem cells. They have the ability to make just one or two kinds of tissue, such as blood and immune system cells, brain or muscle cells. Adult stem cells also have a more limited capacity to replace themselves than do embryonic...
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...In your opinion, when does life begin and what are the ethical implications of your position? While some suggest that life is a continuum as gametes link generations, it is the society’s general view that life begins at a distinct time point. To many, life begins at the time when we are born in the hospital as a baby. At that particular moment, an individual is officially declared as “born” and thus be granted an identify in the society. Seemingly, life of an individual begins at birth. However, debates on when life begins have been on-going throughout human history due to its significant ethical, biomedical and philosophical consequences. Despite the many factors we need to consider when thinking about when life begins, Dr. Ricki Lewis, a science writer with a PhD in genetics, managed to narrow down the options to 17 time points, based primarily on biomedical factors. Amongst these time points, I believe life begins at week 22 of pregnancy. In this essay, I will support my stance by comparing it to some other major arguments. The ethical implications of my stance will also be illustrated and discussed. Life begins only when an organism has the ability to survive. When we discuss when life begins, it is important to define what life is. There are three definitions of life, said Dr. Chris McKay on his article. Life can be referred to a collective understanding of a system of material entitles that can undergo evolution (i.e. when we are asking if there is any life...
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...Maffei Stem Cell Research Essay Majority of the general population knows or has heard something in reference to stem cell research, weather it is from magazine articles or news, at some point in our daily lives we’ve heard the term “Stem Cell Research.” Stem cells due to their controversial nature, has seen numerous changes in the legislation governing its research and the types of stem cells – weather it is fetal, cord, embryonic, etc... – The legislation affecting stem cells can determine where the U.S. stands on this ground breaking research. According to Lanza, A simple definition for stem cells is as follows “a stem cell is a cell that has the potential to develop into a number of different types of cells in the body.” (2011). Basically, stem cells are the base of all organs and tissues in the human body, a master cell of some sort. Stems cell, also have the potential be the backbone of many medical breakthroughs in centuries to come, from age prevention to helping with disabilities such as blindness, inability to walk, etc... As mention earlier in this paper there are many types of stem cells, but for purpose of this paper I shall focus on adult & embryonic stem cells. An adult stem cell is an undifferentiated cell that is found amongst differentiated cells in an organ or tissue that processes the ability to renew itself, as well as differentiate into other specialized cell types. By their nature, adult stem cells aren’t as controversial as embryonic stem cells...
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...degenerative diseases, thereby defective genes could be replaced and help improve the lives of millions. However, cloning in the human sense has had a difficult start. DNA cloning has permitted the development of modern biology, in particular within the last forty years. In this time frame the world has passed from theories to actually cloning genes. Subsequently, The University of Utah Health Sciences did a study on the history of cloning: Mitalipov and colleagues were the first to use somatic cell nuclear transfer to create a human embryo. …In this experiment, researchers took a skin cell from a patient and fused it with a donated egg cell. Key to the success of the experiment was the modification to the culture liquid in which the procedure was done and to the series of electrical pulses used to stimulate the egg to begin its division. Following the cloning controversy of 2004–2005, in which South Korean scientists falsely claimed to have used somatic cell nuclear transfer to create embryonic stem cell lines, the scientific community demanded much stronger evidence that the procedure had actually been successful. (Learn. Genetics) Subsequently, many states in the US began to prohibit the use of therapeutic and reproductive cloning. Regardless, cloning should be decriminalized, with the stipulation that serious regulations be put into place. People, often too caught in the moral implications of cloning never take the time to learn the scientific process. Moral implications are thoughts...
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...English Argumentative Essay Should embryonic stem cell research carry on? Embryonic stem cell research creates an ethical dilemma. It forces us to choose between two moral principles: the duty to prevent or lessen the suffering; or the duty to respect the value of human life. In embryonic stem cell research, it is impossible to respect both moral principles. To get embryonic stem cells, the early embryo has to be destroyed. This means destroying a potential human life. But embryonic stem cell research could lead to the discovery of new medical treatments that would lessen the suffering of many people. So which moral principle should have the upper hand in this situation? The answer hinges on how we view the embryo. Does it have the status of a person? Some say it does, as many people think of an embryo as a fully-grown human. The reason for this is the fact that, once an egg is fertilized, unless stopped, it will grow into a fully-grown adult. This opinion is often related to religious rules which state that conception marks the beginning of human life or the presence of a soul. It has been argued that "the line at which an embryo becomes a human life remains as chance as ever". Others argue that embryos are not humans, believing that the life of Homo sapiens only begins when the heartbeat develops, which is during the 5th week of pregnancy, or when the brain begins working, which is about 54 days after conception. Embryos are of value, however they are not equivalent...
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...2010 Cloning Human, animal, and plant cloning is one of the most controversial subjects in modern science. There are many good arguments in favor of cloning, as well as many against it. In my opinion, plant and animal cloning could be very efficient to society by way of creating more food, but I also view it as unethical. In this essay I will discuss many pro’s and con’s of cloning. Cloning can help the human race in many ways, but is it necessary? One way it can help us is by the cloning of plants and animals. In doing this, we could create more food and genetically engineer the food to maximize its health. "Commercial livestock cloning could inundate the food supply with novel products that have not been safety tested."(Mendelson). Most scientists who oppose the idea claim that cloned animals usually have birth defects, and have not been properly tested for safe consumption. Although this could be true, with the rapidly advancing technology in today’s world it probably will not be long until cloning is perfected, and the animals pass all tests. However, is the cloning of animals really necessary for us to survive? Those who are on the more ethical side of the matter believe that God has and will continue to provide us with plenty of plants and animals to survive on. Thus, the argument can go back and forth depending on your beliefs and personal ethics. Ultimately the answer to the question is what you make it. Another way cloning can benefit us is by the cloning of human...
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...Embryonic Stem Cell Use Abstract: Researchers discovered that embryonic stem cells could be originated from early human embryos. This discovery has raised a series of ethical and public-policy questions that are now being confronted by multiple international organizations, nations, cultures, and religious traditions. This essay surveys policies for human embryonic stem cell research in four regions of the world, reports on the recent debate at the United Nations about one type of such research, and reviews the positions that various religious traditions have adopted regarding this novel type of research. In several instances the religious traditions seem to have influenced the public-policy debates. There are many ways in which human stem cells can be used in research and the clinic. Studies of the medical use of Embyonic Stem cells will yield information about the complex events that occur during human development. A primary goal of this work is to identify how undifferentiated stem cells become the differentiated cells that form the tissues and organs. Scientists know that turning genes on and off is central to this process. Some of the most serious medical conditions, such as cancer and birth defects, are due to abnormal cell division and differentiation. A more complete understanding of the genetic and molecular controls of these processes may yield information about how such diseases arise and suggest new strategies for therapy. Predictably controlling cell proliferation...
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...operation it signifies the turning of given phenomena into human-induced processes, and in doing so seeks to control, if not outright eliminate, otherwise given differences. In the latter sense, cloning is equally applicable to biological organisms and cultural artifacts, including law. Seen from this perspective the homogenization of international law in the field of biotechnology is a telling case of the cloning of international law. The essay will begin with a science fiction account of cloning through a brief discussion of Aldous Huxley’s novel Brave New World.17 I will then move to discuss two case studies of genetic regulation, which simultaneously address the problem of cloning and reproduce the problem on a different level. The first concerns human cloning and the 2005 United Nation Declaration on the Human Cloning.18 The second concerns stem-cell research and a more recent decision of the Court of Justice of the European Union (CJEU) in the case of Brüstle v. Greenpeace (2011), to impose a blanket prohibition on patenting the outcome of stem-cell research. The two cases represent the growing international governance of biotechnologies. Both regulations set limits on the use of specific biotechnologies either by an outright prohibition of the practice, or by refusing to patent its outcome. In both cases, the underlying justification for the regulation is the concern that regulation on a national level is an insufficient response to the rise of these technologies. There are, however...
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...Classical Principles or Argument Essay Analysis Karen Jones Eng 215 February 7, 2016 Classic Principles or Argument Essay Analysis Michael Crichton’s Environmentalism as a Religion Run Amcok will define ethos, logos and pathos, the classic principle of an argument. Michael Crichton’s work made him a believer that his thoughts were that environmentalism is a religion to lots of people. His logic was used to see the problem environmentalism being used as a religion, therefore a lot of outside sources Crichton believed that a person should find scientific proof that as to what environmentalism actually made the most sense. Crichton used logo to simply state the examining process of his claim. The first claim he made was “Today, one of the most powerful religions in the Western World is environmentalism (Crichton 2004/2007, para. 4). He then proceeds to tell the reader that the relationship he sees between the religion and the facts by writing “One of the defining features of religion is that beliefs are not troubled by facts, because they have nothing to do with them” (Crichton 2004/2007. para 18). A lot of readers agree with him that this is merely nothing but a logical statement. This statement will then make the reader question what the religion has to do with environmentalism? After the reader asks himself the question, Crichton made it a point to say that religion really doesn’t have a thing to do with environmentalism. This in turn makes the reader wonder if what he...
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...of human clones. In the following essay I am going to speak about the subject of Human Cloning, its pros and cons, and speak against the following issues. Pros of Human Cloning Prior to arguing against the human cloning it is imperative to note the positives of this genetic technology. Human cloning will allow doctors to determine the cause of spontaneous abortions, give oncologists an understanding of the rapid cell growth of cancer, allow the use of stem cells to regenerate nerve tissues, and advance work on aging, genetics, and medicines. Some people argue that cloning is the logical next step in reproductive technology. Identical twins are natural clones, so reproductive cloning can be regarded as a technological version of a natural process (McGee, 82). If a couple are infertile, why shouldn't they be able to produce clones of themselves? If a couple have lost a child, why shouldn't they be able to replace that loved individual with a clone if that is possible? Equally if someone has made a great contribution to science, music, the arts or literature, it seems like a good idea to produce more of them in the hope that we might benefit even more from what would effectively be a much longer working life. What is more, cloning a child could produce a tissue match for treatment of a life-threatening disease (Kass, 141). For better understanding, please take a look at the comparative chart as shown below in the addendum section of this essay. As one can see, the human cloning...
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...Presents MINI-RESEARCH STRATEGIES & MODELS Mini-Research Activities Increase Student Achievement Support the Mission of the 21st Century Librarian INCLUDES: LM_Net commentary on preventing of plagiarism vs. detection and punishment strategies The challenge to librarians of the Pew and N2H2 Study of student Internet use Doug Johnson strategies for Low Probability of Plagiarism (LPP) Mini-Research models and strategies curb plagiarism and develop writing and critical thinking Scientific-based research (SBR) supports the use of mini-research activities to increase student achievement © ProQuest LLC – May be reproduced for Educational Purposes September 2007 TABLE OF CONTENTS Topic Section Selected LM_Net Librarian Comments about Positive Strategies for Preventing Plagiarism Strategies for Creating Low Probability of Plagiarism Research Activities—Doug Johnson Bloom‘s Taxonomy of Higher-Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) and Mini-Research ProQuest Mini-Research Strategies Correlated to HOTS -- (Bloom‘s Taxonomy) Mini-Research Formal Model—Integrate Technology and Prevent Plagiarism Mini-Research Draft Summary Model Integrates Technology Methods and Skills Mini-Research Informal Model—Integrate Technology and Prevent Plagiarism Flexible Rubrics Model for Teacher Evaluation of Mini-Research Reports APPENDIX ProQuest Mini-Research Process vs. Traditional Research Renewed Emphasis on the Importance of Writing and Mini-Research Activities Scientific-based Research (SBR),...
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