The Controversy Of Stem Cell Research

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Imagine a world free of cancer, paralysis, and immune disorders. This could all be possible because of stem cell research. The incredible properties of stem cells allow for medical advancements. These cells have the ability of self-renewal; this unique cell can divide and make perfect copies of themselves. These copies can then develop into other, more specialized cells in a process that is known as differentiation. With differentiation, cells can divide to make exact daughter cells which can then repair tissue, etc., as stem cells are what allow mammals to grow into an adult from a single cell. Stem cell research has proven to be revolutionary in its scientific accomplishments because so far, the implementation of stem cells in medicine has proven beneficial, such as using the science for bone marrow transplants. The possibilities that can be achieved through stem cell use are continually growing; as recent research suggests. While very controversial because of possibly obtaining the cells through human embryos (which is not the only way to obtain them), the harvesting and use of stem cells needs to be implemented more into medicine and medical practices. There are three types of stem cells: tissue, embryonic, and iPS. Tissue stem cells can be either unipotent, meaning they can become only one specialised cell, or they can be multipotent, meaning they can become multiple different types of cells. Usually, these cells can only be that from which they were derived . Embryonic stem cells are known as pluripotent, meaning they can become and kind of specialised cell. They are harvested through a blastocyst, a four to five day old embryo. Epiblast stem cells are very similar in that they are derived from embryos, but epiblasts are obtained from older embryos. The last type of stem cells are known as iPS, or induced pluripotent stem cells. These cells are made in a lab to become pluripotent, furthering the possibilities of more stem cell accomplishments, adding on to the many that have already been achieved (Lewis). With these different types of cells, there are also contrasting ways to derive them. The primary cause of controversy in stem cell research lies in how the cells are obtained. …show more content…
There are multiple tactics of accessing stem cells; these cells can be collected through umbilical cord blood, bone marrow, many organs, the skin, blood vessels, etc. This eliminates the controversy and proves another reason that the research into stem cells and their uses is vital. These means can be more favorable than embryos to some people and their beliefs. Tissue stem cells are another derivation and way to obtain the cells. “Tissue stem cells allow us to develop, grow, heal, and replace worn out cells” (Lewis). Furthermore, the development of iPS cells have shown that adult cells can, “become pluripotent, similar to embryonic cells” (Lewis). Even with these controversies, stem cells have still proven how valuable they are in medicine. While there is mounting evidence of the benefits of stem cells in medicine, there are few medical community and government approved uses. In fact, there is only one use of stem cells in Britain that has been approved: haematopoietic stem cell transplants, or bone marrow transplants (Lewis). This treats problems in the immune system and blood. Skin grafts and corneal repair are other ways stem cells are being currently used. The fact that medical use of stem cells is so controversial is not easily understandable considering one of the only approved uses does not even involve embryonic stem cells, but in fact bone marrow. While stem cells have proven that they can be revolutionary in their accomplishments, there …show more content…
The regenerative capabilities of stem cells can change the course of medicine, so much so that they could, “help to develop new therapies for many different diseases, from cancer to multiple sclerosis” (Lewis). The possibilities made available by stem cells must be taken more into consideration and they should, without a doubt, become more involved in medical practices. This is crucial because of the medical advancements in repairing the human body and treating an abundance of diseases. Stem cells lead to endless possibilities, could change an innumerable amount of lives, and give people opportunities that have previously never been thought

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