I think it would be wise to start with what exactly stem
cells are. They are unique cells, which are capable of dividing and renewing
themselves, as well as their ability to give rise to specialized cell types
(like heart or liver tissue). Currently, embryonic and somatic, or “adult” stem
cells are the most widely used for stem cell research. “Adult” stem cells are
found within the body already and repair or generate cell types of the tissues
where they reside. Embryonic stem cells
are found in human embryos which are developed through in vitro fertilization. They have a greater capacity for self renewal,
which is why so many researchers are trying to figure out more of their
potential uses.
What are the immediate advantages? Are there any long term effects
regarding stem cell use? The fact that embryonic stem cells have the ability to
develop into many different specific tissues, cells and organs within the body,
is why they remain such an interest. They offer a variety of use for medical
treatments regarding many different medical conditions.
The real controversy lies in the creation, use, and destruction
of human embryos, for embryonic stem cells and research. Adult stem cells are used
presently, but instigate little to no debate due to their success of treating leukemia
and bone/blood cancers through bone marrow transplants. What benefits come with
the use of stem cells? What moral concerns are present with embryonic stem cell
use?
Although there are no approved treatments using embryonic
stem cells, the question of morally right or wrong can still be addressed. This
issue can also lead into a whole other argument of if in vitro fertilization, for research use in a laboratory, and not
for fertilization of an egg to be inserted back into a woman, is ethically correct.
This also leaves many present questions unanswered. Will embryonic stem cell research
be socially accepted, if it is ever approved? Will there be support from not
only the government, but from society?
This topic is very much up for debate and leaves me
wondering, how will this ultimately shape the possible future of embryonic stem
cell research?
(I've provided a youtube link to give you a little understanding of what embryonic stem cell research is all about, if you don't quite understand from my post).
(I've provided a youtube link to give you a little understanding of what embryonic stem cell research is all about, if you don't quite understand from my post).
I think your most interest (and most productive questions) are "Will embryonic stem cell research be socially accepted, if it is ever approved? Will there be support from not only the government, but from society?"
ReplyDeleteThe moral question will ultimately come down to individual morals, often (though not always) related to religion. I don't think any amount of research can answer such a moral dilemma, and you will probably "have" to conclude that it's up to individuals.
BUT such can reveal how and why these ethical questions operate in our culture and politics.
Oops, that should say "most interesting" above!
ReplyDeleteThis is a very intresting subject. I did not know myself that they were doing embryonic stem cell research. I think you have some great questions that need to be answered as well. Do they know yet if the embryonic stem cells can treat cancers or such things in humans yet? I think you have the biggest question to answer which is will people in society accept it? I am intrested to read what you find out.
ReplyDeleteAlex Stults
My ideas are very simple… I think that there is a lot of research that can go on without hurting others. I believe that there wasn’t any controversy in using adult stem cells because no one had to die. What if researchers just used the after birth? Is there a way to grow the cells that babies leave? I know that doctors ask if you want to save the after birth so they can do research or to save your child’s life if there is an unexpected illness. I would place the morality of this subject back on the people that are experimenting but I would think it would be a simpler subject to approach if it was from something to throw away than an unborn fetus.
ReplyDeleteHi Bryce,
ReplyDeleteI just did a paper for another class on Stem Cell Research, and the ethics behind it. I found a lot of articles online as it is so controversial. You should be able to come up some informative resources. I found he whole thing fascinating! Some really amazing discoveries are just at our fingertips when contemplating this type of research. Good luck,
Hi Bryce,
ReplyDeleteYou have a very interesting topic, and it is very controversial. I do not know the full details about this topic, but I am curious to read what you will find out. Do the unborn babies have to die for the research? Do they have a heartbeat when they start research? I do call them babies, because I am a mother of three and they are babies to me.
Hey Bryce-
ReplyDeleteThis was a great depiction of what stem cell research is and what conflict lies behind it. I am curious as to what forms of testing is being done in regards to the effectiveness of stem cell research. I understand that this has been a standing debate for many years as to whether or not this is an ethical form of tissue repair, but are there any signs of resolving the issue any time soon? I like how you point out the main point of the issue with stem cell research is the whole morals concept which is a very valid arguement, and could really make or break the future use and development of the research. Interesting topic and nice intro to the whole controversy and background on the situation.