As you wake up and hear the familiar cadence of the alarm, dread seeps into your deepest pores. Knowing you will suffer from intensified pain and less mobility than the previous day, you cringe at the harsh reality of your newly diagnosed condition. Yet the hope for a possible cure teases you daily, appearing more appetizing as each miserable moment passes. The desire to relieve your body from pain for even one day, no matter what the unknown the risks and long-term problems may be, is worthwhile. Research is not far enough advanced for you to be entered into a clinical trial. People who have no idea of the intense suffering you endure, are making the decision about your possible treatment based on their morals and beliefs. Instead, they
…show more content…
Among these specialized cells are muscle cells, nerve cells (neurons), T and B cells (in the immune system), bone cells (osteocytes), blood cells, and the impressive group called stem cells. Stem cells specifically are unique in their own way. There are two types of stem cells: embryonic and adult. Embryonic stem cells are pluripotent, meaning they have the ability to differentiate into any variety of stem cells. All stem cells are immortal, meaning they will never undergo apoptosis (programmed cell death) due to replication. Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) are gathered by removing a fertilized embryo and placing the embryo in a petri dish containing culture medium-nutrient broth, which provides the cells/embryo food for division. Embryos are typically removed in a blastocyst stage where there are only approximately 180 to 200 cells composing a small mass known as the embryo. Adult stem cells differ from hESCs because they have already differentiated into specific tissue types. The difference in differentiation between hEScs and adult stem cells is important when scientifically discussing scientific research and the future of medicine. However to many, it is not the science that is up for debate between adult and embryonic stem cells, it is merely the morals, ethics, and the actual definition of human and …show more content…
For example, “scientists have succeeded in providing a few disease-specific stem cell lines using unwanted fertility clinic embryos that tested positive for serious genetic diseases, such as cystic fibrosis and spinal muscular atrophy” (Hyun). By conducting research on embryos, which are already proven to have severe, chronic, fatal illnesses, it eases some of the public’s concern for harming what they believe to be an innocent, delicate life. Conducting this research is beneficial in furthering the knowledge of embryonic stem cells and their full capacity and capabilities. Even if it is discovered that embryonic stem cells are supposedly “less beneficial” in curing illnesses, the knowledge uncovered through embryonic stem cell research will help advance our understanding of what happens during humans’ development. The progress scientists have been able to achieve producing stem cell lines from these embryos is an astounding
Among these specialized cells are muscle cells, nerve cells (neurons), T and B cells (in the immune system), bone cells (osteocytes), blood cells, and the impressive group called stem cells. Stem cells specifically are unique in their own way. There are two types of stem cells: embryonic and adult. Embryonic stem cells are pluripotent, meaning they have the ability to differentiate into any variety of stem cells. All stem cells are immortal, meaning they will never undergo apoptosis (programmed cell death) due to replication. Human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) are gathered by removing a fertilized embryo and placing the embryo in a petri dish containing culture medium-nutrient broth, which provides the cells/embryo food for division. Embryos are typically removed in a blastocyst stage where there are only approximately 180 to 200 cells composing a small mass known as the embryo. Adult stem cells differ from hESCs because they have already differentiated into specific tissue types. The difference in differentiation between hEScs and adult stem cells is important when scientifically discussing scientific research and the future of medicine. However to many, it is not the science that is up for debate between adult and embryonic stem cells, it is merely the morals, ethics, and the actual definition of human and …show more content…
For example, “scientists have succeeded in providing a few disease-specific stem cell lines using unwanted fertility clinic embryos that tested positive for serious genetic diseases, such as cystic fibrosis and spinal muscular atrophy” (Hyun). By conducting research on embryos, which are already proven to have severe, chronic, fatal illnesses, it eases some of the public’s concern for harming what they believe to be an innocent, delicate life. Conducting this research is beneficial in furthering the knowledge of embryonic stem cells and their full capacity and capabilities. Even if it is discovered that embryonic stem cells are supposedly “less beneficial” in curing illnesses, the knowledge uncovered through embryonic stem cell research will help advance our understanding of what happens during humans’ development. The progress scientists have been able to achieve producing stem cell lines from these embryos is an astounding