Stem cell research. Those three little words may seem so simple, but the mixed reactions and controversial propaganda that surround the topic are staggeringly diverse. Stem cells are very unique cells that have the ability to morph into any of the types of cells found in our bodies (Newton 3). Blood, heart, nerve, and skin are all types of cells that stem cells have the potential to turn into. Due to this, stem cells could quite easily cause revolutionary breakthroughs in the medical scene, something that has excited medical professionals all over the world. Up until Barack Obama’s Executive Order releasing stem cell research from such tight restrictions in 2009 (Frequently Asked Questions), however, the United States government had become
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Many people believe stem cell research to be inhumane, purely due to the fact that human embryos would need to be sacrificed in order to proceed with research. While many people view the destruction of embryotic cells as murder, others believe that although there is certainly potential for life in the embryos, they are not considered human yet. With so much controversy due to morals surrounding the topic, it is impossible to tell if stem cell research will ever be widely accepted. In many larger cities, protests outside of hospitals both for and against stem cell research have stretched on for days.
Embryonic, adult, and induced pluripotent are several of the stem cells that can be used. Embryonic stem cells are the only cells that can morph into any other type, however, while adult cells are more restricted (Information on Stem Cell Research). Researchers have found that stem cells could potentially cure cancer, birth defects, and as found in a recent discovery, even type 1 diabetes (Manorama Online). Already, diseases such as Leukemia, Dysplasia, and anemia are being treated with stem …show more content…
An estimated $146 million dollars was spent on human embryonic cell research in 2012, and $163 million was spent on non-human embryonic research. Despite the fact that stem cell research is successfully becoming more and more common, however, there are still those that oppose the practice for other reasons. Some cause for concern is that women may feel pressured into donating their eggs for research, especially in poorer countries. Another common concern is the belief that stem cells have the potential to cause cancerous tumors, which was discovered to be caused by contact with arsenic (Information on Stem Cell Research). The discovery has opened the door for further research concerning reactions between stem cells and other carcinogens, which are defined as any substance that causes cancer.
Those who support stem cell research believe that if non-supporters understood both how the experiments were performed and how it could potentially change lives, they may be less inclined to oppose it. Stem cells are produced in special laboratories where there are first placed into a dish to multiply. Once enough cells have been produced, they are placed in separate dishes where they are then turned into specific cells, such as heart or muscle. The process is a simple one, and scientists believe that the benefit of saving thousands of lives with stem cells outweighs the process of extinguishing
Many people believe stem cell research to be inhumane, purely due to the fact that human embryos would need to be sacrificed in order to proceed with research. While many people view the destruction of embryotic cells as murder, others believe that although there is certainly potential for life in the embryos, they are not considered human yet. With so much controversy due to morals surrounding the topic, it is impossible to tell if stem cell research will ever be widely accepted. In many larger cities, protests outside of hospitals both for and against stem cell research have stretched on for days.
Embryonic, adult, and induced pluripotent are several of the stem cells that can be used. Embryonic stem cells are the only cells that can morph into any other type, however, while adult cells are more restricted (Information on Stem Cell Research). Researchers have found that stem cells could potentially cure cancer, birth defects, and as found in a recent discovery, even type 1 diabetes (Manorama Online). Already, diseases such as Leukemia, Dysplasia, and anemia are being treated with stem …show more content…
An estimated $146 million dollars was spent on human embryonic cell research in 2012, and $163 million was spent on non-human embryonic research. Despite the fact that stem cell research is successfully becoming more and more common, however, there are still those that oppose the practice for other reasons. Some cause for concern is that women may feel pressured into donating their eggs for research, especially in poorer countries. Another common concern is the belief that stem cells have the potential to cause cancerous tumors, which was discovered to be caused by contact with arsenic (Information on Stem Cell Research). The discovery has opened the door for further research concerning reactions between stem cells and other carcinogens, which are defined as any substance that causes cancer.
Those who support stem cell research believe that if non-supporters understood both how the experiments were performed and how it could potentially change lives, they may be less inclined to oppose it. Stem cells are produced in special laboratories where there are first placed into a dish to multiply. Once enough cells have been produced, they are placed in separate dishes where they are then turned into specific cells, such as heart or muscle. The process is a simple one, and scientists believe that the benefit of saving thousands of lives with stem cells outweighs the process of extinguishing