Stem cells are defined as undifferentiated cells of humans that have the potential to develop into different cell types. During division, each stem cell can either remain the same or differentiate into another type of cell with a specialized function. There are two different types of stem cells - adult and embryonic. The difference between these two stem cells is derived from its capability to differentiate into different cell types. Adult stem cells are limited in what type of cells they can develop into, while embryonic stem cells can develop into any type of cell. Thus, human embryonic stem cells (hESC’s) are more desired by those conducting research. Research with hESC’s can lead to major cures, enhanced biological education, and more.
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Some of the most serious medical conditions, such as cancer and birth defects are due to problems that occur somewhere in the developmental process of human embryonic stem cells. Thus, a better understanding of normal cell development will be another step in finding a way to correct the errors that cause these medical conditions. Researchers can determine why, in the early stages of development, some cells become cancerous or how genetic diseases develop. Unfortunately, there are only a few disease-specific embryonic stem cells that can be studied. The approved hESC lines contain genes for different disorders such as “Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, Huntington 's disease, cystic fibrosis, spinal muscular atrophy, myotonic dystrophy and neurofibromatosis” (Taylor). Obviously, these are not all of the disorders the majority of individuals face. Thus, there are more drawbacks without hESC research. Surprisingly, the article remains optimistic, saying that this disease-specific embryonic stem cells are “ideal research tools for designing models to understand disease progression, and ultimately in helping scientists develop new treatments for patients” (Taylor). Another factor that contributes to the benefits of supporting hESC research is that hESC can provide a useful testing ground for new drugs before they are used on humans. Evidence shows that stem cells are more accurate in terms of research results compared to animal subjects. When testing for drugs, researchers try to maintain some sort of correlation between animals and humans. For instance, “if it 's a neurological compound that is tested, oftentimes the cat is the preferred model because the neurological system of the cat more closely mimics that of a human” (Blue). This seems somewhat reliable, but is crucially flawed because the effects of “drugs must be studied in a whole living system”
Some of the most serious medical conditions, such as cancer and birth defects are due to problems that occur somewhere in the developmental process of human embryonic stem cells. Thus, a better understanding of normal cell development will be another step in finding a way to correct the errors that cause these medical conditions. Researchers can determine why, in the early stages of development, some cells become cancerous or how genetic diseases develop. Unfortunately, there are only a few disease-specific embryonic stem cells that can be studied. The approved hESC lines contain genes for different disorders such as “Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, Huntington 's disease, cystic fibrosis, spinal muscular atrophy, myotonic dystrophy and neurofibromatosis” (Taylor). Obviously, these are not all of the disorders the majority of individuals face. Thus, there are more drawbacks without hESC research. Surprisingly, the article remains optimistic, saying that this disease-specific embryonic stem cells are “ideal research tools for designing models to understand disease progression, and ultimately in helping scientists develop new treatments for patients” (Taylor). Another factor that contributes to the benefits of supporting hESC research is that hESC can provide a useful testing ground for new drugs before they are used on humans. Evidence shows that stem cells are more accurate in terms of research results compared to animal subjects. When testing for drugs, researchers try to maintain some sort of correlation between animals and humans. For instance, “if it 's a neurological compound that is tested, oftentimes the cat is the preferred model because the neurological system of the cat more closely mimics that of a human” (Blue). This seems somewhat reliable, but is crucially flawed because the effects of “drugs must be studied in a whole living system”