The Negative Impact Of Stem Cell Research On Human Life

In the early 2000’s, a grant was successfully passed for the continuation of research on stem cells. At the time, no one really knew what exactly stem cells were capable of. Even today, the stem cells full potential is unknown by scientists, and further research will hopefully determine what exactly stem cells can do. Many complication have occurred during this process, mainly including whether or not harvesting stem cells is morally correct. What had to be taken into consideration is whether or not the positives outweighed the negatives. The National Research Council, states that “stem cell research has the potential to affect the lives of millions of people” (NRC). Today, new methods of harvesting are being developed that will hopefully …show more content…
Canada Cancer Society has been doing a great deal of research with stem cells, and have begun to find other methods that would be considered as a more appropriate way to harvest stem cells. The Canadian Cancer Society reports that “Stem cells are 10–100 times more concentrated in bone marrow than in peripheral blood” (Canadian Cancer Society). This research being done is one of the many promising ways to harvest stem cells without compromising another life. Patients who are treated with this type of method choose to have their bone marrow donated, the process is very similar to a blood drive. The bone marrow gathered will then be used to harvest the stem cells and help cure many different types of injuries or diseases. Bone marrow is regenerative and the methods behind drawing the bone marrow are very humane and …show more content…
A syringe is then inserted into the hip to retrieve the bone marrow. The Canadian Cancer Society reports that “a total of about 500-1000 mL of bone marrow is drawn which accumulates to about 5% of the average human total bone marrow” (Canadian Cancer Society). The bone marrow is then analyzed and filtered for the most efficient cells that will have the best chance of working when used for healing or curing. Although still invasive, this method involves the choice of the human population and what they wish to do, very similar to blood donation. Along with how the stem cells can be harvested, the purpose of the stem cells is biggest reason of why stem cell research is needed. With the ability to cure multiple diseases, the possibilities of what stem cells can be used are virtually endless. Stem cells already are able to cure diseases like Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s, with further research scientists are hoping that these cells will be the cure to cancer. The vast capabilities of these cells, and the results of the research are