Throughout the short timeline of stem cell research, scientists have learned about the different types of stem cells and their functions while trying to avoid ethical and funding issues that arise as obstacles. Studies on human stem cells allow scientists to attempt to create cures for diseases like Parkinson’s disease, diabetes, and myocardial infarction while also better understanding the development and differentiation of human cells (Lo and Parham). Differentiation is the process of unspecialized cells changing into specialized cells. Scientists plan on changing stem cells into specialized cells that could be used in transplants (Lo and Parham). Although stem cell studies could advance the medical industry, it should not be used because
…show more content…
Since private investors do not benefit directly from stem cell research, they have no reason to invest their money in it. Therefore, because of the lack of private investors, the continuation of research relies on federal funding (Robertson 194). However, disputes over moral principles may halt federal funding (Robertson 194).
Besides the research requiring government funding, stem cell research can also cause serious medical conditions from abnormal cell division, like birth defects or cancer (“Stem”). Stem cell lines that already exist and are stored may not be safe to transplant into humans (Lo and Parham). These long-standing lines have accumulated multiple mutations, including several that can develop cancer (Lo and Parham). The research on these cells may cause deadly side effects if they are injected into humans for treatment purposes.
Research on stem cells has been a continuing controversy since the first derived stem cells in 1998. Within less than 20 years, this field of study has faced numerous obstacles, including questionable moral values, money problems, and serious side effects. Stem cell research should not be conducted, and scientists should attempt to find cures and treatments by using other less harmful and costly
Since private investors do not benefit directly from stem cell research, they have no reason to invest their money in it. Therefore, because of the lack of private investors, the continuation of research relies on federal funding (Robertson 194). However, disputes over moral principles may halt federal funding (Robertson 194).
Besides the research requiring government funding, stem cell research can also cause serious medical conditions from abnormal cell division, like birth defects or cancer (“Stem”). Stem cell lines that already exist and are stored may not be safe to transplant into humans (Lo and Parham). These long-standing lines have accumulated multiple mutations, including several that can develop cancer (Lo and Parham). The research on these cells may cause deadly side effects if they are injected into humans for treatment purposes.
Research on stem cells has been a continuing controversy since the first derived stem cells in 1998. Within less than 20 years, this field of study has faced numerous obstacles, including questionable moral values, money problems, and serious side effects. Stem cell research should not be conducted, and scientists should attempt to find cures and treatments by using other less harmful and costly