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Using stem cells in their research, scientists are able to discover new information
that leads to advancements in the scientific society. However, what many people
do not understand is that stem cells are unlike other types of cells, and this
is because of two significant characteristics. These differences lead to a
lot of controversy, as you'll soon see.
First, stem cells are able to renew themselves for long periods of time through
the process of cell division, thus making them specialized cells. Secondly, stem
cells can be used under certain physiologic or experimental conditions. They can
be induced (meaning that they can be converted) to become cells
with particular duties. For example, they could be the beating cells
of the muscle in the heart, or the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas. In
turn, being able to create and control these cells can affect people who have such diseases as diabetes or problems with
their heart.
Experimental scientists most commonly use two different types of cells -- adult
stem cells and embryonic stem cells. Using these stem cells in medical studies
is a vital
task, since it is hypothesized that, they may help scientists find the cures to
such diseases as Parkinson's Disease, diabetes and heart disease.
Many of the most serious medical conditions that affect us today -- whether it be
defects in the birth process to cancer -- are caused by abnormal cell division and
differentiation. If scientists were to obtain a better understanding of the
genetic and molecular controls of these cell behaviors, they may better
understand how such diseases work. It may also suggest new
strategies for therapy and treatment.
However, some ask why new discoveries have not arisen already, seeing as stem
cells can provide much needed information from research. The answer to this is
that scientists face a major obstacle in understanding the signals that turn specific
genes on and off in our bodies. This is important, because when the genes turn
on and off, they influence the differentiation of the stem cell -- vital
information, which scientists need to know.
Another factor in dealing with stem cells is the need for organ transplants. All over the world, people are in need of donated organs in order to
survive. However, the people needing a transplant far outnumber the
donors. Stem cells can be used to make and replace donor organs,
thus providing relief in a quicker amount of time, improving and even saving a
myriad of lives.
Many people are against the use of stem cells -- not only for cancer research -- but because
it is intertwined with cloning, a very controversial topic. In fact, there is a
current legal situation in Australia where the government has decided to put a ban on
all
human reproductive cloning. However, there is not a current ban on other aspects
of embryonic research, including stem cells. Debates like this rage across
the globe.
Deciding whether it is right or wrong to use stem cells in research is a matter of
choice, since some can look at it with a scientific perspective, while others will
note is has a religious aspect. What is right or wrong... you decide that... it does not
seem appropriate to be lectured in an article.
Cruel to be Kind,
TIKE
Work Cited
Lacayo, Richard. "The Stem Cell Debate." Time Magazine. Summer, 2003.
Microsoft Encarta Encyclopedia. 2nd Ed. CR-ROM. Microsoft: Microsoft Inc., 2000.
"Should stem cells be taken from 'spare' human embryos for use in medical
research?" http://www.echoed.com.au/mediaissues/stemcell.htm (15 July 2003).
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