Essay on The Importance of Stem Cell Research - 1060 Words

Imagine a world where the diseases we know today are virtually eradicated, and where incurable injuries are a thing of the past. Even though this sounds like a science fiction movie, advances in modern science are making this statement more of a reality than a dream. This can be accomplished through stem cell therapy and cell differentiation. Stem cell therapy is like an intervention, in which new cells are introduced into the body or tissue in order to treat a disease or injury (Haldeman-Englet, Chad). Cell differentiation is the process in which a cell has the potential to become physically/fundamentally and functionally different from one another Also meaning they are pluripotent (Smith, S.E). These special cells have many uses, thus†¦show more content†¦Somatic stem cells, also called adult stem cells, may also be used, however they have been said to not proliferate as quickly as the embryonic stem cells. Somatic stem cells are found throughout all the body tissues excep t in the ovaries or the testis. Then these somatic stem cells can then be transplanted into the recipient to encourage their own stem cells to begin the repair process. Also the somatic stem cells can be manipulated into other cell types, which is a well controlled process of genetic modification (Stemcells.nih.gov/info/basics/basics4.asp). It is a safe procedure and because they are the recipients own stem cells the body will not reject them. Using the adult stem cells will also eliminate a lot of controversy that surrounds the use of embryonic cells. Transdifferentiation, a theory which states that a non-stem cell could be transformed into a different type of cell is also being experimented with. This is also known as Somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT), which is a reprogramming technique that is also used in cloning technology. This has been reported to happen within some organisms such as a newt, and results in regeneration. (http://encyclopedia.thefreedictionary.com/transdiff erentiation). Many speculate as to the awesome potential stem cells have. Stem cells notShow MoreRelatedThe Importance Of Stem Cell Research1278 Words   |  6 Pagespaper, there has always been a lot of controversy surrounding stem cell research and the ethically rights researchers have obtaining it, let alone experimenting with it. Therefore, it is no surprise that before RCT with stem cells on humans were approved and accepted, trials were done on mice and rats. While it is not ideal and in no way similar to the effects on humans, experiments done during this phase were useful in viewing how stem cells actually alter and impact osteoarthritic joints. In an experimentRead MoreThe Importance Of Stem Cell Research805 Words   |  4 Pageshereditary altering. In stem cell research, â€Å" An isogenic human iPSC cell line precisely corrected by the CRISPR-Cas9 system was recently constructed, despite the handling difficulties associated with gene editing of human stem cells† (Kim, â€Å"CRISPR-Cas9: a promising tool for gene editing on induced pluripotent stem cells.†) iPSCs, which are fundamentally the same as embryonic stem cells, are pluripotent cells with a high self-reestablishment rate that can separate into all cell sorts; be that as itRead MoreThe Importance Of Stem Cell Research812 Words   |  4 Pagesscientists has recognized a vital regulator of hematopoiesis, the process of making new blood cells after bone marrow transplants, bone marrow injury, and during systemic infection, creating new blood cells, including immune cells. This regulator is a protein known as the Del-1 (developmental endothelial locus–1). Researchers have deemed that focusing on Del-1 will be an effective way to upgrade stem cell transplants for both donors and recipients. It is also determined that there could be also methodsRead MoreThe Importance of Stem Cell Research Essay1649 Words   |  7 Pagessuch as above kill off important cells that reproduce rapidly to help the body function normally. Well, what alternatives does one have to turn to when the time clock runs out for all cells, resulting in death. Stem cell usage is a second chance given that doesn’t set death as an essential from these fatal diseases. Stem cell research is an unaware issue to society that could possibly be the antidote to saving lives, and to others who are familiar with the research is a controversial issue on howRead MoreThe Importance of Stem Cell Research Essay2451 Words   |  10 Pagesto stop taking risks†. Dr. Elias Zerhouni fro m the National Institute of Health gave this quote during an interview to a reporter in 2007. He was referring to Stem Cell research, a controversial medical issue of today. Louise Brown of Manchester, UK owes her life to scientists and doctors taking risks and exploring the world or Stem Cells. In 1978 she became the first baby to be born via in-vitro fertilization, a process where a woman’s egg is harvested and mixed with male sperm to become fertilizedRead MoreThe Importance of Stem Cell Research Essay examples1503 Words   |  7 Pagesmedical research of scientists improves, new treatments are found that enable people to have a longer lifespan and live healthier. Medical researchers continue to discover new medicines that help people overcome fatal diseases and allow them to achieve a more sustainable life. As scientists research the potential of treatment for diseases, there is a promising future in stem cells that offer a possible treatment for a wide variety of disea ses. Scientists discover the capabilities of stem cells throughRead MoreThe Importance of Stem Cell Research Essay example1686 Words   |  7 PagesOver the last decade the use of stem cells has been a controversial and heated topic. Debates have exploded over every aspect of stem cell research. It has been speculated by scientists that stem cell research may have the potential to cure harmful diseases or even regrow organs. However some find that the health issues seen in earlier attempts to use stem cell transplants and ethical controversies involved with extracting stem cells, make it very dangerous to further investigate. In actuality theRead MoreStem Cell Research in America: A Perfect Storm of Ideology, Politics, Science, and Religion1818 Words   |  7 Pagesï » ¿Stem Cell Research in America: A Perfect Storm of Ideology, Politics, Science, and Religion By: Me March 30, 2012 Abstract This paper discusses the recent history of stem cell research in the United States, tracking the controversies, politics, and promise of new technology that comes with a moral price. Starting in August of 2001, with President Bushs request that Stem Cell Research not be paid for with federal funding, the battle of science against religion began. (Rosenburg, 2001) DespiteRead MoreThe Expanding Field of Stem Cell Research744 Words   |  3 PagesStem cell research is one of the most widely expanding areas of scientific research being conducted all over the world today. In basic terms, stem cell research is the research of stem cells; however in actuality is much more complicated. A stem cell is a cell with the ability to develop into any of the cell types that make up the tissues and organs of the body. This makes these cells highly useful and provides limitless potential in the field of regenerative medicine. There are two expansive linesRead MoreResearch Essay : Stem Cell Research961 Words   |  4 PagesBiology Research Essay Erica Ford In recent years, there has been a lot more talk about stem cell research than ever before. The idea of stem cells arose in the 1960 s, with the first successful bone marrow transplant in 1968. Now, stem cell research is a widely known topic in biotechnology and shows a substantial amount of scientific promise. The future of stem cell research and the impact it could have follows with many questions on people s minds, as well the simple curiosity of what