Tuesday, October 23, 2007

A Theory...

Using embryonic stem cells for research is more beneficial to scientists in searching for cures of several human diseases, such as diabetes and Alzheimer’s, than using adult stem cells. Using embryonic stem cells, also referred to as “blank” cells can be manipulated into any other type of cell, where as adult cells can only be used for what they have already developed into. For example, an adult liver cell can only be used as a liver cell, whereas an embryonic stem cell can be developed into a heart, liver, nerve, kidney cell, etc, for countless research and to be able to replace a damaged cell in an ailing patient. Although the obtaining of embryonic stem cells is controversial and questions a person’s ethical beliefs, influenced by their political, religious, and moral values, using this type of cell will be more valuable and helpful to a scientist’s research. Once a decision of how embryonic cells can be legally obtained (whether through left over embryos from fertility treatments or from abortions), and in addition, federal funding is allowed to aid the process, researches will be able to focus on the real effort of searching for cures, using the more beneficial embryonic stem cells, rather than dealing with the ongoing political battle.

6 comments:

Anonymous said...

Well, I still haven't chosen a side, but I will comment in support.

Seeing that stem-cells have such a high potential for the development of new and very much needed cures and/or treatments for diseases that have been ailing humans. This is the reason why I believe in the use of stem-cells.

HotShot said...

I think that if people spent less time arguing with each other and more time using the resources that they have, like the embryonic stem cells, it will enable us to come up with cures at a faster rate and therefore being more efficient like you said. I also agree with you when you said that a decision has to be made first with regard to the source of these cells.The hardest part is getting everyone to agree with each other since everybody has their own values and opinions. Once that problem is solved do you think there will still be issues with stem cell research or should it be smooth sailing from then on?

trailrunner89 said...

In response to Ethan...
Yes, this is a main reason to support stem cell research. This research will be able to find cures to diseases such as Parkinson's, Alzheimer, and diabetes. People who suffer with these type diseases might be able to live with out them one day, and those who develop such diseases won't have to live with the painful effects.

trailrunner89 said...

In response to hotshot...
I think there will always be issues with stem cell research, especially concerning the use of embryonic stem cells. However, if the problem of disagreement is solved, I believe stem cell research will be more smooth sailing than it is right now. Scientists will be able to focus more on their research, rather than on the opinions of others of the public debating the ethical issues.

kyorkster08 said...

this subject is very questionable but i believe that if embryonic stem cells were used then they would have to be left over embryos from fertility treatments and not abortions. other than that i just dont see why us as a society cannot give enough adult cells to find a cure that way. i think it is just going to come down to what us as a society decides to do.

trailrunner89 said...

There are limitations to the use of adult stem cells. They can only be used at "face value" and can not be manipulated into other types of cells. Embryonic stem cells can be developed into multiple different types of cells and therefore are more helpful for researching new cures. It is not the issue of the amount of adult stem cells trying to be received; it is the issue of whether or not to use embryonic stem cells.