Stem Cell Research
Importance of Stem Cells
One of the most controversial debates in the
scientific community concerns stem cell
research from embryos. What are stem cells and
why are they so important? Embryonic stem cell
research is believed to hold the key for better
treatments and possible cures for some serious
illnesses. Stem cells are primitive cells, and they have the ability to change
into many different types of cells. There are over 300 distinct types of cells in
the human body, but stem cells are the only types that can be grown into other
kinds of cells. This is very useful for scientists and doctors. They hope to grow
stem cells to regrow damaged tissue or treat injuries. Using mice, scientists
have successfully cured Parkinson’s disease, damaged nerve tissue, and even
diabetes. Now the challenge is to do the same with humans.
Use of Stem Cells
For example, when a person is in a serious fire, they will likely have very bad
burns. Their skin will be scarred for the rest of their life. Using stem cells,
scientists think they can grow new healthy skin cells. Then they could
transplant this new skin onto the burn victim. If there is damage to a person’s
liver from heavy alcohol use, new liver cells could be grown.
The Controversy
In order to obtain enough stem cells from embryos, scientists often get them
from fertility clinics. These are medical clinics that help women become
pregnant. Sometimes, embryos are thrown in the garbage by the clinic. The
embryos can be used in research laboratories. But these embryos (usually 4~5
days old) need to be killed to access the stem cells inside. This bothers many