Embryonic Stem Cell Research Can Save Lives

Scientists have been successful in the areas of cloning before, but a breakthrough in 2013 is helping the area of stem cell usage. There is much controversy over the use of stem cells, but this new technology may help lessen that. Using a technique called “somatic cell nuclear transfer,” researchers cloned a human embryo. Within an embryo are embryonic stem cells, which are unique because of their never-ending list of uses. Stem cells are a crucial part of many new medical research projects because they can be manipulated into producing any type of bodily cell, including more stem cells.

(“Immune Deficiency Foundation”). Eventually, scientists began using stem cells to treat several disease by performing a process similar to a blood transfusion, containing stem cells that would change themselves to fit the description of a needed cell. As stem cell research continued the ability to manipulate stem cells to cure genetic disease emerged giving hope to several suffering from genetic diseases.Stem cell therapy offers great promises for life-saving therapies for several genetic diseases, but it also poses some problems in the immune system and causes some concerns. Stem cells for use in various therapies can be collected from several different sources. There are various types of stem cells that can be used for therapy including embryonic, adult, and umbilical cells.

The liver, bone marrow, heart, brain, and muscle all have cells that are capable of differentiating into cells of that same type. These are called stem cells, and are a new medical tool that is helping regrow vital organs in our body to help us survive. Stem cells can come from adult cells, or the blastocyst of the embryo. The cells that come from these are undifferentiated, and can be specialized into certain cell types, making them available for many damaged tissues in the body. While using stem cells in the body is a main use, they are also being used to help doctors understand how disease processes start.

Thus, the requisition of stem cell research is imperative to elongating the existence of human life. Stem cells are a class of undifferentiated cells that are able to differentiate into specialized cell types. In addition, in many tissues, they serve as an internal repair system. When a stem cell divides, each new cell has the capability of either remaining a stem cell, or becoming another type of cell with a more specialized function, such as muscle cells, blood cells, or brain cells (Stem Cell Basics). "Stem cells have an interesting history that has been somewhat tainted with debate and controversy" (Murnaghan).

Cloning can be helpful to those who. “The hope is that cells can be generated to cure these types of diseases where one cell has gone wrong. The growth and transplant of new nerve cells would help with Parkinson’s, the growth cells to produce more insulin for diabetics, and new heart muscle for those suffering from heart disease.” –MCB181 Honors Biology Group 1. Taking the risk of this cloning procedure cannot only extend a person’s lifetime but can also save their life from having to worry about reoccurring organ problems. The medical application of this achievement, benefiting an immense amount of people, is the therapeutic use of cloning.

They distinguish themselves from other types of cells by ensuring two main characteristics: they are unspecialized cells adept at renewing themselves through cell division, and they can be prompted to become tissue for specific organs or cells with specialized functions. Research on stem cells can provide scientists with a better understanding of normal cell development. Although extensive research on stem cells can provide answers to many medical questions and cures to various medical conditions, embryonic stem cell research is a matter of great controversy due to the fact that embryonic stem cells are acquired from human embryos. Science and medical experts principally work with two types of stem cells which come from either animals or humans, these include embryonic stem cells and adult stem cells which are also called Somatic stem cells. There is a rich supply of adult stem cells found throughout the body in bone marrow, fat tissue, and even the amniotic fluid that surrounds and protects unborn babies.

(Velazquez, n.d.). Embryonic stem cell research has been known to put a big dent in government funding. However, with the use of embryonic stem cell research we would be able to find cures too many different types of diseases. Some feel that it is very important that this research should be funded so that we will have the chance to change the lives of many people and benefit everyone in the long run. (Mangus, 2004).

They utilize their ability to differentiate to the fullest extent, particularly to repair damaged body tissue or create new cells. Two types of stem cells used, include embryonic and adult. Both hold great features, but only embryonic cells have the capability of fully repairing tissue, and becoming any cell. Whereas Adult Cells may not have as much flexibility differentiating, and become limited on their transforming abilities. The detection of stem cell research prevails as a wonderful discovery that has had a large effect on today’s medicine.

Stem cells have offered scientists and the world a new doorway to treat diseases and help millions. The major, significant discovery of stem cells is their ability to differentiate into any cell type which can help rebuild damaged organs. One thing for certain is that these cells brought huge controversies over their uses, how scientists should obtain them, and if the embryos should be used at all on the basis that they should be held on the same morals as humans. Although with these monumental issues at hand, researchers have not given up hope that one day these stem cells will be widely accepted and be used for the benefit of the people.

Even though the critics do not think that genetic medicine is safe, Americans should all support genetic testing because the testing is revolutionary, more effective, and can cause major diseases to fade away. This is why and why genetic testing should be used to enhance regular medicine. If society supports genetic experimentation, the United States of America can lead countries into a modern day medical renaissance in a new and exciting part of science and technology which can revolutionize the world. Scientists are currently working to develop a new branch of medical help. This new study is challenging the way people think about DNA.