Essay On Stem Cell Research

Stem cell research and its funding have caused enormous controversy over the past decade. Stem cells are pluripotent cells present in all living organisms. These cells can differentiate into any type of cell, including blood cells, nerves, cardiac muscle, and pancreatic islet cells. The scientific community is very excited about the possibility of these undifferentiated cells being used to treat catastrophic conditions such as Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s Diseases, birth defects, spinal cord injuries and strokes, Type I diabetes, cancer, and severely damaged organs. Despite the enormous potential for medical advancements, controversy surrounds the sources and methods of acquiring stem cells and the possible improper uses of the knowledge gained from the experimentation with these cells. It is imperative that science pursue the needed research while addressing any ethical issues.

Stem cells can be obtained from three different sources. The first and most controversial source is an embryonic cell that comes from a three to five day old blastocyst. A blastocyst is a ball of undifferenti...