Stem Cells: Leading Innovation In Medicine

Stem cells are the leading innovation in medicine. Currently these cells are being tested to treat a wide range of diseases, injuries, and even cancers. The scope of stem cell based treatment has expanded in recent years due to advances in stem cell research and technologies. Stem cells are generally known for two things, their ability to produce new cells and their ethical controversy. Those who oppose stem cells are typically referring to the collection and use of embryonic stem cells and feel it violates the Catholic value on the right to life. Despite these controversies, the funding for stem cell research is a vital aspect to the growth of medicine, cursing modern disease and providing treatment to those in need and should not be limited

The abilities and use of stem cells for treatments are unprecedented. As more research is conducted and theories tested, medical professionals are discovering more effective ways to treat and even possibly cure diseases and biological conditions. One method of use is stem cell therapy. Stem cell therapy, also known as regenerative medicine, promotes the reparative response of diseased, dysfunctional or injured tissue using stem cells or their derivatives. According to medical

That is why it is so important funding is promoted, especially for embryonic stem cells. Adult stem cells are also vital for certain treatments but in order to be an effective form of treatment these cells must reproduce in large quantities to provide a sufficient amount of cells for treatment. This is particularly difficult for common types of adult stem cells due to their limited ability to divide. Secondly, they need to create the desired cell type. This is why embryonic cells are preferred because they are capable of transforming into any desired cell type. Another treatment and technological innovation that has been produced due to the research of stem cells is known as the “Skin gun”. Produced by the company RenovaCare, this device uses a patient’s own stem cells to treat major burns to heal the skin. As opposed to alternative burn treatments, this procedure takes only 90 minutes and results appear within days (National Geographic). The quick healing process is vital for burn victims to prevent infection, which is the primary cause of death from burn wounds. And the results are astounding. Independent test results conducted by one of the world’s largest university hospital’s show that “RenovaCare SkinGun™ achieves the ‘gold standard’ when it comes to viability for skin regeneration. Cell viability is essential to regenerating skin for burns, wounds, and cosmetic applications. Data confirmed that human skin stem cells sprayed