...Stem cells are cells that are not yet specialized but are able to be specialized to do a specific job or create a certain object within the body, for example, skin, muscle, or bone. There are many positives when working with stem cells, like curing diseases and fixing bones by regrowing new ones. On the other hand, stem cells are mostly taken from an embryo which creates a lot of ethical and controversial issues. Disassembling embryos, human cloning, and the fact that the treatments may not work are all negative effects of stem cell research. Many believe that at the moment of conception there is another life growing inside of you. To take that life and disassemble it to save another human life is perceived as unethical because the embryo does not get a say in the matter for what the human race is paying to have done to it. Thankfully, in 1996, there was a legislation created prohibiting the use of taxpayers’ money toward stem cell research, but still many private groups continue to fund for the researchers which cause many people to fight...
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...unearthed ways to derive embryonic stem cells from mice, eventually gaining the knowledge to extract them from humans, in 1998. Embryonic stem cell research is when an egg and sperm cell is obtained from a donor, mixed in a Petri dish, and the egg is fertilized to produce a stem cell line for research.The scientists begin this process by conducting in vitro fertilization, or an egg being fertilized out of the womb, and into a lab setting. A stem cell is essentially a “blank” cell, that’s capable of becoming another more differentiated cell type in the body, such as a skin cell, a muscle cell, or a nerve cell. In this case, a host cell where the embryo can prosper and grow to be used later on for research. In humans, mice, and other mammals, the embryo is a ball of approximately one hundred cells at this stage. Although embryonic stem cell research has great potential in deciphering the cause behind puzzling disorders such as Type 1 diabetes, Parkinson's, and heart infractions,...
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...Ron Kind said, “More important is the fact that embryonic stem cell research could lead to new treatments and cures for the many Americans afflicted with life-threatening and debilitating diseases." Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research is greatly debated between religious and scientific groups. “Killing the embryo” or scientific research to figure out how to save others, regrow bad organs, and solve the mysteries of many diseases. Embryonic cell research may sound like a horrible ordeal but could help us solve many issues that are dealt with today. First off there is the fact that we should probably understand what it is. Embryonic stem cells are the cells of the inner cell mass of a blastocyst, which is an early-stage embryo. Human embryos reach the blastocyst stage 4-5 days post...
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...October 2013 Formal Essay I Stem Cell Controversy Religion and science, two forces that mix as well as oil and water. For thousands of years people have argued which side is correct: one extreme will tell you that a strong faith in God will lead to a better life, the latter extreme will tell you that life has many more complexities than just a faith a deity. These two both see life differently, the Christians think life should be cherished no matter how small or suffering. While science believes there can be something extracted from one’s small life, scientists have found, that the earliest cells of an embryo can be developed into any sort of cell. The study of this is known as stem cell research. The inner cell mass of blastocyst is extracted from the woman’s ovaries and differentiated into embryo bodies and from there they differentiate into either neuronal or pancreatic cells (bethesda). From here, it is difficult to produce enough stem cell lines or to produce the correct cell type (National Cancer Institute). This finding can save or increase many humans quality of life. But is it ethically correct? Is it morally correct? Could these findings interfere with the “circle of life”? Could this interfere with the genetic code of humans and astronomically change the world forever? Are we interfering with God’s will or the circle of life? The history of stem cell research is brief. In 1962, a new frog was produced by taking an adults frog’s intestinal cell and transporting...
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...Stem Cell Research Essay Stem Cell research is a highly controversial topic in the world of science. Many people disagree with and oppose the research because of their belief that the research is unethical. The laws regarding the research of Stem cells vary from country to country. Many countries have very strict laws on the research and some have completely banned it. There are many organizations and scientists that are pushing for the research and study of the stem cells. These viewpoints establish that Stem cells can be very beneficial for human use. There are three main types of stem cells: embryonic, tissue and induced pluripotent (Euro Stem Cell, 2012). Embryonic stem cells are used because they do not have a designated function...
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...English Argumentative Essay Should embryonic stem cell research carry on? Embryonic stem cell research creates an ethical dilemma. It forces us to choose between two moral principles: the duty to prevent or lessen the suffering; or the duty to respect the value of human life. In embryonic stem cell research, it is impossible to respect both moral principles. To get embryonic stem cells, the early embryo has to be destroyed. This means destroying a potential human life. But embryonic stem cell research could lead to the discovery of new medical treatments that would lessen the suffering of many people. So which moral principle should have the upper hand in this situation? The answer hinges on how we view the embryo. Does it have the status of a person? Some say it does, as many people think of an embryo as a fully-grown human. The reason for this is the fact that, once an egg is fertilized, unless stopped, it will grow into a fully-grown adult. This opinion is often related to religious rules which state that conception marks the beginning of human life or the presence of a soul. It has been argued that "the line at which an embryo becomes a human life remains as chance as ever". Others argue that embryos are not humans, believing that the life of Homo sapiens only begins when the heartbeat develops, which is during the 5th week of pregnancy, or when the brain begins working, which is about 54 days after conception. Embryos are of value, however they are not equivalent...
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...Stem cells are a special type of cell located in the bodies of all multicellular animal life. They are the precursor stage of all adult cells, so are unique in their ability to develop into every other type of cell in the human body. This specialisation makes them of great interest in the field of biomedicine, as they can be utilised to replace damaged or lost cells in individuals with injuries or genetic illnesses. However, the research and usage of human stem cells remains a controversial and divisive matter. This essay will explain the main reasons why controversy surrounds their use as a medical therapy. The main controversy of stem cells being used in medicine revolves primarily around the research and usage of a particular kind of human stem cell; embryonic stem cells(ES cells). ES cells, as the name implies, are stem cells found only in the innermost mass of cells within blastocysts; the early stage of a human embryo. The extraction of these cells for use however, results in the destruction of the blastocyst. This raises issues about the morality of extracting ES cells, as they can only be removed at the cost of denying the future embryo the chance of developing into the foetal stage and subsequently, becoming a human life. One philosophical outlook on why the use of ES cells is immoral is that “...the human embryo is the same individual as the human organism at subsequent stages of development”1, a viewpoint that is relayed in the sentiments of a 2003 public...
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...12 November 2010 Cloning Human, animal, and plant cloning is one of the most controversial subjects in modern science. There are many good arguments in favor of cloning, as well as many against it. In my opinion, plant and animal cloning could be very efficient to society by way of creating more food, but I also view it as unethical. In this essay I will discuss many pro’s and con’s of cloning. Cloning can help the human race in many ways, but is it necessary? One way it can help us is by the cloning of plants and animals. In doing this, we could create more food and genetically engineer the food to maximize its health. "Commercial livestock cloning could inundate the food supply with novel products that have not been safety tested."(Mendelson). Most scientists who oppose the idea claim that cloned animals usually have birth defects, and have not been properly tested for safe consumption. Although this could be true, with the rapidly advancing technology in today’s world it probably will not be long until cloning is perfected, and the animals pass all tests. However, is the cloning of animals really necessary for us to survive? Those who are on the more ethical side of the matter believe that God has and will continue to provide us with plenty of plants and animals to survive on. Thus, the argument can go back and forth depending on your beliefs and personal ethics. Ultimately the answer to the question is what you make it. Another way cloning can benefit us is by the...
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...Stem Cell Ethics Essay In today’s society there are many things that are deemed ethical or not unethical. Underage drinking, drug use, divorce, these are just a few that might be considered unethical. Stem Cell Research can fall into either category depending on a person’s views. A stem cell is a biological cell found in every multicellular organism that can divide into different specialized cells. In a growing embryo, stem cells help maintain the regeneration parts of organs. “Cells grown in the lab provide scientists with the opportunity to "engineer" them for use in transplantation or treatment of diseases” (National Institutes of Health). There are two different types of stem cells, embryonic and adult. Embryonic cells are in the inner cell mass and adult cells are found in tissues. “Embryonic stem cells exist only at the earliest stages of embryonic development and are capable of making any cell type in the body. Under the right conditions, these cells retain the ability to divide and make copies of them indefinitely. Scientists are beginning to understand how to make these cells develop into any of the more than 200 different types of cells in the human body” (Stem Cell Research). “Adult stem cells are more limited and specialized than embryonic stem cells. They have the ability to make just one or two kinds of tissue, such as blood and immune system cells, brain or muscle cells. Adult stem cells also have a more limited capacity to replace themselves than do embryonic...
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...a distinct time point. To many, life begins at the time when we are born in the hospital as a baby. At that particular moment, an individual is officially declared as “born” and thus be granted an identify in the society. Seemingly, life of an individual begins at birth. However, debates on when life begins have been on-going throughout human history due to its significant ethical, biomedical and philosophical consequences. Despite the many factors we need to consider when thinking about when life begins, Dr. Ricki Lewis, a science writer with a PhD in genetics, managed to narrow down the options to 17 time points, based primarily on biomedical factors. Amongst these time points, I believe life begins at week 22 of pregnancy. In this essay, I will support my stance by comparing it to some other major arguments. The ethical implications of my stance will also be illustrated and discussed. Life begins only when an organism has the ability to survive. When we discuss when life begins, it is important to define what life is. There are three definitions of life, said Dr. Chris McKay on his article. Life can be referred to a collective understanding of a system of material entitles that can undergo evolution (i.e. when we are asking if there is any life on a planet). Life can also refer to the ability of an organism to develop and grow (i.e. is something alive). However, the definition of life that is most applicable to the discussion we are having is the last case where life...
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...Presents MINI-RESEARCH STRATEGIES & MODELS Mini-Research Activities Increase Student Achievement Support the Mission of the 21st Century Librarian INCLUDES: LM_Net commentary on preventing of plagiarism vs. detection and punishment strategies The challenge to librarians of the Pew and N2H2 Study of student Internet use Doug Johnson strategies for Low Probability of Plagiarism (LPP) Mini-Research models and strategies curb plagiarism and develop writing and critical thinking Scientific-based research (SBR) supports the use of mini-research activities to increase student achievement © ProQuest LLC – May be reproduced for Educational Purposes September 2007 TABLE OF CONTENTS Topic Section Selected LM_Net Librarian Comments about Positive Strategies for Preventing Plagiarism Strategies for Creating Low Probability of Plagiarism Research Activities—Doug Johnson Bloom‘s Taxonomy of Higher-Order Thinking Skills (HOTS) and Mini-Research ProQuest Mini-Research Strategies Correlated to HOTS -- (Bloom‘s Taxonomy) Mini-Research Formal Model—Integrate Technology and Prevent Plagiarism Mini-Research Draft Summary Model Integrates Technology Methods and Skills Mini-Research Informal Model—Integrate Technology and Prevent Plagiarism Flexible Rubrics Model for Teacher Evaluation of Mini-Research Reports APPENDIX ProQuest Mini-Research Process vs. Traditional Research Renewed Emphasis on the Importance of Writing and Mini-Research Activities Scientific-based Research (SBR),...
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...Stem Cell Research Paper #1 It was 1998, when the method of obtaining stem cells from human embryos and growing them in a laboratory was discovered by scientists. These cells being grown were human embryonic stem cells, “…derived from embryos that develop from eggs that have been fertilized in vitro — in an in vitro fertalization clinic—and then donated for research purposes with informed consent of the donors,”(National Institutes of Health, 12, Nov. 2012).These embryos are created for reproductive purposes. Stem Cells have the remarkable potential to develop into many different cell types in the body, fundamentally being the source of all external/ internal organs and tissues. When a stem cell divides, this new cell can either remain a stem cell or become another specialized type of cell, such as: a brain cell, red blood cell, or a muscle cell Although stem cells are unspecialized cells, sometimes after a long period of inactivity, they’re able to renew themselves through cell division. Due to the limitless benefits to medicine and human health, many Americans support stem cell research, considering this treatment as a workable option to treat many injuries, diseases, and malfunctions. This research offers a great amount of hope for the advancement of medicine, because stem cells can grow into any kind of cell, that can replace damaged neural cells in the brain and spinal cord. Pro-choicers reject the care of a pre-embryo, and suppose that even though an embryo can develop...
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...Stem Cell Research Legislation Stem Cell Research Legislation In the United States, people have many rights and freedoms that are respected by the Federal Government. As stated in Civil Disobedience by Henry David Thoreau: “There will never be a truly free and enlightened state until the state comes to recognize the individual as a higher and independent power” (225). In the goal to make America a truly free and enlightened state, laws have been enacted to preserve individual rights. With the furthering of medical science, the issue of individual rights vs. government regulation has been raised many times, and the right of the individual has always been held in the highest regard. This is why our government should both legalize and fund embryonic stem cell research. Stem cell laws in the United States have had a complicated legal history. When you look at the government’s power over our individual bodies, one may ask why the government has any power at all. If the majority of the public were to decide what each individual should do in every aspect of their life, our democratic system would be nullified. Our laws are written to recognize individuals’ capability to make their own decisions. We have the right to donate our organs, and that it is our choice. We have the right to donate our entire bodies to science postmortem, and that is our choice. Couples have the right to donate their eggs and sperm for in-vitro fertilization of another couple, and that is their choice...
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...Embryonic Stem Cell Research In 1998, the world was introduced to the start of embryonic stem cell research. It has since been the topic of a heated debate between politicians, religious figures, ethicists, theologians and scientists. It raises the question of whether or not the ends justify the means. Many people seem to have a different answer to this question but the overall response from a Catholic position, from an individual and Catholic Church standpoint is loud and clear: embryonic stem cell research is immoral. The sanctity of life is held in high regard in the Catholic tradition, therefore making embryonic stem cell research morally wrong. To justify this, it is important to consider whether or not an embryo is a human from perspectives that are for and against this research, and their justifications. Whilst there is no united Catholic view, drawing from traditional ethics and Catholic principles can give an estimate of the overall Catholic perspective on the treatment of human embryos as opposed to the foreseen medical benefits on the other end of the spectrum. In a broad sense, the use of human embryos is unjustifiable and wrong in the eyes of the Catholic community, no matter how promising the benefits are as it involves the killing of an embryo, and thus by extension, can be regarded as murder. “We value the preciousness of life…as far as IVF embryos are concerned, those who have the responsibility make those decisions, have already made an important ethical decision…the...
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...Stem Cell Research Legislation Human stem cell research is a very touchy subject. The negative attention it has drawn from the press and politicians has detoured many researchers and scientists from the field. “After the scientific and political obstacles are overcome, it is anticipated that the human stem cell research field will make a tremendous difference in conditions, such as burn traumas and diabetic foot ulcers, as well as a number of degenerative diseases such as Parkinson’s disease, type 1 diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, and myocardial infarction(Turksen, 2006).” In my opinion, the field of regenerative medicine is the key to a longer, healthier life. Without the use of human stem cell research, the conditions and diseases that plague the world will never be cured. The history on human stem cell research legislation in the United States is just under a decade old. On August 9th 2001, then, President George W. Bush told the United States the regulations for human stem cell research. The regulation stated that only certain types of human stem cell research could be funded by the federal government. “The National Institute of Health (NIH) funding for research using human embryonic stem cells derived from other sources, including somatic cell nuclear transfer, parthenogenesis, and/or in vitro fertilization embryos created for research purposes, is not allowed under these Guidelines ("Draft national institutes," 2009).” Some states disagree with this legislation; California...
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