...Maffei Stem Cell Research Essay Majority of the general population knows or has heard something in reference to stem cell research, weather it is from magazine articles or news, at some point in our daily lives we’ve heard the term “Stem Cell Research.” Stem cells due to their controversial nature, has seen numerous changes in the legislation governing its research and the types of stem cells – weather it is fetal, cord, embryonic, etc... – The legislation affecting stem cells can determine where the U.S. stands on this ground breaking research. According to Lanza, A simple definition for stem cells is as follows “a stem cell is a cell that has the potential to develop into a number of different types of cells in the body.” (2011). Basically, stem cells are the base of all organs and tissues in the human body, a master cell of some sort. Stems cell, also have the potential be the backbone of many medical breakthroughs in centuries to come, from age prevention to helping with disabilities such as blindness, inability to walk, etc... As mention earlier in this paper there are many types of stem cells, but for purpose of this paper I shall focus on adult & embryonic stem cells. An adult stem cell is an undifferentiated cell that is found amongst differentiated cells in an organ or tissue that processes the ability to renew itself, as well as differentiate into other specialized cell types. By their nature, adult stem cells aren’t as controversial as embryonic stem cells...
Words: 1730 - Pages: 7
...STEM CELL RESEARCH AND THERAPYAND ITS IMPACTS ON SOCIETY Abstract There are several types of stem cells being used in stem cell research and therapy today. They are embryonic, adult and induced pluripotent stem cells. Each will be discussed further. This topic has stirred much moral, ethical and political debate as whether cells from fetuses should be used in this research. This impacts governmental policies on laws and funding. Another issue that must be analyzed is the economics and who should have access to this treatment. The views of people and government on this research differ greatly across the world. There are countries that have very strict laws restricting this research while others take an extremely liberal stance. Stem Cell Research and Therapy and Its Impacts on Society Introduction Stem cells are the basic unit of life that gives rise to all living things. They are the undifferentiated cells that transform into the specialized cells that make up all of the tissues in organisms. With further research and understating, these cells can be used in medicine to cure a wide range of diseases. The most important type of stem cell to humans is the pluripotent stem cell which is usually obtained from human embryos. This has sparked controversy in many aspects of human life. In this paper, we will concentrate on animal and human stem cell research, and its impact on society. A Brief Description Of The Technology And An Explanation Of The Associated...
Words: 6987 - Pages: 28
...1 Jacob Widner Minter Bio 04 September 20XX Reflection paper Since our last paper we have covered about four chapters. Covering chapters seven, eight, eleven, and 13. All of these chapters have to deal with the human body and what makes the human body what it truly is. Such things as Genes. Genetically modified organisms(GMO), genetics/inheritance, and stem cells. In chapter seven we talked about the structure of human DNA. DNA is a rather complex structure because that's just what it is a double helix structure. Hereditary Molecule are served as an instruction manual for how to build an individual. One DNA molecule has 23 pairs of chromosomes one from each parent. The 23ed chromosome is what determines your sex, you could either be a female XX, or a male XY. Part of the chapter we did a lap on making our own DNA chain. We had to take our supplies and see what traits we had two off and which one was closest to the lines in yo have that trait. Once you made you match you had to cut them out and put them with the other chain to from your DNA linking them together. Chapter eight is about GMO’s. A GMO is where something in the DNA sequence has been altered by humans. Certain things have been changed by humans. Such things as plants. Plants have been changed to help them last in different weather conditions. Such as drought, the desert, or even climates that don't provide the right weather conditions for them to grow. Now 2 ...
Words: 746 - Pages: 3
...STEM CELL RESEARCH AND THERAPYAND ITS IMPACTS ON SOCIETY Abstract There are several types of stem cells being used in stem cell research and therapy today. They are embryonic, adult and induced pluripotent stem cells. Each will be discussed further. This topic has stirred much moral, ethical and political debate as whether cells from fetuses should be used in this research. This impacts governmental policies on laws and funding. Another issue that must be analyzed is the economics and who should have access to this treatment. The views of people and government on this research differ greatly across the world. There are countries that have very strict laws restricting this research while others take an extremely liberal stance. Stem Cell Research and Therapy and Its Impacts on Society Introduction Stem cells are the basic unit of life that gives rise to all living things. They are the undifferentiated cells that transform into the specialized cells that make up all of the tissues in organisms. With further research and understating, these cells can be used in medicine to cure a wide range of diseases. The most important type of stem cell to humans is the pluripotent stem cell which is usually obtained from human embryos. This has sparked controversy in many aspects of human life. In this paper, we will concentrate on animal and human stem cell research, and its impact on society. A Brief Description Of The Technology And An Explanation Of The Associated...
Words: 6987 - Pages: 28
...Stem cell research is an extremely diverse subject. There are people who agree with it, and other’s who do not. Some people do not believe in it because of their religious beliefs, which is understandable. What they do not know though is how many diseases it can cure or how many lives it could save. The only type of stem cell research that is right is adult stem cell research, which is what we will be discussing in this paper. In no way shape or form is it right for someone to use embryonic stem cells. The only way that it is okay to use them is if you have already had a child and take them from the umbilical cord. But one should never abort a child just for something such as stem cells. Carry that baby full term and then use the cord to get...
Words: 833 - Pages: 4
...Stem Cell Research in Human Transplantation [Name of the Writer] [Name of the Institution] Abstract Skeletal Bone Marrow that is decimated by disease, chemo, or radioactive emission can be refurbished by utilizing stem cell transplants. For certain infectious ailments like leukemia, aplastic anemia, certain inherited body-fluid infections, and some infections of the immune cell, and the stem cells in the skeletal bone marrow do not effectively function the way that it is intended to function. The stem cell is subjected to immunity issues where the recipient body site does not accept the donor cells. This paper will look to enquire the benefits to following stem cell research in human transplantation. Stem Cell Research Introduction Unique functional cells such as for example, a red blood cell start out originally as unspecialized cells known as stem cells. These stem cells have the uncanny ability to keep separating through division and multiplying in culture to produce specialized cell for a specific bodily function. In the context of normal human development, they are best described for their diversity, adaptability and longevity. As the laws of biology dictate, a human being is formed when a sperm cell fertilizing a female egg cell to produce a zygote. The zygote is already specialized in the fact that it is on the way to the formation of a whole individual. Furthermore the zygote, also known as the fertilized egg is tot potent that simply...
Words: 3192 - Pages: 13
...The control and manipulation of genetic material has become common place in our society. What was once the dream of science fiction authors and fans has become reality. Such topics as stem cell research, in vitro fertilization, and cloning have created quite a stir in scientific communities. However, these advancements do not come without a cost, or without ethical dilemmas. First, a definition of these terms is required. Following that, we will explore some topics and the ethics associated with them. Stem cells exist in all living things. These cells go on to either produce more stem cells or specialize to become different types of living tissue. Stem cells can be broken down into two main classifications, embryonic stem cells and adult stem cells. Embryonic stem cells, as the name would imply, are only found in developing embryos. These cells are the most versatile. On the other hand, adult stem cells are only able to transform into a select few types of tissue. (Bongso & Lee, 2005) In vitro fertilization involves the fertilization of an oocyte outside of the female reproductive system. Fertilization occurs in a Petri dish, after which time the embryo is reintroduced into a female uterus where it is allowed to implant and develop. (Seibel, 2008) Cloning is a scientific method of producing an offspring that is genetically identical to the parent. In cloning, only one parent is required, therefore it is considered to be asexual reproduction. (Rugnetta, 2012) All of these...
Words: 1871 - Pages: 8
...The Science and Ethics of Genetic Engineering Research & Position Paper Table of Contents DNA Fingerprinting/ Genetically Modified Foods --------------------------------------------------- p. 3 Gene Therapy/Cloning------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ p. 4 Stem Cell Technology------------------------------------------------------------------------------------ p. 5 Position Paper------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- p. 6-7 Bibliography-------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- p. 8-10 Evaluation Rubric----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- p. 7 DNA Fingerprinting DNA fingerprinting are tests that help to identify and analyze a person’s DNA. The term “fingerprinting” is used because finger prints, like DNA, vary from person to person and no two people have the same DNA or fingerprints. So, when scientists identify a person’s DNA, it can only be linked back to one individual and can help to obtain information about that specific individual. DNA fingerprinting can be done through many different ways. Some ways are through blood samples from a vein or heel, saliva samples, skin samples, or hair samples. The purpose of DNA fingerprinting is to help link family members together, find things that cause diseases, to help aid in crime scene investigations, and to...
Words: 2310 - Pages: 10
...or Making Mankind The stem cell controversy has ignited great debate around the world. The mere subject makes people stand in arms or profess its place in science. Scientists proclaim that the stem cell is the most powerful cell in the human body. The stem cell has the ability to morph into any other type of human cell. In most religions, stem cell research has been viewed as playing God. The belief that unwanted embryos are being used and the dreaded words “legalizing abortions” in order to obtain stem cells has reviled people worldwide. While politicians in the United States have based their platform for stem cell research for a cure, or attempting to legalize abortions countrywide, is very broad and a very narrow path because of the promises of science to cure all. The religious downfall that we may be playing God, and the constant bantering from our politicians about it is the right thing, and the wrong thing. Scientists have long argued over the leaps and bounds that were made from stem cell research. The history of stem cell research had a compassionate, embryonic beginning in the mid-eighteen hundreds with the discovery that some blood cells could generate other cells within the human body. In the early nineteen hundreds European researchers realized that the various types of blood cells came from a certain “stem cell.” In 1963, the first true study of stem cell renewal took hold when Canadian researchers discovered self-renewing cells in transplanted mouse...
Words: 1100 - Pages: 5
...ABSTRACT Stem cells have offered much hope by promising to greatly extend the numbers and range of patients who could benefit from transplants, and to provide cell replacement therapy to treat debilitating diseases such as diabetes, Parkinson's and Huntington's disease. The issue of stem cell research is politically charged, prompting biologists to begin engaging in ethical debates, Stem cell research offers great promise for understanding basic mechanisms of human development and differentiation, as well as the hope for new treatments. However, human stem cell research also raises sharp ethical and political controversies. This paper will discuss the types of stem cells as well as some of the controversies involved in stem cell research. Introduction According to Wikipedia, stem cell can be defined as “biological cells found in all multicellular organisms, that can divide (through mitosis) and differentiate into diverse specialized cell types and can self-renew to produce more stem cells.” A stem cell could be regarded as one of the basic building blocks of the human body. Stem cells are important because they have the ability to become different cell types, and scientists are working on developing ways to use stem cells to repair or regenerate damaged organs or tissues. This could lead to therapies for a whole range of conditions such as heart disease, diabetes, Parkinson's disease or Alzheimer's, although at present it is impossible to tell whether this will happen...
Words: 1712 - Pages: 7
...Stem cell research is one that is widely debated amongst various religions, cultures, and political groups. The question as to when life actually begins is the epicenter of this worldwide quarrel, and may not be settled for some time. Although this may be true, one fact that cannot be denied is that stem cell research has led to many life saving discoveries in various sectors of scientific research. In regards to the ethical dilemma of stem cells, recent developments in induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) have made it possible to explore the applications of stem cells while avoiding the ethical problems associated with embryonic stem cell research (Seki & Fekuda, 2015). One intriguing area in stem cell research is the potential applications for them in the treatment of cardiac diseases. Studies have explored the potential uses for stem cells for the treatment of heart disease (Yamakawa & Ieda, 2015). Additionally, stem cells have been explored for the treatment of heart failure and myocardial infarction (Rasmussen, et al., 2013). Stem cells and how they may be used for the treatment of various cardiac diseases is an exciting topic and has the potential to change future approaches to the treatment. This paper will examine the applications and significance of stem cells in relation to these common cardiac pathologies. Heart disease is one of the leading causes of death in developed countries and currently there are few effective treatment options available (Yamakawa & Ieda...
Words: 1567 - Pages: 7
...BIO 1 Paper Stem Cells Research WHAT ARE STEM CELLS? * Stem cells are biological cells found in all multicellular organisms, that can divide through mitosis and differentiate into diverse specialized cell types or can self renew to produce more stem cells. * In mammals, there are two broad types of stem cells: embryonic stem cells that are isolated from the inner cell mass of blastocysts, and adult stem cells that are found in various tissues. * In adult organisms, stem cells and progenitor cells act as a repair system for the body, replenished in adult tissues. In a developing embryo, stem cells can differentiate into all the specialized cells, but also maintain the normal turnover of regenerative organs, such as blood, skin, or intestinal tissues. Properties The classical definition of a stem cell requires the following properties: * Self-renewal - the ability to go through numerous cycles of cell division while maintaining the undifferentiated state. * Potency - the capacity to differentiate into specialized cell types. In the strictest sense, this requires stem cells to be either totipotent or pluripotent - to be able to give rise to any mature cell type, although multipotent or unipotent progenitor cells are sometimes referred to as stem cells. In Self-Renewal.. Two mechanisms exist to ensure that the stem cell population is maintained: * Obligatory asymmetric replication - a stem cell divides into one father cell that is identical...
Words: 2510 - Pages: 11
...Embryonic stem cells versus pronucleus Name Course Institution affiliation Date Embryonic stem cells versus pronucleus Embryonic stem cell and pronucleus techniques have been utilized widely in human cloning. Just as the name suggests, embryonic stem cells are cells derived from the embryos of human beings. The term cloning is used by scientists to describe the variety of processes used in making duplicates of biological materials. This paper will discuss the embryonic cells and pronucleus taking into accounts their application to human cloning. Caenorhadditis elegans and Drosophila melanogaster will also be discussed together with application of Hardy-Weinberg equilibrium. Embryonic stem cell has been applied in human cloning through human cloning for biomedical research whereby cloned cells are produced and used in individual patients suffering from diseases like Parkinson’s disease and type 1 diabetes (Fairbanks, 2004). This discovery has been used to develop embryos thus making important steps for medicine. Cloned embryos have been used widely as sources of stem cells, which have been developed to make new heart muscles, bone, brain tissues and other type of cells in the body. The stem cells have provided a breakthrough in medicine by creating new tissues that might be able to heal the damage caused by heart attack or repair severed spinal cord (Fairbanks, 2004). There are trials of utilizing stem cells from donated embryos to try and restore people’s eye sights. The donated...
Words: 1379 - Pages: 6
...resurfacing. The knee is the most prevalent joint affected. One of the three most common treatments for injury of the knee is arthroscopic lavage, either with or without debridement. Yet this treatment is merely palliative, providing symptomatic relief but does not repair injury to cartilage [1]. The most frequently used reparative treatment for small symptomatic lesions of articular cartilage of the knee are marrow-stimulating techniques, such as subchondral drilling, abrasion arthroplasty and microfracturin [2]. In microfracturing, which is the most commonly used technique, multiple holes made in the subchondral bone allow bone marrow components to reach the joint surface and facilitate repair. Bone marrow contains mesenchymal stem cells that have the potential to form new cartilage. However, fibrocartilage typically forms, which is mechanically much less robust than articular cartilage. While it may provide pain mitigation, fibrocartilage typically shows signs of degeneration after one year [3,4]. Alternative surgical procedures include autologous chondrocyte transplantation and...
Words: 1764 - Pages: 8
...Stem Cell research is a very controversial topic in today’s society. This topic brings up many ethical questions about it is right to do the research or not. Stem cells come from embryos that are only a few days old. The ethical issues that arise are many. If one believes that an embryo is a baby upon fertilization, then one would feel that this was unethical to do the research no matter what the benefits would be. On the other hand, some feel the benefits of what can be learned from stem cell research outweighs the ethical and moral dilemmas that are argued. This long debate brings about many questions about the ethical approaches, that there have been restrictions placed on the research in the lines of what type of embryos can be used for the research. Ethical or not there are always two sides to debate, stem cell research is no different. Throughout this paper I will discuss the ethical issues that stem cell research brings into light and the benefits that stem cell research brings into light that may just outweigh the ethical issues, then determine it these benefits and ethical issues really make stem cell research the most beneficial way to help cure diseases such as juvenile diabetes, Parkinson’s disease or even spinal cord or neck injuries. Argument for Research Stem Cell research can help scientist discover more about human cells and how they grow, change, and replace damaged cells within the body. The information that can be learned is priceless. Using this research...
Words: 2970 - Pages: 12
