I have chosen as my research topic for this semester stem cell research. I chose this topic because I would like to learn more about the benefits of the research as well as the controversies surrounding the research. I have had no experience with stem cell research directly but I have a grandson who was diagnosed with leukemia when he was 5 and a father who has recently been diagnosed as being in the first stages of Alzheimer’s. Dealing with both of these issues has been very difficult for our family. The thought that stem cell research might help eliminate these kinds of illnesses makes me want to know more.
What I have learned in recent study on the topic is that many researchers see stem cells as having unlimited application to the treatment and cure of many human diseases and disorders including Alzheimer’s, diabetes, cancer and strokes just to name a few. The research is showing that embryonic stem cells are able to be developed into any of the many types of cells found in the human body. However, there has been much debate over using these cells as they have in the past only been derived from human embryos through a process that causes the death of the embryo. This is the basis for one of the biggest controversies involved in stem cell research. Pro-life advocates believe that human life begins at the time of fertilization. Their view would be that causing the death of an embryo in order to extract its stem cells should be equated to a form of homicide. Others believe that an embryo has the potential to become a person, but is not a person itself, therefore their research cannot be counted as murder of an individual.
Basically, I would like to learn more about what is being done with regards to stem cell research. How it has progressed and what options have been developed that possibly might eliminate the issue of using embryos. For example, I know that scientists are working on developing techniques to convert skin cells, which are supposed to emulate embryonic stem cells. I would like to know what potential the adult stem cell or an amniotic stem cell has in comparison to embryonic stem cells. Ultimately, I would like to know more concerning the controversies, so that I might decide for myself if indeed the issues are truly valid.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
Just be sure that you focus on the science rather than the politics of the issue.
ReplyDeleteI want to focus on the treatments available for this type of research. I am not interested in looking at the cells and how they divide. I am interested in the controversy surrounding it, but I don't plan to spend too much time on that. I really want to know what potential this has for us as people who have to face difficult medical situations in our own lives or in the lives of our loved ones.
ReplyDelete