Life-saving stem cell research: bad or good science?
65STEM CELLS
Stem cells are primal cells found in all multi-cellular organisms that retain the ability to renew themselves through cell division and can differentiate into a wide range of specialized cell types. Research in the human stem cell field grew out of findings by Canadian scientists Ernest A. McCulloch and James E. Till in the 1960s.
The three broad categories of mammalian stem cells are: embryonic stem cells, derived from blastocysts, adult stem cells, which are found in adult tissues, and cord blood stem cells, which are found in the umbilical cord. In a developing embryo, stem cells can differentiate into all of the specialized embryonic tissues. In adult organisms, stem cells and progenitor cells act as a repair system for the body, replenishing specialized cells.
Embryonic cell
The rigorous definition of a stem cell requires that it possesses two properties:
* Self-renewal - the ability to go through numerous cycles of cell division while maintaining the undifferentiated state.
* Unlimited potency - the capacity to differentiate into any mature cell type. In a strict sense, this makes stem cells either totipotent or pluripotent, although some multipotent and/or unipotent progenitor cells are sometimes referred to as stem cells.
These properties can be illustrated in vitro, using methods such as clonogenic assays, where the progeny of single cell is characterized. However, in vitro culture conditions can alter the behavior of cells, making it unclear whether the cells will behave in a similar manner in vivo. Considerable debate exists whether some proposed adult cell populations are truly stem cells.
As stem cells can be readily grown and transformed into specialised cells with characteristics consistent with cells of various tissues such as muscles or nerves through cell culture, their use in medical therapies has been proposed. In particular, embryonic cell lines, autologous embryonic stem cells generated through therapeutic cloning, and highly plastic adult stem cells from the umbilical cord blood or bone marrow are touted as promising candidates.
PURPOSE OF STEM CELL RESEARCH:
Medical researchers believe that stem cell therapy has the potential to radically change the treatment of human disease. A number of adult stem cell therapies already exist, particularly bone marrow transplants that are used to treat leukemia. In the future, medical researchers anticipate being able to use technologies derived from stem cell research to treat a wider variety of diseases including cancer, parkinson's disease, spinal cord injuries, and muscle damage, among a number of other impairments and conditions. However, there still exists a great deal of social and scientific uncertainty surrounding stem cell research, which could possibly be overcome through public debate and future research.
However, stem cells, are already used extensively in research, and some scientists do not see cell therapy as the first goal of the research, but see the investigation of stem cells as a goal worthy in itself.
CONTROVERSIES SURROUNDING STEM CELL RESEARCH:
There exists a widespread controversy over stem cell research that emanates from the techniques used in the creation and usage of stem cells. Human embryonic stem cell research is particularly controversial because, with the present state of technology, starting a stem cell line requires the destruction of a human embryo and/or therapeutic cloning. Opponents of the research argue that this practice is a slippery slope to reproductive cloning and amount to the instrumentalization of a human being.
Blastomeres
Contrarily, some medical researchers in the field argue that it is necessary to pursue embryonic stem cell research because the resultant technologies are expected to have significant medical potential, and that the embryos used for research are only those meant for destruction anyway (as a product of invitro fertilisation). This in turn, conflicts with opponents in the pro-life movement, who argue that an embryo is a human being and therefore entitled to dignity even if legally slated for destruction. The ensuing debate has prompted authorities around the world to seek regulatory frameworks and highlighted the fact that stem cell research represents a social and ethical challenge.
OTHER CONTROVERSIES (comments):
"Scientists are keen to use animal eggs to create cloned human embryos as laboratory models for studying disease. DNA from a patient with a condition such as motor neuron disease would be inserted into the shell of a rabbit or cow egg from which the nucleus has been removed. The embryo would be 99.9 per cent human, and would carry genetic errors implicated in the disease in question. It would then be split up to create stem cells, for studying the condition’s progress and testing new drugs".
Others said "using embryos would be much more useful and cause much less pain than the current research that is allowed using animals"
"For "embryos" read embryonic human beings. For "using" read killing with premeditation. For "cause much less pain" read kill embryonic human beings. For "more useful" read hyped promises that cannot compete with the rapid advances already seen in non-embryonic stem cell research. For "allowed with animals!" read the false dichotomy. Causing pain to research animals is not a trade off for killing embryonic human beings."
"It is not possible to remember being an embryo as an embryo does not have a fully developed anything let alone a brain capable of memories. There is no capacity for pain, emotions or conciousness in an embryo."
"In my mind the embryo is just sperm and an egg, and there isn't the same controversy over experimenting on these. Just because you have the potential for life, doesn't mean there is life. Embryos feel no pain, they are no more than a small collection of cells. Embryos have had no life, so therefore cannot be killed"
"Animal tortured to death for the sake of our health doesn't provide real results"
"It is true that stem cells exist within our bodies (in bone marrow and placenta) - however these cells do not possess the same capacity to differentiate as embryonic stem cells do. They have a much more limited range. Embryonic stem cells are perhaps the most exciting prospect in science at the moment, and if research was allowed (obviously it must be very tightly regulated) - cures for cancer, neurodegenerative diseases such as alzheimers and parkinsons, and paralysis may not be so far away.
"Human embryos should be respected and preserved from manipulation of all kind. I would go even further and not give for granted that production of embryos is an acceptable thing. I think that medical care should look for progress in an ethical way which is to say to be attentive to all the consequences of research.""
Human DNA
"The fusing human DNA with animal eggs, which promises insights into incurable conditions such as Alzheimer’s and motor neuron disease... May be a failure to fully understand the importance of hybrid embryos or the work that scientists want to do."
"Hybrid" actually means, the scientists are not mixing human and animal DNA at all. Basically what is going on is they are taking a DNA sample from a patient (from a prick of blood, a hair, saliva, etc.) in a harmless way, and inserting that DNA into the embryo of some animal as a way to generate stem cells. This is essentially a different and less controversial method than using human embryos, which are actual potential babies. The animal embryo is simply a sort of host for facilitating the process of stem cell reproduction. An alternative to abortion and human embryonic stem cell research."
QUESTIONS:
Although impossible, if it was possible for having our memories to be artificially extended, we would be able to remember the time when we were just tiny microscopic embryos.
Should an embryo, in the earliest stage of human life, entirely vulnerable, be subject to the whims and curiosity of scientists? Should scientists be allowed to choose this route to investigate human biology, genetics & potential medical cures - through genetic experiments on human embryos?
Whether you believe in God or not there is a sanctity to human life. Is curing genetic diseases and others, justify stem cell research and destruction of potential babies as valid?
We have no idea if any of this works. Or how it will work or what are the consequences. Will it cure genetic diseases right away? Is it by only understanding the world better, we can only help humans? Are these scientists only helping you and your families to have a better future? Be the judge.
Life-saving stem cell research in the News
- New stem cell lines approved for tax-paid researchPark Hills Daily Journal12 hours ago
WASHINGTON (AP) — Scientists can start using taxpayer dollars to do research with 13 batches of embryonic stem cells and the government says dozens more cell lines should be available soon, opening a new era for the potentially life-saving field.
- U.S. agency OKs first stem cell researchThe Daily Commercial18 hours ago
LAURAN NEERGAARD Associated Press WASHINGTON -- Scientists can start using taxpayer dollars to do research with 13 batches of embryonic stem ce ...
- Innovative strategies improve outcomes and prevent complications of stem cell transplantsScience Daily11 hours ago
The methods and outcomes for stem cell transplants are constantly improving as leading experts continue to investigate new approaches for reducing the serious adverse events associated with the procedure. New research takes a closer look at complications of stem cell transplants, including veno-occlusive disease and graft-versus-host disease.
- Innovative strategies improve outcomes and prevent complications of stem cell transplantsEurekAlert!17 hours ago
The methods and outcomes for stem cell transplants are constantly improving as leading experts continue to investigate new approaches for reducing the serious adverse events associated with the procedure. Research presented today at the 51st Annual Meeting of the American Society of Hematology takes a closer look at complications of stem cell transplants, including veno-occlusive disease and ...
- NIH Approves New Stem Cell Lines For ResearchMedical News Today4 days ago
The National Institutes of Health announced approval of embryonic stem cell lines for federally funded research. The Washington Post reports the decision is "opening the way for millions of taxpayer dollars to be used to conduct research that was put off-limits by President George W. Bush. Launching a dramatic expansion of government support for one of the most promising but most contentious ...
- 'Ethical' stem-cell work advancesThe Washington Times2 days ago
BOSTON | Several Massachusetts firms are forging ahead with ambitious stem-cell research plans, circumventing the heated debate over embryonic research by using other, less-controversial methods. Biocell Center, a European technology firm, has opened the first amniotic-fluid stem-cell bank in the United States in Medford, Mass., near Boston. Another Boston-area biotech firm, Advanced Cell ...
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Comments
Every vaccine that has been developed till date and are disease specific had to be tested before they were circulated and that was based on researches carried out by biochemists and scientists.While I appreciate the concern on the effect on embryos when stem cells is derived from them,I am with the advocates of stem cell researches as the benefits are incredible.If dosorders related to nervous system and heart diseases could be addressed with the stem cells forming new neuroglial cells and cardiomyocytes ,then probably in future cure to virtually every disease ,including AIDS will become realistic when we take into consideration the fact that the HGP (human genome project) has now correctly identified all the genes on human chromosomes.
While I would also support an alternative process of acquiring potent stem cells, in the absence of another solution,I all in favor of stem cell research from embryos considering that before the blastocyst stage the embryo is just an aggregate of cells that is no more than an undifferenciated mass.
Is it true that we can regrow any part of our bodies ourselves?
Thank you Sunseven and Bluewings for your very sensible comments. And for adding so many great datas. And I agree, stem cell research is indeed a life saving science. Even if it's procedures are quite controversial to others. But it is for the greater benefit of humanity. And as you said Bluewings an alternative process of acquiring stem cell would be most welcomed. But I think the blastocyst stage of the embryo is the better stage to grow potent stem cells. But Science is endless and we have always new things to discover.
Hi Lordwarwizard! From what I have searched. Human beings, unlike other mammals, cannot regrow their limbs like news, and do not form blastemas. But people are not wholly lacking in regenerative powers. Because they say, the machinery of regeneration must be a basic part of animal genetic. For example, there are reports that the tip of the finger can occasionally be regenerated, if the cut is above the last joint. And also, " people can vigorously repair damage to the liver. Even after 75 percent has been removed in surgery, the liver regains its original mass in two to three weeks. It is not certain why other organs and limbs have lost this useful capacity, but perhaps only the liver was damaged often enough during its owner's lifetime to make a repair system worth the cost."
"The liver can regenerate itself, when all else fails, from stem cells, the versatile cells that produce the mature cells of many organs and tissues. But usually it relies on its own mature cells, which, like those of a blastema, possess a remarkable power to divide and multiply, even though they can only restore the organ's mass, not its original structure."
So we can regrow parts of our body but not all. This depends on the machinery of generation, which involves genes, blastema cells, stem cells and the ability too of our body to recover from injuries and renew itself.
I do not hear babies screaming in the night when I think of stem cell research. Not any more than I heard them when I kept egg from meeting sperm or developing when I used birth control. I think stem cell research is an important scientific advance that we must used, and I don't agree with the "there will be no end to it" arguments. Of course there are moral limits to cloning and these have to be legislated and oversight provided. The bible dictated no one was supposed to spill their seed without procreating, but those times have changed as well lol.
You're right Cremechese. Times and generations have changed. And stem cell research is important for our evolution. Thank you Creme for your comment.
Science technology have evolved a lot through the years. It extend to trying to understand how a human cycles develop. I heard that we can keep the umbilical cord after giving birth and send in to a special laboratory. From there, they will examine the cord to see what possible illnesses or diseases a baby can have in his/her later years. I'm not sure about this though.
That may be very possible Charms. Great! And thank you for sharing and responding. (^^,)
This is the most informative, and well-researched hub on the ‘blog’ No embryonic stem cell research, are currently being done in my country, South Africa. There are no formal policies, and no government funding for research. What they are doing lately is they obtain umbilical cord stem cells from private stem cell banks around South Africa. Research done in countries such as America has the potential to change medicine, as we know it. Maybe we should get President Bush to read this LoL!
Thank you Annie for the kind words. And yes, if only high rank official could take the time to fund studies that will benefit humanity. It will be so great. (^^,)
hi! i have heard abt stem cells before but i dint actually know the exact process until i read ur hub.. the other day one of my friend was asking abt this...i will forward him his link...thanks for sharing such a nice info
Thanks Maverick! I'm glad my article was helpful. Have a nice day! (^^,)
I watched my mum die a prolonged and awful death through motor neurone disease that took the use of her body whilst leaviing her mind active - and horrified as to what became of her. Whilst my mind does pull away from the thought of embryonic research there is still a lot we need to learn. Research should be done for medical pruposes, not for lining the pockets of drug companies though.
Yes, I agree with you Tjmum. These researches have to be done only for medical purposes and not for the financial benefits greedy companies might get from them; to the expense of others suffering and human experimentation.
I think if they are done in good faith and good intentions. These researches will benefit a lot and alleviate much pains for patients and their families.
Thank you for sharing with us Tjmum. (^^,)
If this research is so beneficial, why are people agianst it? Is it not possible that they might contract the disease and suffer from it to? Everybody has their own opinions but one must take into consideration how much they may benefit from this research.
In addition the comment made by Lordlorwizard,it is still possible for us to have the ability still linked to our DNA but the response may be inactive due to generations of evolution. Cannot one use this research to reactivate these dormant abilities?
Excellent hub. Very comprehensive. Great work!
A fetus is human life in its earliest stages & needs to be respected. Not turned into some science experiment. Don’t discriminate against people, deciding their value is determined by how developed their body or mind is. Just because a fetus is small, so what? Size does not prove your worth. I might be taller than you but that doesn’t mean I deserve more rights, or that I am somehow more valuable than you simply because I am bigger. All humans, regardless of their size or level of development, are valuable. Therefore, these fetus’ deserve their right to life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
but do you realize what this could mean for science,a fetus may be a developing human, but its the fact it can delvelope and become a human means we could use steam cells to make people regain limbs and organs and anything else. and because they are not human they have no rights yet.
im doing a project and i wanna knoe if stem cell research is good or bad????
Thank you for your comments. And to answer Hoot, if stem cell research is good or bad. It will depend on what you believe in, where you stand for, and if it conforms to your beliefs. As you can see in my hub, we have different opinions. And from that you can weigh and choose if stem cell research is good or bad.
And as of 2009, not only fetus have the potential for stem cell research. But they have found that from our own cells, we might be able to generate new healthy cells and which will help cure many ailments. I don't like too the idea of "purposely" making a fetus and killing it for the sake of science. Hopefully more potent stem cells can be harvested from the umbilical cords only. But Science is endless, and fast developing. So lets us hope that better ways and more humane one will be found by our scientists and researchers.
i think anything that saves your life you shoud do it.
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SunSeven says:
3 years ago
I support whatever it takes to improve human life. Most of the questions raised, I believe, is only philosophical. Stem cell research is not done by killing "potential babies!" Perhaps in the coming few years stem cell research will mature as a life science.