Both Sides of Stem Cell Research

Stem Cell Research Paper

Stem cell research has been quite a controversial topic since its origin in the 1960s by Gopal Das and Joseph Altman. Of course, anything that uses a human embryo would be. Stem cell research could open a vast number of new doors for modern science, it could let us test new drugs, one of which could be the unfound cure for AIDS or Alzheimer’s disease. However, this branch of science comes at a high price, the price of a human life that is only five to six days

old (NIH). It is quite nearly impossible to take a stand in this argument from an unbiased viewpoint.

What is a stem cell? A stem cell is an unspecialized cell, meaning it is not a heart, brain, or any other type of cell that has a special purpose, so it can take the form of any other type of cell. In other words, the fate of these cells has not been determined yet! This means that once inserted and given the right signal or trigger, the stem cell can adapt and divide like all of the cells in the area. Many leading Health Institutes are actively trying to find another way of getting such unspecialized cells. One way that many scientists are supporting is the freezing of the Placenta (Wikipedia). The Placenta is the mother’s tissue to the umbilical cord of the fetus is attached. If frozen, placenta can later help the baby that the female gave birth to by providing unspecialized stem cells. The major drawback of this method is that the Placental stem cells will only work for the baby that was attached to it through the umbilical cord (Wikipedia). There are four types of stem cells, Totipotent, Pluripotent, Multipotent, and Unipotent. Totipotent cells can become any type of tissue in the body (including the Placenta) and are only found in the ...

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...ls it takes, to treat a patch or maybe even a microscopic patch (CNN). Researchers, Religious figures, and political figures opposing stem cell research hotly argue if killing a baby for some stem cells is a void reason. Right now, no one side has gained favor over the other.

Stem cell research has been an extremely notorious topic of debate in today’s world. Both sides have been trying to gain the edge for many years, but it is still hard to tell who is winning this debate. Those in favor of stem cell research believe that stem cells will help open doors in modern science to cures, ideas, and new methods. On the opposing side, however, the people believe that killing a baby is a inhumane act, and will only hurt humankind. All in all, the balance in this debate seems to be even, however, this might change if one side brings forward convincing piece of evidence.