The Advantages and Disadvantages of Stem Cell Research

For the past few years, there has been a continuous controversy regarding the bioethical issues of stem cells and the pros/cons of its research. In order to understand the clash of opposing opinions on stem cells, it is important to know the root of stem cells, as well as their functions and scientific findings. “Stem Cells are very essential to develop organisms. They are non-specialized cells which have the potential to create other types of specific cells, such as blood, brain, tissue or muscle cells” (Experiment Resources, 2008). In addition, injuries or illnesses that cause dead cells can be replaced with new healthy cells via steam cells (Houdmann, 2010). It has been shown that, “stem cell research strives to achieve the cultivation and nutriment of stem cells, the basic cell of the body, enabling it to be reproduced to other specific parts of the body” (Ganesh, 2010).

Stem cells originate within our bodies; there are three main types of stem cells including, adult cells, cord cells, and embryonic cells (Experiment Resources, 2008). Stem cells are most effective in a fetus rather than in an adult body because it is during the first stages of life where the stem cells, via embryonic cells are new, and more active in treatment.

Firstly, adult stem cells can be removed from their bone marrow or their nervous system via peripheral system (sensory nervous cells, and motor nervous cells). An advantage that adult stem cells have is that fact that their bone marrow has a very rich supply of stem cells. The adult bone marrow is a soft, sponge-like material found in the core of bones which contain immature cells known as hematopoietic or blood-forming stem cells (National Cancer Institute, 2011). However, the disadvan...

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• Experiment Resources (2008). Stem Cell Research - Pros and Cons. Retrieved [October 1st,2011] from Experiment Resources: http://www.experiment-resources.com/stem-cell-pros-and-cons.html

• Houdmann, M. (2010). Pros and cons of stem cell research. Retrieved from http://www.allaboutpopularissues.org/pros-and-cons-of-stem-cell-research.htm

• Ganesh, G. (2010). Pros and cons of stem cell research. Retrieved from http://bootstrike.com/Genetics/StemCells/proandcon.php

• C. A. Cowan. (March 25, 2004),Derivation of Human Stem-Cell Lines from Human Blastocysts, New England Journal of Medicine, p.1355 with secondary reference to footnotes 13-17 p.1356

• National Cancer Institute. (2011). Bone marrow transplantation and peripheral blood stem cell transplantation. Retrieved from http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/factsheet/Therapy/bone-marrow-transplant