Stem cell research and its future - Essay Example

It can find solutions for the devastating disease like cancer, Parkinson’s disease, diabetics, heart diseases, etc. Stem cell research is becoming a highly controversial subject at present because of the ethical and moral issues involved in it. Even though nobody has any doubt about the potential of stem cells in improving human life, plenty of sociologists, religious leaders and scholars have already questioned the logic of stem cell research. The discovery, isolation, and culturing of human embryonic stem cells will help the medical science to propose solutions to some of the serious health problems.

At the same time, the killing of the embryo for the wellbeing of human is questioned by many people. Some people argue that embryonic stem cell research should be completely banned since it denies the natural right of the embryos to take birth in this world. On the other hand, supporters of embryonic stem cell research argue that embryos cannot be considered as complete human beings since the birth has not been taken place. In short, stem cell research is getting highly controversial as time goes on.

This paper analyses the future of stem cell research. According to Inou (p.2560), Neurodegenerative diseases like Alzheimers’ are caused by problems in cortical neurons whereas in dementia, Lewy bodies, or frontotemporal lobar degeneration is causing the disease. Parkinson disease is caused by dopaminergic neurons whereas upper and lower motor neurons cause amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has approved its adult stem cell protocol to conduct Phase I clinical trials to treat Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (Lou Gehrig’s disease) and TCA Cellular Therapy.

This is the second FDA-approved protocol for the treatment of ALS using stem cells in the country; and the first using adult stem cells from the same patient. The aim of the Phase I study is to assess safety of IND 13729, as a stem cell therapy for