What's all the buzz about stem cells - Essay Example

Whats the Buzz about Stem Cells? Whats the Buzz about Stem Cells? Since their discovery, the potential uses of stem cells havegrown tremendously as researchers continue to uncover the mystery surrounding them. According to Bilko et al., (2007), evidence obtained from research shows that numerous tissues maintain minute amounts of stem cells that are tissue particulate. The tissue-particulate stem cells role is to re-grow cells lost cells. Stem cells have the potential to trans-separate into an array of non-hematopoietic types of cells according to Bilko, Fehse, and Ostertag (2007).

Stem cells can also be utilised to evaluate growth and development of different organisms. In the study of diseases, researchers can use them to replicate the process a diseases undergoes in order to comprehend it. Because stem cells are said to rejuvenate damaged tissues, stem cells have the potential to be utilised in restoration of extremely damaged cells in scenarios such as third-degree burns. In a world where organs obtained from donors have long been used to replace damaged organs. Stem cells have the potential to replicate organ growth in the laboratory to produce these organs for replacement eliminating the risks of organ rejection (Bilko, et al., 2007)Thomas (2012) specifically notes that, the basis of the stem cells controversy is ethical considerations surrounding stem cells research.

He states that, Adult stem cells are obtained from body tissues, and there is no harm done. However, embryonic stem cells are obtained from an embryo that is several days old destroying it. Thus, it is deemed to be similar to an abortion considering that an embryo is regarded as a component of life. According to Thomas (2012), James Thomson, the first individual to grow stem cells in the laboratory from human embryos indicated that it was morally better to utilize spare IVF embryos for use in research (Thomas, 2012).

As an individual, my take on it is that it is ethically wrong to destroy an embryo by obtaining stem cells as it is a creation of God and has potential to produce life. I feel it is right to use stem cells in research, but it is wrong to destroy an embryo. ReferencesBilko, N. M., Fehse, B. & Ostertag, W., 2007. Stem Cells and Their Potential for Clinical Application. Dordrecht: Springer Science & Business Media.Thomas, I., 2012. What is the Controversy Over Stem Cell Research?. Chicago(Illnois): Raintree.