Stem Cells and Their Usage - Research Paper Example

? Stem Cells and Their Usage- Pro Side Stem cells are specified cells that have the ability to produce other cells for instance blood-cells, brain-cells, tissue-cells or muscle-cells. Stem cells are found in all living bodies however, they are extremely powerful and effective in a fetus comparative to an adult body. There are certain kinds of stem cells that possess the potential to create all other types of cells in the body. Whereas, others only have the ability to repair, and sometimes replace, damaged tissues or cells. (Jacqueline Langwith, 2007) Hitherto, three types of stem cells have come across the eyes of great researchers. These three types of stem cells momentously differ in differentiation and also in the potential to self repair. In humans, we have found: Embryonic Stem Cells Adult Stem Cells Umbilical Cord Blood Stem Cells These three kinds of stem cells are still being researched upon for their potential usage in the field of medicine. (Evelyn B Kelly, 2007) In view of the fact that stem cells can be used to repair damaged tissues or cells, extensive research has been conducted to utilize this miraculous creation. Stem cell research is often manipulated for examination of basic cells that help in developing organisms. Once the stem cells are extracted from the body they are then treated and grown in laboratories where various tests are performed to explore the basic properties of the cells. Aborted fetuses are a good source of extraction of stem cells but they are not the only source. Active stem cells are found in placenta and also in the blood contained in placenta. After many years of debate, now the research method is mainly through Embryonic Stem Cells. Another more ethical method for study and research is by using Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells. Many debates have been witnessed about stem cells research and stem cells usage. Nevertheless, according to many researchers, stem cells can cure numerous diseases found in a body human body. It can prove to be of great importance and of potential help for many medical problems. Patients can be treated through better ways of treatment. Some of the diseases that can be cured with the use of stem cells are: Parkinson’s Disease Alzheimer’s Disease Schizophrenia Heart Diseases, Stroke and Diabetes Birth Defects Spinal Cord Injuries Replace or Repair Damaged Organs and Tissues Osteoarthritis and Rheumatoid Arthritis Reduced Risk of Transplantation Stem cells may play a major role in cancer Stem cells usage can prove to be of potential significant for such diseases. (Ann B Parson, 2004) Nevertheless, we observed a great number of arguments against the use of stem cells. Many said that this is not an ethical way of curing any sort of illness. Others commented that one must not mess with human life. Exclamations like playing with God topped the arguments from various corners of the world. However, we have noticed that the benefits and rewards of the use of stem cells have overshadowed the ethical issues raised across the globe. (Michael Bellomo, 2006) Another important and basic plus point for the use of stem cells is that it gives researchers a prospect to explore great insights about the essentials of the body. Due to the extensive research on the stem cells, many new concepts can be discovered and formulated about the human body and its functions. Questions that are still unexplained can be answered only because of the research and usage of stem cells. Stem cells have vast range of advantages when it comes to curing different types of diseases. It is undoubtedly an excellent endeavor to ease human suffering and cure diseases. Various scientists believe that embryonic stem cells usage would be found very helpful in curing many illnesses. It is because new healthy tissue cells can fix the damaged tissues. This is how human suffering, because of certain disease, can be reduced. It is undeniably the job of the researchers and scientist to find cure of diseases through any means and provide solutions to patients as soon as possible. Scientists believe that destruction of embryos does cost you big but it is not more important that improving or saving a patient’s life. It is in their knowledge as well that embryos are worthy of respect and destroying them is ethically expensive. Conversely, they believe that saving young lives including children and adults carry greater value. (Malcolm Alison; Anna M Wobus; Kenneth R Boheler; et al, 2006) One major advantage of stem cells is that they carry the ability to self-renew and they also have the power to multiply by giving rise to supplementary generation of cells. A number of stem cells treatments have come in the lead but most of them are still in the process of experimentation. Stem cells usage and research carry great importance when it comes to testing any new potential medicine and drug. In future, scientists would be able to conduct any medicinal drug or medicine test on the stem cells directly rather than performing on animals or human body. Scientists also exclaim that because of usage of the stem cells on a patient’s body, risks of rejection are far lesser than using any other way of treatment. As the stem cell belongs to the same body, the danger of denial is known to be equal to none which is of great benefit for the patient. His chances of improvement double when a stem cell is extracted from the same body as being treated. Thousands of lives can be saved with the help of usage of stem cells as there are a great number of people who need human organ than people donating organs. In the case of repairing damaged organs, stem cells have proved to be of great success. This way various people can live the way they dream of. It is important to understand that stem cells carry immense significance and can cause wonders to those needy people who hallucinate about living a better and healthy life. It is definitely a right of every human being to medically treat himself and enjoy the luxuries this world offers him. It is definitely a tragedy if a person dies of a curable disease. Hence, one must value aspects differently and enjoy significant improvements in the medical field. References: Langwith, Jacqueline. Stem Cells. Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2007. Print Kelly, Evelyn B. Stem Cells. Westport, Conn: Greenwood Press, 2007. Print Parson, Ann B. The Proteus Effect: Stem Cells and Their Promise for Medicine. Washington, D.C: Joseph Henry Press, 2004. Print. Bellomo, Michael. The Stem Cell Divide: The Facts, the Fiction, and the Fear Driving the Greatest Scientific, Political, and Religious Debate of Our Time. New York: American Management Association, 2006. Print. Alison, Malcolm, Anna M. Wobus, and Kenneth R. Boheler.Stem Cells. Berlin: Springer, 2006. Print. Read More