Stem cells and society - Essay Example

Stem cells and society Every man has the capacity of free thought and that fueled his thoughts to innovate what ever he wishes. Medical science in its totality is meant to defend and promote integral good of human beings in keeping with human dignity. Advanced technologies give man the chance to create a world with lesser problems and better stability. Cloning is one of the greatest scientific leaps that man has ever dreamed of. This essay substantiates the significance of cloning in this problematic world of diseases and health issues. Though there are a number of arguments against the usability and ethics of cloning, the enormous contribution this clinical intervention can have on the well being of human beings makes these arguments irrelevant. Cloning of stem cells proves to be a best treatment methodology for numerous challenging diseases. If we are ready to accept the medical applications of this wonderful technology rather than clinging on to the ethical issues, it will be a huge benefit to the entire mankind. Replacement of damaged tissues and organs due to any diseases can be reinstated to good health with the aid of cloning. Cloning could be a silver line of hope to people struck with Parkinson’s, diabetes, Alzheimer’s, stroke, heart attack, multiple sclerosis and spinal cord injuries. The lost cells and tissues by the repeated chemotherapy and radiations can be easily replaced in cancer patients. It helps in the better understanding of genetic diseases too. The clinical application of this property has had much interest to the biomedical researchers in the recent years. There had been a number of researches confirming the clinical application of cloning. Stojanoski et al, (2009, 71-84) has opined that stem cells that are taken from the peripheral blood, bone marrow and umbilical cord can be cloned to treat heametological malignancies. The same study has also revealed the possibility of utilizing stem cell clones in the treatment of non heametological diseases, heart problems, diseases pertaining to the immune system and degenerative disorders (Stojanoski et al, 2009, 71-84). Thus the study confirms the role of cloning in evolving with potential solutions to a number of detrimental diseases. Thus the importance of cloning in relation to its clinical application can be considered of due relevance. Stojanoski et al, (2009, 71-84) has further confirmed this point by citing examples from the successful case studies done at the Hematology Department, Skopje and the Skopje Cardiology clinic. Acute Myocardial infraction has been reported by the study as treated effectively using clones of stem cells from bone marrow Stojanoski et al, (2009, 71-84) The study has urged further research in the area so that it can be developed as a confirmed therapeutic solution (Stojanoski et al, 2009, 71-84). Coppes, van der Goot and Lombaert (2009 ,112-21) has further confirmed the clinical application of stem cell cloning as their study had observed that the normal tissue damage due to radiotherapy can be healed using stem cells. This can further lead to the improvement in the living conditions of the patient. Coppes, van der Goot and Lombaert (2009 ,112-21) have discussed in detail the progress in stem cell cloning and confirmed its implication as in the clinical aspects. The study has defined different types of stem cells and their respective roles in treating a number of disorders (Coppes, van der Goot & Lombaert 2009 ,112-21). This study serves as a benchmark towards the scope of stem cell research as it has described the details on the current status, localization, characterization, isolation methodologies and the scope in therapy (Coppes, van der Goot & Lombaert 2009 ,112-21). Though the research on the cloning and the allied application of it had only been in the primary stage, the scope that this promises on the potential clinical application is very promising. Cloning can play a vital role in maintaining the natural balance of the ecosystem. Burning issues of species getting extinct is an unsolved puzzle in modern world. Cloning is indeed a solution in this cause. The species which are at the verge of extinction could be saved. Staring from Dolly, the first cloned sheep, the implications of cloning can help the replication process and thus the protection of the endangered species. Extreme cases of infertility w can be easily resolved through the cloning of gametes. Added to these, the cloning of transgenic animals can be a source for organ transplantation in human beings. The botanical sciences are increasingly using the technology for the micro propagation of plants which are difficult to be propagated other wise. Cloning helps in preserving certain desired qualities in fruits and vegetables according to one’s convenience. It enables the continuation of variation over generations. Thus cloning can be asserted to be of great relevance as far as the well being of the ecology and the human is concerned. The arguments against cloning are much in relation with the religious and ethical issues. The basic disagreement is based on the theory that “we should not mess with human life”. This argument as promoted by the spiritual dictators has to a larger extent influenced the common man’s approach on cloning. Resultantly the sociological influence of the argument is quite substantial. Pierret and Friedrichsen (2009, 79-87) have analyzed the sociological aspect of cloning and allied research. The conclusion of the study urges serious discussion among college students and other social elements on the ethical issues pertaining with cloning (Pierret & Friedrichsen 2009, 79-87). The fact that the arguments are not based on any scientific evidence, gives advantage to the argument in favor of cloning. Thus the implications of cloning would make it weigh more against the ethical points raised against it. It would require more discussions and consensus among the scientific community and the philosophical think tanks along with the moral guides so that the research on cloning can be of more help to humanity. References Pierret, C & Friedrichsen, P (2009) Stem cells and society: an undergraduate course exploring the intersections among science, religion, and law. CBE life sciences education, 8(1), 79-87 Coppes, R P; van der Goot, A; Lombaert, I M A, (2009) Stem cell therapy to reduce radiation-induced normal tissue damage. Seminars in radiation oncology, 19(2):112-21 Stojanoski, Z; Georgievski, B; Pejkov, H; Pivkova, A; Cevreska, L; Genadieva-Stavrik, S; Milenkov, V; Dukovski, R; Kotevski, V (2009), Stem cell transplantation - new treatment approaches. Contributions / Macedonian Academy of Sciences and Arts, Section of Biological and Medical Sciences, 29(2):71-84 Read More