Stem Cell Research
Stem cells are cells with the capability to grow into practical ones that can execute many functions of the body. Although most of the body cells are only capable of serving specific tasks in a definite organ, stem cells have never undergone differentiation. This means that they have the capacity to split and make as many replicas of themselves as possible. Various researches that have been carried out indicate the possibilities that pluripotent cells have in conquering the previously incurable diseases and condition (Cafasso, 2017). However, fear and worries have risen due to the potential misuse of the technology, which might then result in the destruction of both social/personal well-being of individuals (Railton, 2019). This paper will discuss the issues surrounding the development, usage, and damage of the human embryos.
The promise that the stem cell has on the treatment of different kinds of conditions is what has created the need to research on it. The cells have the capacity to become some or, all 206 types of cells that are present in the body. Due to this, there are suggestions that it can even develop and form a whole-body organ, which can then contribute to transplantation. However, critical ethical concerns are challenging the practice of destroying human embryos for the purpose of stem cell derivation (Railton, 2019). This is based on the claims that the embryo is human life that has moral values that warrant protection; thus, it is unethical.
Stem cell research is something that is continuing in many institutions of higher education, research organizations, and medical facilities all over the globe. Additionally, several explorations have been done to determine the way the cells are capable of forming tissues and organs, how aging influences their functions and the function that they play in various disorders (Bose & Mattrey, 2019). Besides, tissues development in the stem cells has been used to help in the discovery of new medication that can aid in altering the progress of multiple diseases.
However, the primary attention on stem cells research currently is the issue of findings methods to control the process and how they differentiate. Over the years, scientists have tried to develop techniques to influence the stem cell course in order to generate a precise cell type, what is known as direct differentiation which has not been successful (Bose & Mattrey, 2019). If researchers can find a consistent approach to control the differentiation of the embryonic stem cells, they may be capable of using the cells to effectually treat certain types of sicknesses like cancer, stroke and many other chronic disorders.
For decades, various legislations have been developed regarding stem cells research. There had been an evolvement of the policies from banning federal funding for studies that engaged in the destruction of human embryos, to restriction of the number of human embryonic stem cell lines that were likely to be used in researches that were funded by the federal government to 21 viable lines (Kington, 2019). The ban of using federal fund was then overturned by the Obama executive order, which gave way as long as the ethical policies presented by the National Institute of Health are met. Some of the policies indicate that the human embryonic stem cells that are obtained from humans must be; those grown through in vitro fertilization for reproduction which was no longer needed, those donated by persons seeking reproductive treatment and who provided a written consent for the human embryos to be used for research purposes (Kington, 2019). The policies also indicate that there must be assurance with documentation such as written policies, consent form, and other documents with no payment of any kind offered for the donated embryos.
Stem cell research has the enormous potential of causing a substantial influence on the health of individuals. Therefore, the disagreement involving the use and damage of the human embryo is something that must be dealt with fast to facilitate its development (Railton, 2019). For example, the concerns can be eased by scientists using the newly found method of turning adult and umbilical cord blood stem cells because they have been considered to be free from any ethical issues. Furthermore, the embryonic stem cells can also be extracted from aborted IVF cases which have not been actively/intrusively obtained directly from living embryos. This can help in addressing the challenges experienced by the scientist concerning the acquisition of the stem cells from the embryos and getting enough financial resources to promote the project.
Conclusively, stem cell research is an essential element that can bring a positive change in the health sector when the necessary expertise and improvement in technology is applied. Moreover, with the potential that pluripotent stem cells have in dealing with initially incurable diseases, and other conditions, the steps regarding the collection process for example in human embryos need to be stopped and other alternatives used.
References
Bose, R. J. C., & Mattrey, R. F. (2019). Accomplishments and challenges in stem cell
imaging in vivo. Drug Discovery Today, 24(2), 492–504. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drudis.2018.10.007
Cafasso, J. (2017, July 8). Stem Cell Research: Uses, Types & Examples. Retrieved from: https://www.healthline.com/health/stem-cell-research
Kington, R. (2019). National Institutes of Health Guidelines for Human Stem Cell Research. Retrieved 16 September 2019, from https://stemcells.nih.gov/policy/2009-guidelines.htm
Railton, D. (2019, February 18). Stem cells: Therapy, controversy, and research. Retrieved
From: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/200904.php
