Stem Cell
STEM CELL RESEARCH AND THERAPYAND ITS IMPACTS ON SOCIETY
Abstract
There are several types of stem cells being used in stem cell research and therapy today. They are embryonic, adult and induced pluripotent stem cells. Each will be discussed further. This topic has stirred much moral, ethical and political debate as whether cells from fetuses should be used in this research. This impacts governmental policies on laws and funding. Another issue that must be analyzed is the economics and who should have access to this treatment. The views of people and government on this research differ greatly across the world. There are countries that have very strict laws restricting this research while others take an extremely liberal stance.
Stem Cell Research and Therapy and Its Impacts on Society
Introduction
Stem cells are the basic unit of life that gives rise to all living things. They are the undifferentiated cells that transform into the specialized cells that make up all of the tissues in organisms. With further research and understating, these cells can be used in medicine to cure a wide range of diseases. The most important type of stem cell to humans is the pluripotent stem cell which is usually obtained from human embryos. This has sparked controversy in many aspects of human life. In this paper, we will concentrate on animal and human stem cell research, and its impact on society.
A Brief Description Of The Technology And An Explanation Of The Associated Science
Before understanding stem cells, it might be beneficial to understand exactly what a cell is. “Cells are the ultimate structural unit of an animal or plant body.” (Slack, 2012) The cell has a nucleus and cytoplasm. The nucleus contains the DNA, the genetic coding that determines the development of the cell. The cytoplasm contains other parts of the cell that carries out various chemical and mechanical functions in the cell. There are about 210 different kinds of
Abstract
There are several types of stem cells being used in stem cell research and therapy today. They are embryonic, adult and induced pluripotent stem cells. Each will be discussed further. This topic has stirred much moral, ethical and political debate as whether cells from fetuses should be used in this research. This impacts governmental policies on laws and funding. Another issue that must be analyzed is the economics and who should have access to this treatment. The views of people and government on this research differ greatly across the world. There are countries that have very strict laws restricting this research while others take an extremely liberal stance.
Stem Cell Research and Therapy and Its Impacts on Society
Introduction
Stem cells are the basic unit of life that gives rise to all living things. They are the undifferentiated cells that transform into the specialized cells that make up all of the tissues in organisms. With further research and understating, these cells can be used in medicine to cure a wide range of diseases. The most important type of stem cell to humans is the pluripotent stem cell which is usually obtained from human embryos. This has sparked controversy in many aspects of human life. In this paper, we will concentrate on animal and human stem cell research, and its impact on society.
A Brief Description Of The Technology And An Explanation Of The Associated Science
Before understanding stem cells, it might be beneficial to understand exactly what a cell is. “Cells are the ultimate structural unit of an animal or plant body.” (Slack, 2012) The cell has a nucleus and cytoplasm. The nucleus contains the DNA, the genetic coding that determines the development of the cell. The cytoplasm contains other parts of the cell that carries out various chemical and mechanical functions in the cell. There are about 210 different kinds of
References: Boston Children 's Hospital. (2013). HISTORY OF STEM CELL RESEARCH — A TIMELINE. Retrieved from Boston Children 's Hospital, About Stem Cells: http://stemcell.childrenshospital.org/about-stem-cells/history/ Ott, S Slack, J. (2012). Stem Cells A Very Short Introduction. New York: Oxford University Press. Stem Cell Information. (2009). Retrieved from National Institute of Health: http://stemcells.nih.gov/info/basics/pages/basics1.aspx Stem Cell Timeline Beeson, D., & Lippman, A. (2006). Egg harvesting for stem cell research: medical risks and ethical problems. Reproductive BioMedicine Online, 13(4), 573-579. Board, S. (2002). Stem cells—scientific, medical, and political issues. N Engl J Med, 346(20). Ertelt, S. (2009, March 9). President Barack Obama Makes Taxpayers Fund Embryonic Stem Cell Research | LifeNews.com. LifeNews.com - The Pro-Life News Source. Retrieved September 22, 2013, from http://www.lifenews.com/2009/03/09/bio-2781/?pr=1 Hartshorn, J pp. 114-128. (2012, March 11). The New Atlantis - A Journal of Technology & Society . Retrieved September 22, 2013, from http://www.thenewatlantis.com/publications/article_detail.asp?id=655&css=print Zahedi-Anaraki, F., & Larijani, B Stem Cell Research. (2008, 03 25). Retrieved 10 1, 2013, from Risk and Disadvantages of Stem Cell Reasearch: http://chem445stemcell.webs.com/risksanddisadvantages.htm Environmental Impact - Stem Cell Research Stem Cell Basics [Stem Cell Information]. (n.d.). Retrieved September 12, 2013, from NIH Stem Cell Information Home Page: http://stemcells.nih.gov/info/basics/Pages/Default.aspx Stem Cell Core Facility: UCR Stem Cell Policy