Stem Cell Research Pros And Cons
Stem cells are "blank" cells that have the potential to develop into any type of cell in the body -- nerve cells, heart cells, kidney cells. Scientists are trying to harvest the cells before they have differentiated, then coax them into becoming certain types. If they could grow cardiac cells, for instance, scientists one day might be able to replace damaged heart tissue in someone who has had a heart attack. By growing nerve cells they might be able to repair brain cells damaged by Alzheimer's or Parkinson's, or replace injured spinal cord cells in a paraplegic.
Stem cells have two important characteristics that distinguish them from other types of cells. First, they are unspecialized cells that renew themselves for long periods through …show more content…
The debate over stem-cell research may be one of the most important in modern society. On the one side are those who believe that it holds out the promise to cure, or at least relieve, some of humanity's most terrible diseases. On the other side are those who insist that stem cells can only be collected by killing embryos by murder. Before 1998, research on stem cells-mostly from non-controversial sources such as bone marrow and umbilical cord blood-was framed in highly technical terms, focusing on the release of the latest scientific findings or emphasizing the details of funding and applications of research. These technical dimensions, while important, don't touch on political emotions or grab much attention. When the discovery of human embryonic stem cells was announced in 1998, research advocates and opponents became energized around the question of funding research that necessitated the destruction of human embryos. Both sides, in order to mobilize public and political support for their preferred outcomes, framed the issue as a moral matter. Opponents discussed the violation of religious doctrine and the impact of "playing God." Research proponents emphasized the moral implications of not moving ahead with research that might offer "breakthrough miracle
Stem cells have two important characteristics that distinguish them from other types of cells. First, they are unspecialized cells that renew themselves for long periods through …show more content…
The debate over stem-cell research may be one of the most important in modern society. On the one side are those who believe that it holds out the promise to cure, or at least relieve, some of humanity's most terrible diseases. On the other side are those who insist that stem cells can only be collected by killing embryos by murder. Before 1998, research on stem cells-mostly from non-controversial sources such as bone marrow and umbilical cord blood-was framed in highly technical terms, focusing on the release of the latest scientific findings or emphasizing the details of funding and applications of research. These technical dimensions, while important, don't touch on political emotions or grab much attention. When the discovery of human embryonic stem cells was announced in 1998, research advocates and opponents became energized around the question of funding research that necessitated the destruction of human embryos. Both sides, in order to mobilize public and political support for their preferred outcomes, framed the issue as a moral matter. Opponents discussed the violation of religious doctrine and the impact of "playing God." Research proponents emphasized the moral implications of not moving ahead with research that might offer "breakthrough miracle