Information On Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research
Human embryonic stem cell research is being done that can change the future when it comes to treating a number of different diseases. Embryonic stem cell research has been around for many years but there is much controversy surrounding it and for good reason. The way that embryonic stem cells are obtained is the main reason why there is so much controversy over stem cell research.
The embryonic stem cells are actually taken from the inner cell mass found in the embryo after it reaches the blastocyst stage, which occurs between four or five days to several weeks after the egg is fertilized. These are the best stem cells to use because they are pluripotent and can develop into just about any other cell found in the body except for the egg and sperm cells. The problem associated with obtaining these cells comes with the fact that the embryo must be killed in order to remove the inner cell mass containing the embryonic stem cells. Since so many bioethicists consider this an act of murder and others find it uncomfortable, it raises many ethical questions and arguments against stem cell research. However, recent studies may have discovered a way to develop embryonic stem cells without actually having to kill or destroy the embryo. This is another benefit associated with human embryonic stem cell research because without this type of research, this discovery would never have been made. Embryonic stem cell research pros also include the potential to treat and possibly cure a number of different diseases and medical conditions.
Diseases and medical conditions that could possibly be cured include:
• Spinal cord injuries
• Alzheimer’s disease
• Type 1 Diabetes
• Parkinson’s disease
• Multiple sclerosis
• Heart disease
• Certain types of cancer
• Birth defects
Just imagine the impact that having better treatments or even a possible cure for these medical conditions would have on the world. It would be amazing and millions of people will benefit. Many stem cell research companies are currently trying to harness the hidden power that these cells hold, and only in time will we be able to see the fruits of their labor.
Embryonic stem cell statistics prove just how important this research is and in the last several years, researchers have found more ethical methods for studying embryonic stem cells. A lot more research is needed before cures for these diseases will be available but stem cell research is considered the best thing to happen to modern medicine since antibiotics were discovered. There is no doubt that the controversy surrounding human embryonic stem cell research will continue even though President Obama lifted the ban for funding this type of research. This is partly due to the fact that many believe there is not enough attention given to adult stem cells or to the potential that umbilical cord stem cells have for research.
Still, only time will reveal all of the benefits human embryonic stem cell research can provide because scientists have just begun to discover some of the potential it has to offer. Thus far, there has been a lot of progress made and the future is looking bright for more discoveries that can greatly improve the quality of life as we know it.
