Discuss stem cell research. This refers to “researchers growing stem cells in
the lab. These stem cells are then manipulated to specialize into specific types
of cells, such as heart muscle cells, blood cells or nerve cells” (Mayo Clinic
Staff, 2022). These cells are then implanted into a person and can perform
different functions within the body. Due to its ability to turn into different
types of cells, scientists believe that they can be useful for treating and
understanding diseases. By furthering the research, it can increase the
understanding of how diseases occur. Take for example research based on
embryonic and adult stem cells that has yielded promising results for the
treatment of Parkinson’s disease and diabetes. Stem cell research has also
generated new knowledge concerning basic cell mechanisms that helps
understand the causes of diseases like cancer.
Although stem cell research has its good like everything else it also has its bad.
Some risks for SCR can be found in the participants. “Participants undergoing
stem cell transplantation include tumour formation, inappropriate stem cell
migration, immune rejection of transplanted stem cells, haemorrhage during
neurosurgery and postoperative infection” (Master et al., 2007). Ethical issues
also arise when it comes to this type of research. One of the biggest ethical
issues SCR brings up is the methods in which human embryonic stem cells are
obtained. It requires for the destruction of the embryo which is a huge ethical
matter as a lot of individuals do not agree with this method. Another ethical
matter that SCR brings up is oocyte harvesting which is the procedure in which
egg are taken from the ovaries. “Oocyte harvesting, which is essential to the
creation of human embryonic stem cells raises concerns related to safety of the
donor” (Sugarman, 2008). These are all ethical issues that must be addressed
moving forward with the research because it can cause serious issues if things
progress as they are. Steam Cell Research is very good for science and the
medical field and has assisted in saving a lot of lives. To keep up with the
positivity something must be done about the negative aspects of it so that does
positive does not get overlooked.
References
Master, Z. M., McLeod, M. M., & Mendez, I. M. (2007). Benefits, risks and
ethical considerations in translation of stem cell research to clinical
applications in Parkinson’s disease. Ncbi.Nlm.Nih.Gov.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2598267/
Mayo Clinic Staff. (2022, March 19). Stem cells: What they are and what they
do. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/bone-
marrow-transplant/in-depth/stem-cells/art-
20048117#:%7E:text=Researchers%20grow%20stem%20cells%20in,be
%20implanted%20into%20a%20person.
Sugarman, J. (2008, August 4). Ethical issues in stem cell research and
treatment. Nature.
https://www.nature.com/articles/cr2008266?error=cookies_not_support
ed&code=592476a8-98c2-4cbf-b3de-0f7936da7d09
