embryo stem cell
Posted by admin | Posted in Stem Cells | Posted on 30-11-2009-05-2008
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From the many experimental studies conducted at present, embryo stem cell research is definitely one of the most controversial. The use of human embryos as the biological material necessary to the extraction of stem cells has caused a wave of protests and actions from pro-lifers who consider such procedures a form of homicide. The problem is that starting from a mere embryo stem cell formation, scientists are now capable of creating all sorts of therapies and cures to deal with diseases and injuries that have always been diagnosed as irrecoverable. Stem cells can be extracted from other sources, such as adult tissues, but the treatment possibilities are limited under such circumstances.
Any embryo stem cell existent in a blastocyst (the resulting cell after the fertilization of an ovum by a spermatozoon) has the infinite potential of transforming into any of the functional body cells that are specialized for a certain body task. All the complex body structures afterwards evolve from this primary cellular grouping that divides in an organized manner. The benefits and successes of science in this domain of research seem to be incredibly valuable, but many people wonder about the right to life inherent to any result of conception. From this point of view any research conducted on embryos is a violation of the sacred of the living.
If analyzed from a different angle, embryo stem cell research could bring cures and alleviation to the incredible pain specific to irrecoverable diseases. Scientists are also making efforts to come up with some substitutes for any embryo stem cell necessity by identifying other sources of stem cells. For instance, the amniotic liquid could be a solution thanks to its richness in stem cells and the total inoffensiveness for the fetus. Then, another recent discovery has been the possibility for the reversed function of normal somatic cells that can be reprogrammed into becoming stem cells once again.
By far the most reputable scientific conquest of the last twenty years, the collection of stem cells without harming the embryos has finally been put into practice. This achievement is definitely a novelty but it brings a solution for the ethical concerns that raised so many controversies. Nevertheless, there are lots of other things to be understood or put into practice by modern medicine, before stem cells can solve the issue of the chronic diseases affecting humanity.
