Stem Cell Research

JerRocks2day · 04-01-2009, 08:10 AM

My CPB Biology class have started talking about Stem Cell Research. So far, I've learned that it has capabilities of helping cure diseases, disorders, etc. However I've also heard that it's related to abortion. I'm kinda caving a bit so far. However, I may use an 'anti' argument so I can write a persuasive essay for a class assignment in English. So what do you think about Stem Cell Research?

***BillSPrestonEsq*** · 04-01-2009, 08:44 AM

I am for stem cell research, but adult stem cell research. The embryonic stem cell research has not been as promising as you might be led to believe. Adult stem cells are MUCH more promising in actual research, and there are no ethical qualms about their derivation. They can be gotten from fat, or bone marrow, and they do not risk graft versus host disease.

Embryonic stem cells are viewed as the holy grail theoretically because according to common scientific thought they can develop into any type of cell. Some experimentation has led to a different view that it may be predetermined by unknown variables.

After reading some reports from mice and human experimentation, the ethical qualms with the treatments are pretty severe as well as the cell's derivation. However, the therapies from adult stem cells are promising. You can even use the host's own stem cells which is promising.

**H.M. Murdock** · 04-01-2009, 10:20 AM

Umbilical cords anyone?
I am not opposed to stem cell research. It's tied to abortion in some ways, but scientifically speaking, as Bill pointed out, they are not synonymous and needn't be associated.

***BillSPrestonEsq*** · 04-01-2009, 10:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by H.M. Murdock

Umbilical cords anyone?
I am not opposed to stem cell research. It's tied to abortion in some ways, but scientifically speaking, as Bill pointed out, they are not synonymous and needn't be associated.

I love the cord blood program. That said, the results from some of the alzheimers trials in the 90's would curdle your blood. The "magic bullet" aspect of how they are treated seems to me to be scary and bad science though. I am for research from ethically derived stem cells. And we have good sources.