Though scientists have known about stem cells since the early 1900s, it wasn't until the 1960s that stem cells' regenerative capabilities were observed. In 1998, a watershed moment occurred when scientist James Thomson successfully removed stem cells from unwanted embryos at a fertility clinic and harvested its cells in a laboratory. With that moment, stem cell research gathered speed.
There are many issues related to stem cell research. Some people are in favor of this research while others tend to oppose it and have tagged the stem cell research as unethical. In recent history, few topics have been met with as much fierce social and political debate as stem cell research.
But, are politics and the media hiding the real potential of its brother Adult Stem Cell Research? Ultimately, the real question is whether or not Adult Stem Cells have as many capabilities as Embryonic Stem Cells. For many years the stem cell debate was fueled by the embryonic stem cell advocates saying that Adult Stem Cells weren't really capable of turning into other types of cells (which is the real benefit of stem cell research) and was therefore limited in what they could become.
Those arguing for stem cell research believe that stem cells may provide cures for incurable diseases. Those against stem cell research argue that harvesting stem cells from aborted fetuses is wrong because they do not believe in abortion. Highly controversial subjects such as stem cells and abortion go hand-in-hand with strong personal beliefs. Although you may not agree with the other person's beliefs, you must respect the way they feel in order to have a healthy debate.
Due to this debate, the use of human embryos and fetuses in stem cell research, whether dead or living, has been made illegal while the use of adult cells is legal. Although stem cell research has sparked fiery debates among people, we simply cannot ignore the immense potential that this technology has.
There are many issues related to stem cell research. Some people are in favor of this research while others tend to oppose it and have tagged the stem cell research as unethical. In recent history, few topics have been met with as much fierce social and political debate as stem cell research.
But, are politics and the media hiding the real potential of its brother Adult Stem Cell Research? Ultimately, the real question is whether or not Adult Stem Cells have as many capabilities as Embryonic Stem Cells. For many years the stem cell debate was fueled by the embryonic stem cell advocates saying that Adult Stem Cells weren't really capable of turning into other types of cells (which is the real benefit of stem cell research) and was therefore limited in what they could become.
Those arguing for stem cell research believe that stem cells may provide cures for incurable diseases. Those against stem cell research argue that harvesting stem cells from aborted fetuses is wrong because they do not believe in abortion. Highly controversial subjects such as stem cells and abortion go hand-in-hand with strong personal beliefs. Although you may not agree with the other person's beliefs, you must respect the way they feel in order to have a healthy debate.
Due to this debate, the use of human embryos and fetuses in stem cell research, whether dead or living, has been made illegal while the use of adult cells is legal. Although stem cell research has sparked fiery debates among people, we simply cannot ignore the immense potential that this technology has.
Nice informative article !!!
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