Embryonic Stem Cell Research Essay -- use of stem cells in regenerativ

Advancements in medical technology has lay offed for a new understanding of stem cadres and save developments in research. The use of stem cells in regenerative medicine may hold significant benefits for those suffering from degenerative diseases. To avail such advancements in stem cell research could see the alleviation or complete cure of afflictions that take the lives of millions worldwide each year. (McLaren, 2001) A stem cell 1 is able specify into any somatic cell found in the human body, including those identical to itself. Differentiation is a cellular process whereby a stem cell willing divide into a specialised cell, for example a neuron2. To harness the unique cellular function of a stem cell could mean the cultivation of wholly new organs saving countless lives and resolving acute organ transplant shortages. (Healey, 2007) Although stem cell research poses a considerable breakthrough in regenerative medicine, it raises serious ethical controversy. A specific type o f stem cell used in regenerative research is an embryonic stem (ES) cell harvested through the end of human embryos. (Hurlbut, 2006) This poses a significant ethical dilemma, as ES cells are sourced from pre-implantation embryos leftover from In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF). The destruction of embryos is seen by many as an scream of human life, an exploitation of those that are living, but cannot decide their own fate. (Masters, 2005) Before ES cell research is to make a positive impact on modern medicine and the global scientific community, this ethical predicament must first be considered. embryonic stem cell research will allow for an emerging era of medicine, where researches will be capable of providing a cure for many of todays degene... ...velopment, Monash University, AustraliaFuchs, E 2008, Stem Cells Biology, Ethics and Potential for Medicine, Lannuarie du College de France, FranceDenker, H 2006, Potentiality of Embryonic Stem Cells An Ethical Problem Even With Alternative Stem Cell Sources, University of Duisburg-Essen, GermanyScott, C 2008, Stem Cells new frontiers of ethics, law and policy, Stanford University, United States of AmericaHealey, J 2007, clone & Stem Cell Research, Volume 265 edn, The Spinney Press, Sydney, AustraliaMorgan, S 2006, From Microscopes to Stem Cell Research discovering regenerative medicine, White-Thomson Publishing, Oxford, United landDowswell, P 2000, Genetics the impact on our lives, Hodder & Wayland, London, United KingdomMaters, C 2005, DNA and your body what you need to know about biotechnology, UNSW Press, Sydney, Australia