The Debate Over Stem Cell Research - 1027 Words

Stem cell research is the study of basic cells that are grown in laboratories where tests are made to determine the essential properties of the cells. Over the past few decades, stem cell research has become a popular scientific debate and controversy. Stem cell research is still considered to be relatively new technology that is responsible for taking human cells and developing them into 220 different cells in the human body. Stem cell research has the potential to help disease research and management (Murnaghan, 2010). The two most common stem cells that scientist work within animals and humans are embryonic and non-embryonic (â€Å"somatic† or â€Å"adult†) stem cells (Stem cell basics, 2009). This paper will examine the two different types†¦show more content†¦If a scientist is able to manipulate embryonic stem cells into specific cell types, then maybe they could use the differentiated cells to treat certain diseases like Parkinson’s disease, tr aumatic spinal cord injury diabetes, heart disease, and Duchenne’s muscular dystrophy (Stem cell basics, 2009). Adult stem cells also known as multipotent stem cells and/or somatic stem cells are present in the human body in small numbers. These cells specifically focus on one specific tissue or organ as oppose to giving rise to all cells in the body. Over the past thirty years, adult stem cells have been quite successful with bone marrow transplants. One great example of an adult stem cell is the blood stem cell which is found mainly in the bone marrow of an adult (Stà ¶ppler). It was discovered that bone marrow contains two kinds of stem cells, hematopoietic stem cells and bone marrow stromal stem cells. Not only has adult stem cells been found in bone marrow but they have also recently been found in the brain, skeletal muscle, skin, teeth, heart, liver, and blood vessels. Usually, the adult stem cells are found in small amounts in tissue, especially once removed fro m the body. Many scientists are still trying to find ways to grow larger quantities in cell culture (Stem cell basics, 2009). Embryonic stem cells and