Biology. Carla, Hannah, Edna

Once upon a time....


6. Some Scientist believe that human embryonic stem cells hold the key to treatments and cures for diseases. Should the US fund stem cell research? describe what a stem cell is and how it might be useful in medicine. Identify some of the arguments for and against using different types of stem cells in research and in medicine.

A stem cell is an unspecialized cell that regenates itself many times but has the ability to change into other cells. It may be useful in medicine because it offers a large potential to culture tissues that can replace diseased and damaged tissues in the body, without the risk of rejection and side effects. We think the US should fund stem cell research because it could potentially save lives and cure many diseases. For example, stem cell research is that it holds potential cures for spinal cord injuries, multiple sclerosis, diabetes, Parkinson's disease, cancer, Alzheimers diseases, heart disease, genetic disorders and many other things. an arguement against stem cell research is that many believe it is immoral to destroy a baby human's embryo, even to save or reduce suffering.

President Obama says:

"Medical miracles do not happen simply by accident. They result from painstaking and costly research, from years of lonely trial and error, much of which never bears fruit, and from a government willing to support work... ultimately, i cannot guarantee that we will find the treatments and cures we seek. no Presidents can promise that. But i can promise that we will seek them -- actively, responsibly, and with the urgency required to make up for lost ground."