Scientists believe stem cells, unspecified cells that will eventually mature into specialized cells (brain cells, liver cells, etc), can lead to a medical revolution. Stem cells have the ability to regenerate cells and tissues, offering possible treatment for numerous diseases. Stem cells have two main varieties, adult and embryonic. Adult stem cells are derived from human tissues like bone marrow, skin, and placenta. Embryonic stem cells are derived from human embryos. Scientists prefer embryonic stem cells over adult stem cells because embryonic stem cells are more versatile. Although some may argue that embryonic stem cell research is unethical, many of the embryos are willingly donated. Embryonic stem cell research is expensive, but the potential financial reward would be vast. Because of the amazing economical and medical potential of embryonic stem cells, the United States government should not ban embryonic stem cell research.
Stem cell research have amazing medical potential; by regenarating cells and organs, it has the ability to cure disease that previously might have been incurable. Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, stroke, heart disease and diabetes can eventually be treated with stem cells. Presently, stem cells have proved effective against sickle cell anemia. Adult stem cell research is advancing nicely, but the use of the more versatile embryonic stem cells will speed up the process significantly because embryonic stem cells can be more easily cultivated not to mention that it can mature into more specialized cells than adult stem cells. In addition to potential treatments, stem cells can also be used for drug testing. Drug testing of stem cells is more accurate than animal testing. Although there is no guranteed that stem cells can delivered on all of its promises, the potential is simply too grand to avoid.
Economically, stem cell research will not only boost the biotech industry, but also contribute greatly to the overall economy. Hoping for breakthroughs, governments are investing heavily into stem cell research, creating many new jobs along the way. California alone have invested $3 billion over 10 years on stem cell research. Studies have shown that California will make $10 billion from the investment. Not surprinsingly, many states are following in Califonia’s footstep. Not to mention that worldwide, nations are luring American scientists away from the U.S. by offering less restrictions and funding more in stem cell research. For stem cell research, it is a race between scientists, companies and nations as to who will find the most breakthroughs, the most patents, and the most money.
However, embryonic stem cells are derived from embryos, and so too are humans. Extracting embryonic stem cells from the embryos would destroy the embryos. Although to some it would seem immoral and unethical, it must be noted that most of the embryonic stem cells used in research have been donated by perspective couples in fertility clinics. The donated embryos in fertility clinics are frozen and are to be disposed if they weren’t donated to research. If these embryos weren’t donated, they are left to die.
Although controversial, stem cell research has the potential to change the whole medical industry. Embryonic stem cells, more versatile than adult stem cells, are needed to speed up the research. Billions are invested into stem cell research, and for good reason: stem cells give renew hope to patients stricken with disease like Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, stroke, burns, heart disease and diabetes. Also, stem cells can be used to test new drugs that will be used to treat even more diseases. Stem cell research may enchace the medical industry and overall economy, but the disease-stricken patients will benefit from it more than anyone.
