Stem cell research

Stem Cell Research

Scientists , biologists and physicians have understood the importance of stem cells and their effectiveness in providing quality of life to people . However , facts about their research have been misrepresented to the general public , by both the media as well as the politicians . This had created uncertainty and confusion among the general public . The present situation can be corrected by providing better education to the public in the form of honest and scientific disclosures by scientists In addition , the media should be required to publish and broadcast relevant and

accurate information regarding stem cell research (Sherley Feb2008 , p57-64

There were several public debates that discussed new and important aspects of embryonic and non - embryonic stem cell research methods . The use of embryos for medical research was included in these debates , even though it was not related to these debates . At this juncture it is very important to reveal the scientific evidence for human embryonic life and development . It is also important to disclose the predicted failures in the suggested new technologies for the development of new therapies with human embryonic stem cells . These factors have not been reported so far and they not been thoroughly examined . Adult stem cells have the same properties as embryonic stem cells , which renders them an alternative to embryonic stem cells . Moreover , there will be no necessity to destroy embryos . Therefore , scientific research must be concentrated on the development of technologies to use adult stem cells in place of embryonic stem cells (Sherley , Feb2008 , p57-64

The legitimacy of any subject discussed in public debates , is adversely affected by misrepresentation of the information pertaining to that subject . Considerable , misinformation surrounds the human embryonic stem cells , research on them and the potential benefits that they provide This is clearly evident in the public debates relating to stem cell research in the United States . Several fundamental facts about human embryonic stem cells have been misrepresented by the media and the political leaders (Sherley , Feb2008 , p57-64

Research in stem cells covers a number of areas and it involves a wide range of cells taken from different stages development of human life Hence , these cells may range from the embryonic stage to the adult stage of a human being . Embryonic stem cells are derived from the early blastocyst stage , and are used in research . Adult stem cells are derived from a number of different tissues of the body and they are pluripotent , which means that they can create any type of cell in the body (Mackay-Sim Silburn , Feb2008 , p85-93

Clinical trials carried out in animals proved that adult stem cells do not form tumors , when they are transplanted into the body . Similarly adult stem cells do not cause teratomas . Furthermore , adult stem cells can be used in autologous transplantation . Therefore , adult stem cells can be used as an alternative to human embryonic stem cells , since they posses all the properties of the latter . Moreover , this would ensure that there would be no destruction of human embryos for procuring...