How Are Stem Cells Used in Research?
New research methodologies utilize stem cells for their research. Stem cell research is a type of research that investigates the basic cells that compose and develop organisms. Stem cells are obtained from human embryos and are kept and grown in laboratories. However, the method of obtaining stem cells and how the knowledge from this type of research will be used are sources of many controversies about stem cell research.
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Facts
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Stem cells or human embryonic stem cells are vital in the development of organisms. These are cells that have the potential to create other types of cells such as blood, muscle, tissue, or brain cells. The traditional method of obtaining stem cells involves a pregnant woman undergoing an abortion during her sixth or seventh week. The embryo or fetus is removed from the woman and is then used for research. Alternative and less controversial methods include obtaining stem cells from the umbilical cord blood of a baby, which is typically thrown away. Stem cells may also be obtained from leftover embryos provided by fertility clinics.
Controversies
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The traditional method of obtaining stem cells has spurred a lot of discussion about its ethical validity. The most basic argument is that stem cell research interferes with the natural order of human life and may lead to human cloning and nuclear research, both of which are still largely unacceptable in modern society. However, stem cell research has proven to be advantageous in seeking cures for many of today's medical problems.
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Uses
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Stem cell research can yield a number of advantages. Stem cells can be a promising tool to treat diseases that cause a person's cells to degenerate. Treatment can be done through cell therapy or the process of replacing the damaged cells with healthy ones. Cell therapy can be used to treat conditions such as liver diseases, Parkinson's disease, stroke, spinal cord injury, Type 1 diabetes, and other diseases that involve tissue degeneration.
Cardiovascular Disease
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Researchers have been active in seeking cures for cardiovascular disease through the use of adult-derived stem cells. A number of researchers have found that several stem cell types, such as embryonic stem cells and others, naturally reside within the heart and may be the cause of the regeneration of the damaged heart tissue.
Method
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According to the National Institutes of Health, a study was conducted with humans on curing heart disease involving a method of injecting stem cells directly into the damaged heart tissue. The study shows that the injection improves the cardiac function and stimulates the development of new capillaries. Although the study provided promising results and may detail one of the ways to cure cardiovascular disease, more studies will have to be conducted in order to ensure its validity.
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