Federal Funding Stem Cell Research Would Greatly Increase
December 4, 2001
Federal Funding Stem Cell Research Would Greatly Increase
Magnitude and Quality of Research Generated
Human stem cell research holds enormous potential for contributing to our understanding of fundamental human biology. Although it is not possible to predict the outcomes from basic research, such studies will offer the real possibility of treatments and ultimately cures for many diseases for which adequate therapies do not exist.
The benefits to individuals and to society gained by the introduction of new drugs or medical technologies are difficult to estimate. The introductions of antibiotics and vaccines, for example, have dramatically increased life spans and improved the health of people all over the world (Lecayo). Despite these and other advances in the prevention and treatment of human diseases, devastating illnesses such as heart disease, diabetes, cancer, and diseases of the nervous system such as Alzheimer's disease present continuing challenges to the health and well-being of people everywhere (Lecayo). The development of techniques for culturing human stem cells could lead to unprecedented treatments and even cures for these and other diseases. As with all research, the ability even to contemplate the possibilities offered by stem cell-derived therapies is a result of many years of research.
A stem cell is a primitive type of cell that can be coaxed into developing into most of the 220 types of cells found in the human body, including, blood cells, heart cells, or brain cells (Arnold). Some researchers regard them as having the greatest potential to alleviate human suffering since the invention of antibiotics. Over 100 million Americans suffer from diseases such as heart disease, diabetes, and certain types of cancer (Arnold). Eventually, these diseases could be treated more effectively with stem cells, or even cured.
Stem cells can be isolated in different ways. Human embryonic...
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