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Submitted by huliganka on October 31, 2005
Category: Science
Words: 2530 | Pages: 11
Views: 241
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Stem Cells. The Controversy.
Without a doubt, one of the most controversial topics of popular discussion is stem cell research. In fact, one would be hard pressed to peruse the newspaper or magazine stand without encountering some reference to the global stem cell debatebut, what, exactly are stem cells, and why are they so controversial?
Stem cells intended for use in human applications are found in embryos during early stages of development, in fetal tissue, umbilical cords, and more rarely, in some adult organs. The reason these cells are so valuable is because of their capability to produce or "become" other cell typesfor example, brain cells, heart cells, skin, etc. In short, these are "master cells," holding the ability to divide in cultures, and to be manipulated allowing it to transform into any type of cell. Of course, this is extremely important due to the fact that scientists can use this capability to either create organs (thereby helping to meet the tremendous shortage of donor organs), or to create tissues to treat various diseases and disorders.
The reason the discourse surrounding the topic of stem cells these cells is so controversial is due to the fact that the most promising source of stem cells is human fetal tissue. Embryonic stem cells were first successfully isolated and cultured in 1998 by a group of scientists led by University of Wisconsin's James Thomson. Of course, in order to harvest the cells from such a source, the embryo, itself, must be destroyed. Because of this, many who hold anti-abortion views find this practice to be highly immoral and repugnant. With all of the controversy surrounding the use of stem cells derived from embryos, many wonder why research isn't conducted only on adult stem cells. But scientists say isolating adult stem cells is very difficult and multiplying them outside the body is not yet possible in most cases. In addition, there is only preliminary evidence that cells...
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