Stem cells are undifferentiated biological cells that can differentiate into specialized cells and further divide through the process of mitosis to produce more cells. Stem cells are found in multicellular organisms; however, in mammals there are two broad categories adult stem cells that are found in diverse tissues, and embryonic stem cells that are isolated from the inner cell mass of the blastocyst. Stem cells and progenitor cells act as a system that repairs the body in case it is injured as well as replenishing tissues (Humber 105). However, in the developing embryo stems cells differentiate into specialized cells that include mesoderm, endoderm and ectoderm. Additionally, they maintain the normal turnover of regenerative organs such as intestinal tissues, skin and blood.
In a study carried out by Yuan et al, it was established that Glioblastoma multiform is a common adult primary brain tumor. The tumor is comprised of a heterogeneous group of cells. However, it has not been established, which cells within the tumor are responsible for tumor initiation and maintenance. The research seeks to state that brain tumor cells are unidentified from adult GBMS. In that, the tumor cells form neurospheres that possess the capacity for renewal and express genes associated with neural stem cells (National Bioethics Advisory Commission 78). They later generate daughter cells of different phenotypes form one mother cells, and separate into phenotypically different population of cells that are comparable to those present initially (Yuan et al 9396). GBM is comprised of morphologically different cells within the tumor mass. Although current advances in therapy have been used, the mortality and morbidity of GBM remain high.
In another research conducted by R.R Islamov et. al., on the transformation of human umbilical cord blood cells to support Neuro-regeneration in the diseased brain, it was held that regenerative medicine could be used to restore failing system (Islamov et al 26). The failing systems would be replaced by impaired parts as well as stimulating the body to repair itself. Reason being stem cells have the ability to self renew as well as differentiate into various tissues; therefore; becoming a better substitute for lost cells.
When stem cells are genetically modified to express growth they are able to fulfill the task of promoting self-healing in people who have lost their cells. Although neuroscience is the fastest emerging fields in biology, it is faced with many challenges as Neuro-degenerative disorders still pose an insurmountable challenge despite massive studies. Stem cell research proponents hold that there is a prospect of relief for people suffering from chronic and acute conditions. if the failed substrates and enzymes are replaced by abnormal DNA.
Despite challenges in the medical areas, there has been criticism from political to social and economic issues on the issue of stem cell research and use (Metaphilosophy Series 56). People who oppose stem cell argue that the mechanism for relieving the suffering represents an illegal transfer of human cells and state that the relief provided to those in need makes the recipients and deliverers criminally liable as stem cells are a product of human organisms.
It has been held that economic development and stem cell research go hand in hand, for that reason, the federal government should fund the research to ensure that it benefits people at large. In the recent events’ president, Obama approved the funding of stem cell research through the federal government and lifted the ban that had been placed on the continuance of the research (Panno 45). By providing public funding, there will be transparency in the research and an environment oversight to ensure that the research does not violate any laws as well as getting public engagement and ideas.
Economic impacts of stem cells are great, as it will create job opportunities for young innovators who have an interest in academia. Furthermore, it will lead to the discovery of urgent scientific discovery that will help in treating aggressive illnesses all over the world. Social issues have also affected negatively on stem cell because people believe that what scientists are doing is immoral in the sense that it is cloning. However, the public has been misguided on the stem cell research and with proper education, awareness and clarification they will understand that the research is for the benefit of the people.
For example, people believe that embryonic stem cells come from abortion, which has been held as immoral and illegal in most states. However, the cells come from discarded embryos from In Vitro Fertilization (Paparella 89). Additionally, stem cells in humans have been used to treat different illnesses for the past five decades. The donors for stem cells are volunteers, and they are not forced by any person as they are asked to sign consent forms. For example, bone marrow is a stem cell and people donate it to help people get through medical procedures. Therefore, lack of education and awareness has led to people believing their own imaginations.
Many political leaders seem to oppose stem cell research, and they believe that it should not be funded by the government. However, by looking at the advantages that the research presented in treating chronic illness, it would be advisable to let medical professionals and scientists find a way to help humans live longer and create job opportunities, as well as, economic growth.
Works cited
Humber, James. Stem Cell Research: Biomedical Ethics Reviews, Routledge, Humana Press, 2004. Print
Islamov, Rustem., Rizvanov, Albert., Kiyazov, Andrey., and Palotas, Andras. Transformation of human unbilical cord blood cells to support neuro-regeneration in the diseased brain, Stem Cells and Cancer Stem Cells 2013, 9, 25-33
Metaphilosophy Series. (2008). Stem Cell Research: The Ethical Issues, New York, Blackwell Pub.
National Bioethics Advisory Commission. (2004). Ethical Issues in Human Stem Cell Research, Chicago, University Press of the Pacific,
Panno, Joseph. Stem Cell Research, Facts on File science library, New Hampshire, InfoBase Publishing. 2005, Print
Paparella, Maureen., and Simko, Eugene. Current topics in technology: social, legal, ethical, and industry issues for computers and the Internet. Boston, MA, Course Technology/Cengage Learning. 2010, Print
Yuan, Xiangpeng., Curtin, James., Xiong, Yizhi., Liu1, Gentao., Waschsmann-Hogiu, Sebastian., Farkas, Daniel., Black, Keith and Yu, John. Isolation of cancer stem cells from adult glioblastoma multiforme, Oncogene 2004; 23(58):9392–400
