This paper examines the social, moral and ethical merits of stem cell research, as well the ongoing political debate regarding the funding for continued research in this controversial field of science.
Abstract This paper defines stem cells as primal undifferentiated cells which retain the ability to separate into other cell types which can be used as a repair mechanism to reproduce cells and repair systems in the body. The writer examines the negative side of stem cell research contending that there is evidence which states that the impact of this type of research on the human immune system as well as overall genetic growth will eventually decline. This paper also discusses the moral and ethical merits of stem cell research which is currently rife with controversy. Politics plays a large role in stem cell development, mainly due to funding. The writer contends that stem cells are too dangerous to be carelessly used and applied to the human race, while its continued research might be slightly beneficial, in the current stage the harms far outweigh the benefits.
From the Paper "The first step in analyzing the effects of stem cell research is through the scientific perspective. Stem cell research is important for the advancement of science because of its ability to replicate exact copies of different cells. Stem cells are obtained from a clone of the specific patient's cells, and thus have a genetically identical fit with a stem cell. This cell then has the ability to produce either missing tissue, or even an entire organ that will allow the patient to function as normal. Unlike transplants within the body that could be rejected by the immune system if there is a possibility of incompatibility, the stem cell created organ is a perfect construction of the body's organ and thus will be accepted as the original inside the patient's body. This is why stem cell research is so highly touted, it allows for a new frontier of technology in the health sciences industry."
A descriptive overview of the vertebrate adaptive immune response to both intra and extra-cellular pathogens with explicit focus on T-cell B-cell collaboration and antibody response.
Abstract This paper covers the major pathways by which foreign antigens are identified and dealt with through the adaptive immune response which is paramount on B-cell and T-cell responses and interaction with one another in distinct pathways and steps. It includes several diagrams and their explanations of antigens, B-Cells, T-Cells, APC's and more and their interactions and processes they go through.
From the Paper "All immune responses involving T-cell B-cell collaborations follow distinct pathways of interactions and development. These very pathways of the adaptive immune response are almost entirely dependant on the cellular interaction of B- cells and T- cells with one another. It is within each stage of these pathways and the progression of an adaptive immune response that we will concern ourselves. The following is a condensed synopsis of the adaptive immune response and the cellular interactions that will be the emphasis of this paper. Within secondary lymph tissues foreign antigen is presented to naive B-cells via their surface immunoglobulins (Igs) receptors. The same antigen is also presented to naive T-cells at this time. This presentation and subsequent recognition of antigen by both types of cells results in and end product of proliferation and development of naive B-cells into plasma cells whose function is the production of soluble immunoglobulins (antibodies), and the differentiation and development of memory B-cells whose function is to respond to subsequent exposure to the same antigen. However, this pathway is not self-sufficient and requires the direct interaction of activated T-cells, specifically "helper" T-cells (Th2 cells) 1,9. It is these T-cells in conjunction with the antigen presenting B-cells that interact to produce a hormonal response to infection. These interactions activate Th2 cells that in turn promote B-cell activation both through T-cell secreted cytokines, (interlukeinI1-2, 4 and 5), and also through direct cell to cell contacts involving specific surface proteins and corresponding receptors and the signaling initiated by the binding of these proteins to one another."
This paper explains that stem cell research is leading scientists to investigate the possibility of treating disease with cell-based therapies, often referred to as regenerative or reparative medicine.
Abstract This paper relates that implanted stem cells used to repair or replace damaged tissues are less likely to be rejected by the body's immune system than other foreign cells. The author points out that germ line cells and adult stem cells are less versatile than embryonic stem cells, which can develop into every type of tissue found in an adult; however, the processes that control this development are at present not fully understood. The paper discusses that BioMark International, a privately funded Biotech Group, provides access to a unique method of Cord Blood Stem Cell (CBSC)processing by which CBSCs are derived from the umbilical cords from natural full term births of consenting mothers, all of whom have been tested according to standards set by the American Association of Blood Banks .
From the Paper "In May 2004, Nancy Reagan, whose husband former President Ronald Reagan was at the time suffering the advanced stages of Alzheimer's disease, urged the Bush administration to support embryonic stem cell research and said that too much time had been wasted discussing the issue. Although a Republican, Mrs. Reagan has been critical of the Bush administration for blocking public funding of stem cell research due to the party's ethical reservations concerning embryo research. Speaking at a fundraising dinner for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, she said she believed the research could lead to a cure for Alzheimer's disease, and "may provide our scientists with many answers that for so long have been beyond our grasp...I just don't see how we can turn our backs on this...We have lost so much time already...I just really can't bear to lose any more.""
Abstract The paper discusses the diseases that are the focus of stem cell research and relates that stem cells can be used to test new drugs and can replicate specific cells which will then grow into human organs. The paper then looks at the opposition to stem cell research and explains how many claim it is ethically unsound and a form of murder of an unborn fetus, while others believe that stem cell research will someday lead to cloning human beings. The paper asserts that there should be some form of regulation regarding human cloning, but stem cell research should be funded and encouraged by the government. The paper contends that stem cell research will save lives and could bring an end to many debilitating conditions that millions of people around the world suffer from and die from each year.
From the Paper "Stem cells hold the promise for the future in many areas of medicine. Basically, stem cell research attempts to discover how a healthy cell reproduces itself into an organism, and how healthy cells replace cells that are damaged in the body. Some scientists refer to stem cell research as "regenerative or reparative medicine" (Editors, 2006). These cells are important for a wide variety of reasons, but especially because they hold the promise of some day eradicating many common diseases and illnesses that today are incurable."
Abstract This paper presents a detailed overview of sickle cell disease, an inherited disease of the red blood cells, which is present from birth. The paper begins with a brief discussion of the history of the disease, including its discovery. Next the paper investigates the pathophysiological aspects of the disease, presenting the information in easy-to-understand layman terms. The paper then discusses how sickle cell disease affects sufferers physically. Finally the paper presents and evaluates treatment options.
Outline:
Historical Perspective
Pathophysiological Basics of Sickle Cell Disease
Physical Manifestations of Sickle Cell Disease
Treatment options for Sickle Cell Disease
Conclusion
From the Paper "Before one can speak in depth on sickle cell disease itself, one must understand the basic pathophysiology which surrounds the condition. Hemoglobin is a protein carried by red cells, which carries oxygen from the lungs for delivery to peripheral tissues. It is composed of two similar proteins, alpha and beta. It is the coordinated action of the alpha and beta globin chains which allow the oxygen transport to occur. These two chains combine to form hemoglobin. During life, except during the very first week of embryonic development, one of the globin chains in an alpha. A developing fetus also has another chain which is a gamma globin; sometimes called non-alpha is present in the fetal circulation. The gamma globin is replaced shortly after birth with the beta, which then chains with the alpha. When two alpha chains combine with two gamma chains, this is called Hemoglobin F, or the common hemoglobin of fetal circulation. Adult hemoglobin, formed of two alpha and beta chains is called Hemoglobin A. If one alpha and one non-alpha chain combine, then this two chain combination is called a dimer and it not functional enough to deliver oxygen to tissues."
Abstract The cell engulfs food oxygen and lets out carbon dioxide yet everything must go through the cell membrane which is also the total surface area of the cell. This paper discusses metabollic processes within the cell and how these processes affect the cell's size.
From the Paper "The nucleus and cytoplasm use oxygen and food while producing waste through volume and weight. At times, the cell needs more membrane space in order to provide greater area for intake of oxygen and food and to release waste. However, as the cell grows larger, the ratio of the total surface area-weight ratio decreases. In other words, the greater cell content needs more oxygen and food than the membrane can take in and produces more waste than the membrane can release; its hydrophobic interior excludes the aqueous solutions of the cytoplasm and the external environment. "Although a large cell would be able to withstand more metabolic reactions (due to its larger volume) than a smaller cell, the larger..."
Abstract This paper explains that the ethical dilemma involved in stem cell research is a rather straight- forward process because to achieve its full potential this type of research requires using stem cells from fetuses. The author points out that using stem cells from fetuses is controversial for a variety of reasons. The paper relates that many religious and political conservatives believe that stem cell researchers "harvest babies" for their stem cells.
From the Paper "Identifying the ethical dilemma involved in stem cell research is a rather straight- forward process, for to achieve its full potential this type of research requires using stem cells from fetuses. Doing so is controversial for a variety of reasons, and the moral dilemma involved with this issue is compounded by the fact that many of these reasons are as controversial as stem cell research itself. For example, many religious and political conservatives believe that stem cell researchers "harvest babies" for their stem cells. As Snow (2004) notes, they believe that fetuses have an inviolable right to life and that any medical use of a fetus in any form is morally indefensible."
Abstract This paper focuses on the subject of embryonic stem cell research. The paper discusses the process of obtaining embryonic stem cells, how those stem cells are used and the medical breakthroughs that embryonic stem cell research hopes to provide in curing many illnesses. The paper further discusses the differences in adult and embryonic stem cell research, the debates on both issues and speaks of the future of the research.
From the Paper "Beyond the moral, ethical and political debates that have surrounded embryonic stem cell research, many scientific processes are involved in its use. The modern misconception is that embryos used in stem cell research are obtained from a woman's body. According to the National Institutes of Health ("Stem Cell" 1) embryos used in stem cell research are never taken from a woman's body for the explicit use of laboratory testing. The embryos that are used in research are obtained in one of two methods: The first method is by collecting eggs that have been fertilized in vitro from donors who volunteer their use in research; the second method is through donations of the embryos of women who have elected to have abortions, ("Stem Cell" 1). The embryo is collected following the abortion procedure; therefore, it is not science that determines that a pregnancy will come to an end."
Abstract The different types of stem cell research involve the use of human eggs - and embryos - as intermediates and are at the center of controversy as to whether it should be considered human life. Recent advances are attempting to produce non-embryonic stem cells as well as address the said issue. This paper discusses the nature of stem cells, what they are, how they are produced and the issues surrounding them.
From the Paper "Stem cells are undifferentiated cells that have the potential to develop and proliferate into more specialized cells such as neurons or skin cells. These specialized somatic cells comprise the different tissues and organs of the human body. The cloning process currently in use involves the use of the cellular machinery of an egg cell and the genetic material encoded in the nucleus of a somatic cell called somatic cell nuclear transplant (SCNT). First, the egg cell is secured to stabilize it. A needle is inserted into the egg to extract the nucleus and DNA."
Abstract This paper begins with a description of the process for creating and harvesting human embryonic stem cells and then explains why this process is so disturbing to most people and thus serves as the foundation for their opposition to the procedure. The paper then discusses the many ways that human embryonic stem cells could be used to cure a variety of painful and life-threatening illnesses such as leukemia, immune deficiencies and diabetes. Next, the paper discusses the objections to the use of stem cells that are based on religious viewpoints and opinions, as well as the legal and ethical issues regarding the use of stem cells. The paper concludes that when one considers that embryonic stem cell research may result in curing forever diseases like Parkinson's and Alzheimer's, the ethical and religious concerns of the opposition melt away and thus open the proverbial door to a future without pain and suffering and to a longer and healthier lifespan.
From the Paper "In August of 2001, President Bush responded to the debate behind this bill on national television. At the start of his speech to the American viewing public, Bush points out that he is about to discuss "a complex and difficult issue. . . one of the most profound of our time," being the controversy over medical research involving stem cells taken from human embryos. Bush then mentions that this issue "is debated within the church, with people of different faiths" with even many "of the same faith coming to different conclusions." Obviously, most of the debate behind using stem cells from human embryos is based upon religious viewpoints and opposition, due to the fact that the dissenters believe that human life begins with the creation of a fertilized egg known as conception. Bush adds that most of these dissenters "are finding that the more they know about stem cell research, the less certain they are about the right ethical and moral conclusions" . However, Bush also adds that based on some privately-funded research, scientists believe that "further research using stem cells offers great promise" for the future in relation to improving if not curing many common disease like Alzheimer's, juvenile diabetes, Parkinson's and spinal cord injuries."
Abstract This paper looks at the ramifications of the 1998 breakthrough in biotechnology when scientists were able to first isolate individual stem cells. The author looks at the history of biotechnology that led up to this breakthrough,and what this breakthrough means for modern science. It examines the bio-ethical issues that are affected by this breakthrough. The debate surrounding the use of embryonic cells, as opposed to adult stem cells for research is detailed. The author also looks at several areas where stem cell research could improve the lives of people life-threatening genetic diseases, or spinal cord injuries.
From the Paper "These astounding cell therapies are possible because embryonic stem cells have a remarkable power to unlock the secrets of human genetics as well as heal various diseases as they are pluripotent cells, or cells that have the capacity to proliferate and give rise to almost all of the specialized cell tissues in the human body. (The exception is that stem cells are unable to form placental and other uterine tissue necessary for the creation of a total human embryo.) This means that stem cells hold the incipient or rudimentary power to develop into all the biological tissues that create human life."
Abstract This paper discusses stem cell research and how it is one of the most hotly contested issues in society. With a pro stem cell bias, it examines the biology and looks at both sides of the argument. It examines how stem cell research can provide the cures for diseases, relief for victims of traumatic injuries and a multitude of other medical and scientific benefits. It also discusses how those opposed claim that it is unethical because in order to obtain the stem cells, a human embryo must be destroyed, which they claim is equal to taking a human life.
From the Paper "Numerous noted scientists have undertaken the task of stem cell research. New discoveries and applications have happened at a breakneck pace. Ronald McKay of the Institute of Neurological Disorders, says that the same control systems that regulate specialization of cells in a fetus continue to operate in adults, making prospects for brain repair seem realistic (qtd. in Beardsley 1). Angelo Vescovi, of the National Neurological Institute in Milan discovered that neural stem cells could form blood if they are placed in bone marrow."
Abstract This paper discusses the history of stem cell research, from its beginning with the first culture of human embryonic stem cells in 1998 to the present. The paper explains what stem cells are and how they work. The paper also outlines current research and hopes for the field in the future. The paper concludes with a discussion of some of the ethical issues involved in stem cell research, and includes the personal opinions of the author on the subject.
From the Paper "Embryonic stem cells are pluripotent cells, which are undifferentiated and therefore can differentiate into all the different cell types of the human body. They can also be coached into differentiating into particular cell types such as beating heart..."
Abstract This essay is intended to persuade the reader not to use cell phones while driving. In this article the writer examines the dangers of cell phones. In particular, the writer concentrates on the use of the cell phones that apply while driving. The writer uses this paper to urge the reader not to use such cell phones while driving.
From the Paper "Curtis Sathre said it was like a bomb going off. His young son Michael, stood stunned, his ears ringing, hand gushing blood and body covered in black ash. In a split second, fragments from Michael's exploding cell phone had hit him between the eyes and lodged in the ceiling of the family's home. Michael is still alive. Imagine what would have happened if he had been driving. The purpose is to persuade ..."
Abstract This paper presents an examination of the controversial stem cell research topic. The paper explores the pros and cons of the issue and argues that stem cell research, in particular using embryonic cells, should not be allowed. The paper bases its opinion on an ethical, moral and economic foundation.
Outline:
Introduction
What it is
The Bottom Line
Conclusion
From the Paper "Along this line the same can be said for the continued lifespan that stem cell research can eventually provide. Is it worth it to have life at any cost even if the reduction of deaths create an almost impossible living environment to live in on earth? How will social security handle the load if no one ever dies? Where will people live as the world become impossibly crowded? These are questions that need to be addressed and answered before the world should ever consider allowing stem cell research to continue.
Most of the controversy surrounding embryonic use is centered around the definition of when life begins. As with the abortion debate there are those who believe that life begins at conception while others believe it does not begin until the fetus would otherwise be viable outside of the womb."
Tags: embryos, cells, tay, sachs, God, fetus, human
