Stem Cell Research

Paper Summary:

In this paper, the writer discusses that stem cell research is one of the most exciting fields of biology today and yet as it generates new discoveries, it also raises many questions. The writer points out that stem cell research has the potential of developing treatment for some of the most serious medical conditions, such as cancer, spinal cord injuries, and birth defects. Further, the writer notes that while some oppose any type of stem cell research, others oppose only the use of embryonic stem cells but support stem cells derived from adults (such as from bone marrow), from umbilical cords, and from animals. The writer concludes that experts emphasize the need for adequate federal and international uniformity concerning the regulation of embryonic stem cell research to avoid potential abuse.

From the Paper:

"Although there are a number of sources for stem cells, each varies in terms of their versatility and usefulness. They can be derived from embryos, fetal tissue, umbilical cord blood, and adult tissue. Fetal stem cells are derived from aborted or stillborn fetal tissue. Embryonic stem cells can come from excess embryos created in fertility clinics for in vitro fertilization, from embryos created specifically for the purpose of research, or from embryos created via somatic cell nuclear transfer (SCNT). Using SCNT, the nucleus is removed from a donated egg, replaced with the nucleus from a somatic cell, and then induced to divide into an embryo; this process could reduce rejection problems associated with transplantation of stem cells because the replacement nucleus comes from the individual to who the stem cells are given. Generally, embryonic and fetal stem cells are pluripotent and offer the greatest potential, whereas stem cells that come from umbilical cord blood or adult tissues are mainly multipotent or unipotent."

Sample of Sources Used:

• "James A. Thomson." University of Wisconsin. Retrieved November 15 2006 from: http://ink.primate.wisc.edu/~thomson/jamie.html
• Seely, Ron. "Stem Cell Work Sets Him Apart Pioneering Research Puts UW-Madison Scientist James Thomson in the National Spotlight." Wisconsin State Journal (Madison, WI). December 30, 2001. Retrieved November 15 2006 from HighBeam Research Library.
• "Stem Cell Information." The National Institutes of Health. Retrieved November 15 2006 from:http://stemcells.nih.gov/info/basics/basics1.asp
• Stevens, Denise. "Embryonic stem cell research: will President Bush's limitation on federal funding put the United States at a disadvantage? A comparison between U.S. and international law." Houston Journal of International Law. March 22, 2003. Retrieved November 15 2006 from HighBeam Research Library.
• Young, Cynthia Donley. "A comparative look at the U.S and British approaches to stem cell research." Albany Law Review. March 22, 2002. Retrieved November 15 2006 from HighBeam Research Library.

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