Paper Summary:

The paper discusses embryonic stem cell research and states that the advancements in genetic engineering and genomic science are on the verge of creating a revolutionary change in our approach to treating diseases. The paper also relates that stem cell research, in particular, has created new hopes for innumerable number of people suffering from organ failure. Stem cell research has opened new vistas in the field of medicine as tissue regeneration promises new hope for millions of people who suffer from organ failure due to a variety of diseases. The paper then warns that there are some ethical and moral issues surrounding stem cell research that threaten to impede further progress in the field. The paper analyzes these and other related developments.

Outline:
Introduction
Ethical Controversies
Legal Issues
Adult Stem Cells
Umbilical Cord Stem cells
Conclusion

From the Paper:

"Compared to the controversies surrounding the embryonic stem cell research, umbilical cord stem cells hold no ethical or moral dilemma. Since there is no foetus or embryo involved in the process, and the very fact that the placenta is usually a biological waste, the case for cord stem cell research is very encouraging and without any controversies. Thus far, it was believed that stem cells derived from umbilical cord, being very few in number, could hardly be used in lieu of bone marrow transplant for adults. However, an interesting characteristic of cord stem cells is that they can proliferate rapidly unlike adult stem cells. Furthermore, immunological rejection is much less severe in the case of cord blood transplantation compared with Peripheral blood stem cell transplant or bone marrow transplant."

Sample of Sources Used:

• Guardian, MEPs Vote to Support Stem Cell Research, Accessed May 24th, 2007 http://www.buzzle.com/editorials/11-19-2003-47777.asp
• Kelly Hollowell, "Ten Problems With Embryonic Stem Cell Research", Accessed on May 24th, 2007, http://www.icr.org/pdf/imp/imp-344.pdf
• C A Jones, J O Warner, 'Umbilical Cord Blood Transplantation', Arch Dis Child 1999; 81:278 (September)
• Ng Soon Chye, 'Umbilical Cord Stem Cell Science' Accessed May 24th, 2007, Available at, http://www.bioethics-singapore.org/resources/pdf/Annex%20E%20-%20UMBILICAL%20CORD%20STEM%20CELL.pdf
• LE Magazine, 'Adult Stem Cell Research', Accessed May 24th, 2007, Available at, http://www.lef.org/magazine/mag2002/mar2002_report_cloning_02.html

Visitors who viewed this Term Paper also liked these:

• Argumentative Essay # 58893 : "Embryonic Stem Cell Research"
• Research Paper # 97061 : "Embryonic Stem Cell Research"
• Analytical Essay # 57514 : "Embryonic Stem Cell Research"
• Research Paper # 98919 : "Embryonic Stem Cell Research"

APA Citation:

MLA Citation: