Advancements and Ethical Issues in Stem Cell Research
Medical Advancements using Stem Cells
Embryonic stem cells are more advantageous than adult stem cells in research as they can differentiate into any cell type, making them more versatile. They are of special interest to researchers because of their ability to differentiate into every type of cell in the human body.
Potential Medical Advancements:
- Treating illnesses caused by aging
- Addressing genetic disorders
- Developing treatments for cancers
- Healing traumatic injuries
- Treatment of degenerative diseases
- Stroke recovery
- Heart attack treatment
- Spinal cord injury therapy
Ethical Issues with Embryonic Stem Cells
What is the ethical issue?
Embryonic stem cells have the potential to treat a variety of illnesses, but they are also accompanied by ethical concerns. Embryonic stem cells are taken from the blastocyst stage of an embryo, resulting in the destruction of the embryo. This act is controversial as it may be seen as terminating a human life at its earliest stages.
Ethical Concerns:
- Using unused embryos from in vitro fertilization
- Controversy surrounding the destruction of embryos
- Debate on the ethical implications of using embryos for research
- Discarding or freezing embryos
- Arguments for and against the ethical necessity of embryonic stem cell research
Although both adult stem cells and embryonic stem cells are used for research, what makes embryonic stem cells of particular interest among researchers?
Embryonic stem cells are more versatile as they can differentiate into any cell type, unlike adult stem cells. This unique ability makes them valuable for various medical research purposes.