Question

Discuss why there is controversy over genetic markers and stem cell research. References please

Answer 1

Stem cell research controversy:

Stem cell research is an advanced science and a science can never be opposed but as we know eveey technique has useful and harmful effects that should be taken care before making stem cells research a routine technique. Stem cell research poses several benefits for human for identification and treatment of diseases. Before that we will see what stem cells are and where do stem cells comes from? Stem cells are specialised cells that have potential to develop into a whole new organsm or organ. They can be adult stern cell or embryonic stem cell. Adult stem cells can be obtained from human brain, bone marrow, skin, and many other locations without harming the donor whereas embryonic stem cells are taken out early embryos after destroying them only. Some important field where stem cell can prove promising are.

Stem cells have immense power of regeneration which makes them suitable for the field of regenerative medicine. Here stem cells can be used repainng damaged organs and tissues.

Stem cell research may be used for the benifit of the patient suffering from diseases like Alzheimer’s diseases, Parkinson's diseases, diabetes, spinal cord injuries, heat ailments and cancer

Adult stem cell cloning is impressive as nothing is killed so no violation of human right is there. Also they enable us in studying developmental stages that can be studied directly from embryos.

Stem cells are useful as in case transplant where an organ can be transplanted into the one who needs.

Since stem cells can develop into new tissue can be used for trial of newly formed drugs prior to animal or human trial.

Most importantly patient's stem cells can be used for treating so there are minimum chances of rejection.

Apart from all these benefits an ethical issue is related with the stem cell research that some stem cell requires killing of foetus. A darker side shows that scientists and Biotech Company could create surplus stem cells that could lead to misuse of techniques through commercialization. This technology should be strictly governed by laws and guidelines to prevent it from exploiting. Lastly we should have an optimistic view towards stem cells techniques but should not overlook reality.

References:

Caulfield T, et al. The stem cell research environment: a patchwork of patchworks. Stem Cell Rev Rep. 2009;5(2):82–88.

National Institutes of Health. Guidelines on Human Stem Cell Research. Stem Cell Information Web site. http://stemcells.nih.gov/policy/2009guidelines

National Research Council.Guidelines for Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research. Washington, DC: The National Academies Press; 2005.

Park IH, et al. Disease-specific induced pluripotent stem cells. Cell. 2008;134(5):877–886.