Download Facts on Stem Cell Research There are three types of stem cells

Facts on Stem Cell Research
There are three types of stem cells, that is, adult stem cells, embryotic stem cells, and
induced-pluripotent stem cells, each serving a unique purpose. The adult stem cells is mostly
used in the repair of damaged tissue muscle, through the production of mature cells. Adult stem
cells are already specialized. Adult stem cells are also found in organs that need constant
replication, for example, blood and skin. Embryotic stem cells are rather pluripotent, and can be
derived from a variety of species. 5 -7 day old blastocyst also serve as a source of embryotic
stem cells, created through in vitro fertilization. Induced pluripotent stem cells have the similar
functions to embryotic stem cells, but are re-engineered from adult stem cells. Development of
induced pluripotent stem cells is the most recent advancement in the stem cell research.
Stem cells provide great promise in the development of new treatments for diseases, such
as, diabetes and spinal cord injury. Stem cell research has raised many ethical issues on human
life, and human reproduction. The ethical debates originate from scientists extracting stem cells
from blastocyst. Production of induced pluripotent stem cells raises fewer questions, compared to
use of embryotic stem cells. Other ethical issues though still remain, for example, consent in the
donation of material and methods involved in early clinical trials. Adult stem cells do not raise
ethical issues, and are used in stem cell research and clinical care.
Individuals against stem cell research claim an embryo should be accorded the same
rights as any human being. From a religious perspective, life being at the moment of conception,
and therefore use of embryos in stem cell research is morally wrong. Protagonists of stem cell
research though claim that the embryo only develops into a human being further done the line,
and therefore should not be accorded the same moral status as a human being. They claim the
embryo is simply a cluster of cells, which can be used in stem cell research without need for
restrictions.