Pros And Cons Of Embryonic Stem Cell Research

The embryonic stem cells used in research come from three main sources. One source of embryonic stem cells is from leftover embryos at infertility treatment clinics (Where Do the Embryos Come From?). Once the fertilized eggs have been implanted into the mother, the rest are frozen (Where Do the Embryos Come From?). These frozen eggs are either shelved or donated to research (Where Do the Embryos Come From?). The women must give their consent for their leftover eggs to be used in research (Where Do the Embryos Come From?). Another source of embryonic stem cells comes from the cloning technique, which is “creating a human embryo that contains the entire genetic make-up of someone who is already alive” (Where Do the Embryos Come From?). Sometimes

“Adult stem cells have been found in the brain, bone marrow, blood vessels, skeletal muscle, skin, teeth, heart, gut, liver, and other (although not all) organs and tissues. They are thought to live in a specific area of each tissue where they remain dormant…[until] anything makes the body need more cells” (Where Do We Get Adult Stem Cells?). The cells from these sources are safer than embryonic stem cells because there isn’t as great of a chance that the body will reject them (Where Do We Get Adult Stem Cells?). Another source is placental blood from umbilical cords (Where Do We Get Adult Stem Cells?). Collecting stem cells from this source doesn’t harm the mother or baby (Where Do We Get Adult Stem Cells?). It is actually beneficial to them because the stem cells will be compatible with the baby if it is ever in need of stem cells (Where Do We Get Adult Stem Cells?). The stem cells also have potential to be compatible with the baby’s kin (Where Do We Get Adult Stem Cells?). Stem cells from placental blood have been used to help cure stroke, heart disease, Parkinson’s disease, diabetes, muscular dystrophy, and blood disorders (Where Do We Get Adult Stem

One example is using stem cells to make up for the scarce amount of organs needed for transplant (Stem Cell Basics: What Are the Potential Uses of Stem Cells and the Obstacles That Must Be Overcome before These Potential Uses Will Be Realized?). Stem cells can be directed to differentiate into the cells of the needed organ (Stem Cell Basics: What Are the Potential Uses of Stem Cells and the Obstacles That Must Be Overcome before These Potential Uses Will Be Realized?). Stem cells may eventually be used to take the place of damaged heart tissue in those with cardiovascular disease or CVD (Stem Cell Basics: What Are the Potential Uses of Stem Cells and the Obstacles That Must Be Overcome before These Potential Uses Will Be Realized?). The technique needs to improve, but it could be a key factor in reducing the amount of deaths from CVD (Stem Cell Basics: What Are the Potential Uses of Stem Cells and the Obstacles That Must Be Overcome before These Potential Uses Will Be Realized?). Stem cells can also provide help to those who suffer from spinal cord injuries, burns, stroke, arthritis, diabetes, and other diseases (Stem Cell Basics: What Are the Potential Uses of Stem Cells and the Obstacles That Must Be Overcome before These Potential Uses Will Be Realized?). Recently, stem cells have become very important for testing new drugs (Stem Cell Basics: What Are the Potential Uses of Stem Cells and