What is stem cell research?
967263
Stem cell research: There are two basic types:\n \nDefinition of a stem cell   \n\nA stem cell is a "generic" cell that can make exact copies of itself indefinitely. In addition, a stem cell has the ability to produce specialized cells for various tissues in the body -- such as heart muscle, brain tissue, and liver tissue. Scientists are able to maintain stem cells forever, developing them into specialized cells as needed.\n\nThere are two basic types:\n\nEmbryonic stem cells - these are obtained from either aborted fetuses or fertilized eggs that are left over from in vitro fertilization (IVF). They are useful for medical and research purposes because they can produce cells for almost every tissue in the body. \n\nAdult stem cells - these are not as versatile for research purposes because they are specific to certain cell types, such as blood, intestines, skin, and muscle. The term "adult stem cell" may be misleading because both children and adults have them. \n\nIn August 2001, President George W. Bush approved limited federal funding for stem cell research. While stem cell research has the potential to provide major medical advances, including cures for many diseases, stem cell research is controversial.\n\nPotential uses for stem cells \n\nThere are many areas in medicine where stem cell research could have a significant impact. For example, there are a variety of diseases and injuries in which a patient's cells or tissues are destroyed and must be replaced by tissue or organ transplants. Stem cells may be able to generate brand new tissue in these cases, and even cure diseases for which currently there is no adequate therapy. Diseases that could see revolutionary advances include Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease, diabetes, spinal cord injury, heart disease, stroke, arthritis, cancer, and burns.\n\nStem cells could also be used to gain a better understanding of how genetics work in the early stages of cell development. This can help scientists understand why some cells develop abnormally and lead to medical problems such as birth defects and cancer. By understanding the genetic basis for cell development, scientists may learn how to prevent some of these diseases.\n\nFinally, stem cells may be useful in the testing and development of drugs. Because stem cells can be used to create unlimited amounts of specialized tissue, such as heart tissue, it may be possible to test how drugs react on these specialized tissues before trying the drugs on animals and human subjects. Drugs could be tested for effectiveness and side effects more rapidly.
486088
Stem cell research is NOT illegal. \nIt is just not AS WELL sponsored by the government as it can be.\nGovernment only sponsors research on the already existing cell lines. In fact Federal government spent $607 last year on funding stem cell research.[1]\n\nIN addition, private Companies like Merck, or Pfizer and private Universities are free to do their OWN research with any kind of cells they like.
835435
stem cells are cells that haven't differentiated into specific types (like liver cells, lung cells, or skin cells). they are very useful for scientists becuase they haven't differentiated and can be turned into whatever cells are necessary. try google to find more about them but try to stay away from anything political.
320860
You answered your own question about stem cell research. I encourage you to learn more. \n\nRegarding replacing animal testing, you are comparing 2 completely different things. A stem cell is a cell. It has the functionality of a cell. It is unique because it can be treated with a variety of biochemical processes to cause it to differentiate, but it will never function as a whole living system. \n\nWhen a vaccine is studied, for example, the creators must know how the vaccine interacts with every system of the body. Sure, you can demonstrate in a petri dish that the vaccine binds flu virus. Great. That's the FIRST step! But how do you know it won't bind the interior surface of the lung in a living body? how do you klnow how it is working? How do you know what systems in the body improve its function? How do you know that 3 days after vaccination there can be an allergic reaction in people with impaired immune systems becasue the incidence of CD4 cells in the airways can cause asthma (this is a hypothetical case, BTW, used to illustrate the complexity of the issue)? The only way to know is to test it in a living body. Period. \n\nHere is a very good web site debunking the popular myths surrounding animal research: \n\nhttp://www.huntingdon.com/index.php?currentNumber=4.9&currentIsExpanded=0\n\nBy the way- two facts most people do not know:\n1) Animal research is much more strictly regulated than human\n2) At all reputable research facilities, the use of every animal used in testing must be justified to government regulatory agencies, and to a representative of public interest\n\nThe use of animals is governed by groups of people dedicated to making critical, and tough, ethical decisions, weighing risk vs benefit, and carefully assessing every proposed study. The benefit to human and animal health and well-being  is alwasy considered very carefully in each decision.\n\nI encourage to learn more about this topic, and continue to ask thoughtful questions.
900029
I don't know - nor will we ever truly know unless the research is done.\n\nEven if there is a remote chance that the possibilities suggested for stem cell research will come about, this research has to be carried out - the potential for saving human life and removing some horrible complaints is stunning.\n\nAnyone who understands the first thing about it must support the research. Only the ignorant oppose it.
707261
Okay... if you want to proceed into research after BSc (Biotech), the  best thing I think you should do is to go into a doctorate program. Perhaps you should find a thesis based on stem cells?
994833
No, I think Embryonic stem cell research is not wrong.  Embryonic stem cells are cultured cells obtained from the undifferentiated inner mass cells of an early stage human embryo (sometimes called a blastocyst, which is an embryo that is between 50 to 150 cells). Embryonic stem cell research have much greater developmental potential than adult stem cells, according to the National Institutes of Health.  Unlike somatic cells, embryonic stem cells are totipotent.  I think the benefits of Embryonic stem cell research is far greater than anything we have to sacrifice.  \nTechnologies derived from Embryonic stem cell research can be used to treat cancer, spinal cord injuries, and muscle damage, amongst a number of other diseases, impairments and conditions.
699943
Opposition to stem cell research is almost entirely ethical/moral.  There are two major concerns, both of which turn on the sanctity of life and the slippery slope argument.\n\nThe first is that if any gains are realized from this research, that scientists will begin to farm human beings a la "The Matrix".  The basic fear is that even though scientists currently intend only to use cells from embryos that were going to be destroyed anyway, they will begin to create babies for the sole purpose of harvesting their stem cells.  In essence, it's a more sinister form of abortion.\n\nSecondly, many of those people who oppose cloning are against stem cell research because the methodology of conducting stem cell research is that of small-scale cloning.  More specifically, legislation legalizing stem cell research may be written such that full-on cloning would also be legal, although this is a somewhat tenuous argument.\n\nIf you want to know any more, I would suggest you look at most any Right-to-Life website.  They will likely have talking points to better explain these and other arguments.\n\nBest of luck with your speech.  Arguing against your own beliefs can often refine your own debate skills and understanding of your real position.
827911
If you want actual facts, Planned Parenthood, is your best bet.  The best place for basic stem cell facts is the Christopher Reeve Foundation.\n\nForget that abortiontv.com site.  It's completely right-wing religious based with a lot on inaccurate information.
1126377
The stem cell is the only cell that can grow into any other cell in your body. Therefore, the cells are grown into a type of tissue and then used for some type of treatment.
968705
I belive that Stem Cell research is basically the modification of deoxyribosnucleic acid.  By modifiying this gene sequence, you can cure disease, build strength, enhance brain power, or just about anything.  Then I'm assuming that stem cell surgery is where the gene is actually modified, I don't believe that this has happened yet as Congress is adamently against it.
819900
It is the wave of the future of human medicine. There are many web sites that support that concept. International Stem Cell Research - WEB site.
22799
I am for it. Esp if it can help cure diseases that we can not prevent with any other alternative method. Why wouldnt anyone want to spend more time with the ones they love. I do understand that stem cells come from aborted fetuses. But if we can use the stem cells that are collected to better help everyone then we should do what we can with what we have. But lets not start creating abortions to just harvest stem cell. I am healthy.
145025
Stem Cell Research. Can it really cure diseases like Diabetes? Is it worth it? What harm can come from it? There are a billion questions to be asked about it, and I bet you'll be surprised at what you find.
374875
For embyronic stem cell:\nit will provide many cures for possibly many diseases and conditions such as diabetes and paralysis, it has proven to be effective so far and can better the lives of many, it is the cutting edge of modern medicine\n\nAgainst:\nThere are other methods of stem cell research using adult stem cells that won't use embryos at all, many believe that killing the embryos just for their stem cells is not moral, the eventual result of stem cell research could be overcrowding due to increased life span for many and/or cloning which is an issue that is also very controversial
821302
I assume you are refering to embryonic stem cell research, which has shown no real promise or potential of success and healing like some people would like you to believe.  \n\nThe website below lists the various embryonic stem cell lines that have been studied by several groups for years now and without any hint of success.
128352
It is not wrong and it is neccessary for humnas to move ahead and be able to combat the more debilitating diseases.\n\nI think some limits need to be in place and any research should be vetted by a committee for ethics, scientific rationale and soundness, but if it meets that criteria, then stem cells should be used to find new treatments for disease.\n\nWhat is sad is that many groups would like you to think that a baby has to die to obtain stem cells. This is far from the truth. There are many fetal sources for stem cells, and none are from aborted fetuses. Many of these sources are just incerated as medical waste because of current legislation promoted by those ignorant of basic biology. \nScientists should be free to do life saving research that will benefit all of humankind.