Stem Cell Research

The Facts and What You Can DoBy Aedan Lombardo

The Facts About Stem Cells

(And Why They’re Controversial)

Stem cells are unspecialized cells that, under certain conditions, can become any type of specialized cell.

At the Scripps Research Institute, scientists have created live mice from mice stem cells. This gives hope to being able to grow replacement organs.

Laura Dominguez was a paraplegic. After a transplant of her own stem cells to her spine she has regained feeling in her legs and can stand with little assistance.

Stem cell transplants could save organ patients from a lifetime of anti-rejection drugs if they also receive a stem cell transplant from the same donor. This would make the donor pool much larger because less than perfect matches would work.

Scientists in multiple labs have been able to obtain stem cells without embryos. Scientists took normal adult skin cells and using certain genes changed them into a state almost identical to embryonic stem cells. Then using a similar process these induced pluripotent stem cells (IPSC’s) can become any other type of cells.

A company in California called Geron had been FDA approved to conduct safety trials with stem cell therapy in people with spinal cord injuries. However, because of a lack of funding the company had to stop the experiment. This lack of funding led to Geron cutting 38% of its workforce. In this recession stem cell research could create jobs for many people.

Most stem cells are taken from embryos that were made for research purposes.

The embryos used are usually fertilized in vitro ( in a test tube) or are taken from abortion clinics.

On March 9, 2009 President Obama used an executive order to lift President Bush’s ban on federally funded stem cell research.

On April 29, 2011 The U.S. Court of Appeals overturned a lower court decision that blocked federal funding of stem cell research.

Why Is It Controversial?

Embryonic stem cells are derived from 2-3 day old embryos. This normally destroys the embryo. For those who believe that life begins at conception this is equal to murder.

These people may not be aware of the advances scientists are making every day in finding alternatives to embryonic stem cells such as the aforementioned induced pluripotent stem cells and also adult stem cells.

However.

What You Can Do

Spread awareness.

Participate in Stem Cell Awareness Day and let others know about the future of medicine.

Write a blog or make a brochure to make others aware of what stem cells can do for everyone.