Stem Cell Research

Stem cell therapy has been controversial for some time – I haven’t ever given the stem cell much thought. In fact, I have no idea why it’s controversial in the first place. Now, seems like a good time to do my research on the stem cell. The function of a stem cell is to repair lost or damaged cells and there are three types of stem cells - totipotent, multipotent, and pluripotent.

The stem cells develop into different types of cells, which makes them a renewable source of replacement cells to treat all kinds of diseases and conditions. A fertilized egg is a totipotent stem cell – this means that it has full potential to become any type of cell in the body. A mulitpotent stem cell can become a smaller number of different types of cells. Pluripotent stem cell can become any type of cell in the body except those needed to develop into a fetus.

Stem cell research has been embraced by scientists and many in the medical community due to the possibilities that can benefit from stem cells. This research can lead to a better understanding of how cells develop. Many cancers or birth defects come from abnormal cell development and stem cell research may help lead to potential cures.

Stem cell treatment is possible by using stem cells to create tissue for medical therapies. Blood forming stem cells in bone marrow are commonly used to treat human diseases. Clinical studies have been used to study the treatment of other human diseases including diabetes and advanced kidney cancer. But, what is stem cell transplant? Stem cell transplant refers to therapy which replaces damaged stem cells with healthy stem cells.

The controversy of stem cell research is the use of stem cell from human embryos or human fetal tissue. On August 9, 2001, President Bush approved federal funding for continued stem cell research. Research continues for both adult and embryonic stem cells. Scientists seem to think that the embryonic stem cell has more potential as these cells can develop into virtually any type of cell in the body.