this is by far my biggest post ever

Proposition on “Stem Cell Research”
Brandon Ray
English 1010

Stem cell research has the potential to dramatically change the treatment of human disease. Many stem cell therapies are already underway in today’s world. One treatment already used in some countries today is bone marrow transplants. This particular therapy allows the recipient to receive blood from the bone marrow of another recipient only to aid in the healing of his or her internal organs such as the heart, liver and muscle. Bone marrow transplants also treat patients diagnosed with leukemia. The future of stem cell research shows an advantage to helping numerous diseases such as cancer, Parkinson’s disease, spinal cord injuries, Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, multiple sclerosis and muscle damage. People that suffer physically, mentally and socially don’t have to anymore, thanks to the research done within the field of stem cell research. Medical research has come a long way in terms of scientific success.

Just imagine your doctor telling you in a soft voice with a sadden face that it’s physically and mentally impossible to treat you. Some 100 years ago that may have been the case but now with technology advancing before us every day, shooting for the sky has only become a reality. Stem cell research has benefited thanks to the research done in the areas of regenerative medicine and therapeutic cloning. The potential for scientist to learn about human growth and cell development from studying stem cells is endless. Through various scientific procedures most diseases that occur within animals have been counteracted or abolished due to the research done with stem cells. The world of medicine can and will better our lives by helping us maintain a healthy life for the generations to come.

Imagine a world where transplants could be done without the sacrifice of another person losing his or her organ. This world exists only within the boundaries of stem cell research. Prosthetic body parts are things of the past. Limbs and organs could be grown from scratch in a lab then used in transplants or to cure illnesses. Another advantage is the ability to test millions of potential drugs and medicine, without the use of animals or human testers. This requires a process of simulating the effect the drug has on a specific population of cells. This would tell if the drug is useful or problematic. With advances in stem cell research we will be able to help people who are less fortunate.

Our minds can be put at rest when one realizes the many advantages included in stem cell research. Advantages to Embryonic cells are: Flexible—appear to have the potential to make any cell. Immortal—one ES cell line can potentially provide an endless supply of cells with defined characteristics and availability—embryos form in vitro fertilization clinics. Advantages to Adult stem cells are: Special adult-type stem cells from bone marrow and from umbilical cord have been isolated recently which appear to be as flexible as the embryonic type. Relative ease of procurement—some adult stem cells are easy to harvest (skin,muscle, marrow, fat), while others may be more difficult to obtain (brain stem cells). Umbilical and placental stem cells are likely to be readily available. Non-tumorigenic—tend not to form tumors. No harm done to the donor. These advantages help us determine the need of an operation. People that are in need medically can receive the help need to live a more comfortable life.