Stem Cells

Stem cells are cells that have the ability to develop into many different cell types in the body. Stem cells act as a sort of repair system for the body, as long as the person or animal is still alive. When a stem cell divides each cell has the ability to remain a stem cell or become another type of cell, for example a muscle cell; red blood cell; or a brain cell. This is where the research comes into affect. Scientists are hoping to cure many illnesses and diseases with the assistance of stem cell research; these aspects will be touched later on in this discussion.

To really understand stem cell research and its impact on society and the scientific community we need to know what kind of stem cell types exist. There are three classes of stem cells: Totipotent; multipotent; and pluripotent. A fertilized egg is considered to be totipotent, which means that its potential is total, it grows into different type of cells in the body. Stem cells that grow into a smaller amount of different cell types are considered multipotent. Pluripotent stem cells can grow into any type of cell in the body except those needed to develop a fetus.

For the past five years stem cell research has been a sensitive issue within our society. Even though many people stand firmly against stem cell research, the benefits are especially important in the advancement of health care.

The most important goal of stem cell research would be to identify the factors that are apart of the cell making process that determines cell specialization. Many of society's medical conditions, such as birth defects and cancer are complications of abnormal cell specialization or destruction of tissues in the body.

Unfortunately today there are many people suffering from these disorders than there are solutions. This is where stem cell research comes into play, they will give humans the ability to have a renewable source of cells and tissues that will treat a long list of diseases and disabilities such as, Parkinson's; stroke; burns; Alzheimer's; spinal cord injuries; diabetes; rheumatoid arthritis; and osteoarthritis. Many aspects of medicine will have a positive affect from this new research.

Scientists want to continue the study of stem cells in the laboratory so they can learn more about the essential properties and what makes them different from specialized cell types. Possibly through more continues study about stem cells; it may become possible to use the cells not only for cell-based therapies but also in screening new drugs and toxins.

For every positive there is a negative position on stem cell research. Even if stem cells could turn out to be the