Scientific breakthrough has constantly clashed with ethical dilemma of the approach to experimental knowledge. The ethical clash helps scientist realize that what they are doing is controversial and to some people unquestionably wrong. The ethical reality in fact could serve as a guiding shield of sorts, helping the scientist realize that they must be extremely careful with the step they are taking to accomplish the breakthrough he or she is working towards. Scientists realize that they are in the public eye and are going to be held accountable for any and every little kink in their experiment, so they realize that they have to be vigilant. One breakthrough that is heavily debated in the public eye thus far is the issue of obtaining stem cells for further stem cell research. People have posed an ethical dilemma about stem cell research because a large amount of stem cell research could be found in dead fetuses. People are so touchy on the subject because stem cells and stem cell research for the most part gets lumped in with abortions, sin and evil. But the matter of fact is that stem cells may be found in dead fetuses, but they are also found in number of other sources as well; there is much research being done using rodents as sources for stem cells. The latest research with stem cells has shown that they have the healing capacity for extraordinary treatments. Up until now stem cells such as bone marrow were used for leukemia, but new research shows that stem cells can help repair nerve damage, help grow new appendages, and stem cells can create new organs. An article I read last year talked about stem cells’ ability to form a new organ that was identical to the original. The organ tissue was spilt and then stem cells were introduced to the partial organs, and the stem cells were able to repair and grow new organs. Stem cells could be the biggest breakthrough in medicine if scientist are able to harness there true potential.
Scientific research will continue no matter what because without research, no new information will be obtained. However, how the research is performed can spark ethical debate.
ReplyDeleteIn the picture you have posted, stem cells have many potential uses. This creates an image that stem cells are "good" and that people should let scientists research with stem cells. Then there is that other side...it is morally wrong.
Morality and ethics are topics filled with questions. "Would you kill one life to save millions?" is only one of them. Stem cells from one fetus have incredible potential to heal and repair.
Those stem cells that are pluripotent, having developmental plasticity, can develop into basically any type of cell, making them valuable.
Is it reasonable to kill embryos?
Is it reasonable to limit the lives of innocent people?
I am a supporter of stem cell research and I just was curious what other "sources" of stem cells have you read about? Are there any that are not in humans or animals? I remember reading a few years ago of the potential for artificially created stem cells, is this possible?
ReplyDeleteWhat I have found is that embryos do not necessarily have to be killed, adult embryos work just as well.
ReplyDeleteYes there are many other resources for stem cell research, some of the most common ones ued right now are pets, other animals, and lab mice/rats.
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