Thursday, November 26, 2009

Stem Cells

First, I'm going to give a brief background on what stem cells are, and how they are being used. Stem Cells are basically regenerative cells, that can turn into other cell types to help the human body. They are used for helping people regain what they lost. Scientists now work with only two specific stem cells, and those are embryonic stem cells, and non-embryonic "somatic" or "adult- cells."


Before i start, i want you to know that stem cells are broken down into a few different types: totipoten(transform into any cell), pluripotent(most cells) and last but not least multi-potent. Stem cells are one of the most important parts of the living organism in the human body. They're capable of becoming many different types of cells. When a stem cell recieve's a specific type of gene it make's new proteins. It begins to differentiate or gradually changes into it's destined cell type. We have different types of stem cells, from nerve cells to skin cells and so much more. Skin is constantly rebuilding itself, so stem cells are always needed. This type of stem cell turns into keratiocyte, the cell that forms the tough outer layer of the skin. These are one of the amazing works of stem cells.



Stem cells have many different and exciting features to them. Although, stem cells have there pros they also have there cons. Due to the wonderful results of stem cells therapy, price becomes an issue. For the price of regaining a leg, or miraculously regenerating the body, it comes at a high cost. Due to its effect of being able to adapt to the affected area and create new healthy stem cells, most people won't be able to afford this expensive surgery.

As stated in the first website below, that mice were first tested for this treatment. Some mice died from brain tumours for as much as 20% of the cases. Also some researchers are losing hope into thinking of that stem cell research will be more efficient and safe, but other scientists think otherwise. Funds are being taken away from this field, to more promising research.

References:

http://www.allaboutpopularissues.org/pros-and-cons-of-stem-cell-research.htm

http://stemcells.nih.gov/info/basics/

http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/info/stem_cell/whatarestemcells.php