Stem cells

From the many experimental studies conducted at present, embryo stem cell research is definitely one of the most controversial. The use of human embryos as the biological material necessary to the extraction of stem cells has caused a wave of protests and actions from pro-lifers who consider such procedures a form of homicide. Yet, the benefit of such research is that scientists seem to have discovered the answer to curing many diseases formally diagnosed as irrecoverable. There are other sources for stem cells besides embryos, such as adult tissues or regular somatic cells, but the possibilities they bring are limited.

Any embryo stem cell that lives in a blastocyst (the resulting cell after the fertilization of an ovum by a spermatozoon) has the infinite potential of transforming into any of the functional body cells that are specialized for a certain body task. All the complex body structures afterwards evolve from this primary cellular grouping that divides in an organized manner. The successes and benefits of science in this domain of research seem to be incredibly valuable, but many people wonder whether we are neglecting the rights of human life in its very early stages of development. From this perspective any embryo stem cell research represents a violation of the sacred of the living.

If analyzed from a different angle, embryo stem cell research could bring cures and alleviation to the incredible pain specific to irrecoverable diseases. Efforts are being made in the direction of identifying other sources for stem cell collection that would spare the lives of embryos. For instance, the amniotic liquid could be a solution thanks to its richness in stem cells and the total inoffensiveness for the fetus. Then, some researchers have managed to reverse the evolution of normal somatic cells with a clear function in the body and turn them into non-specialized cells or stem cells.

By far the most reputable scientific conquest of the last twenty years, the collection of stem cells without harming the embryos has finally been put into practice. This achievement is relatively new but it brings a solution for the ethical concerns that made the foundation for so many objections. Nevertheless, there are lots of other things to consider and implement in modern medicine, before stem cells can solve the issue of the chronic diseases decimating humanity.