'Ethical' stem cell crop boosted
One of the major controversies that has come up in the last few years is about embryonic stem cell research. Numerous people are against using embryonic stem cells for research because this involves destroying the human embryo. They say that “it is unethical to destroy embryos in the name of science.” But since this method can be used to restore and repair damaged tissue many scientists are still pushing forward with the issue despite the huge controversy.
Fortunately, in 2007 researchers found that they could use stem cells from a source other than embryos. ;they can be created from adult tissue. This is done by inserting viruses with four genes onto cells to revert them back to stem cells. Initially, this process took weeks and was met with low success. However , over time researchers were able to make improvements. Now US researchers are finally able to create many stem cells from adult tissue.
By using the chemical thiazovivin, the Scripps Institute Research Team were able to harvest over 200 times the amount of transformed cells (this research team had previously already increased the number of stem cells that could be created from tissue, and now have increased that amount again.) The time period for this process was a mere 2 weeks. Study leader Professor Ding believes that this method is a huge step forward “in terms of speed and efficiency.”
I chose this article because it is one of the largest controversies surrounding science at this time. This issue is of the utmost importance to me because I ( like many others) am against embryonic stem cell research. I have always known that using embryonic stem cells for research purposes was one aspect of my major that I would never be able to work with because I believe it is wrong . Fortunately, progress has been made in that stem cells are able to be mass produced from adult tissue (this will hopefully prevent me and others from having to back out of this type of research which goes against our beliefs). In this way the human embryo is not destroyed, and the stem cells (made from adult tissue) will serve and function with the same purpose as the embryonic stem cells without causing controversy .
Natasha Inamdar
VTPP 434-501
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/8311055.stm
Fortunately, in 2007 researchers found that they could use stem cells from a source other than embryos. ;they can be created from adult tissue. This is done by inserting viruses with four genes onto cells to revert them back to stem cells. Initially, this process took weeks and was met with low success. However , over time researchers were able to make improvements. Now US researchers are finally able to create many stem cells from adult tissue.
By using the chemical thiazovivin, the Scripps Institute Research Team were able to harvest over 200 times the amount of transformed cells (this research team had previously already increased the number of stem cells that could be created from tissue, and now have increased that amount again.) The time period for this process was a mere 2 weeks. Study leader Professor Ding believes that this method is a huge step forward “in terms of speed and efficiency.”
I chose this article because it is one of the largest controversies surrounding science at this time. This issue is of the utmost importance to me because I ( like many others) am against embryonic stem cell research. I have always known that using embryonic stem cells for research purposes was one aspect of my major that I would never be able to work with because I believe it is wrong . Fortunately, progress has been made in that stem cells are able to be mass produced from adult tissue (this will hopefully prevent me and others from having to back out of this type of research which goes against our beliefs). In this way the human embryo is not destroyed, and the stem cells (made from adult tissue) will serve and function with the same purpose as the embryonic stem cells without causing controversy .
Natasha Inamdar
VTPP 434-501
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/health/8311055.stm
posted by Natasha Inamdar at 8:54 PM
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