Stem Cell Research
Stem cells are cells that have the potential to become any type of cell in the body during early life. Stem cells serve as an internal repair system in many forms of tissue—they divide without limit to replenish other cells. When a stem cell divides, the new cell can either stay a stem cell or become another type of cell (such as a muscle cell, red blood cell, or a brain cell). Scientists work primarily with two types of stem cells: embryonic stem cells and somatic stem cells. They use these cells in transplants to help people severe blood or immune system illnesses, as well as people with some types of cancer, and some people with non-cancerous diseases such as immune deficiency problems, autoimmune diseases, or blood disorders. A stem cell transplant involves taking healthy stem cells and putting them in the bloodstream of an ill person using an IV.
Stem cells can be taken from bone marrow, the blood stream, or the umbilical cord blood after it is detached from the newborn baby. However, stem cells can also be taken from a human embryo, which creates controversy. People who think that someone is human from the very point of fertilization are opposed to the use of such stem cells, because they consider it murder. People who have other views regarding the point at which the egg becomes human are more supportive of it.
Stem cells can be taken from bone marrow, the blood stream, or the umbilical cord blood after it is detached from the newborn baby. However, stem cells can also be taken from a human embryo, which creates controversy. People who think that someone is human from the very point of fertilization are opposed to the use of such stem cells, because they consider it murder. People who have other views regarding the point at which the egg becomes human are more supportive of it.
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