How do we know stem cell research can lead to a cure for various diseases?

Question

I'm giving a speech on pro stem cell research. My classmates have replied to my claims saying there are no results of a cure, or evidence showing the potential of a cure, yet. I don't believe this is true, but I've found weak evidence proving otherwise so far. All I've found is scientists claiming this research may lead to a cure, which isn't very specific. If you know of any evidence or supportive claims that prove stem cell research may lead to a cure than it would be very appreciated it you would please share. Thanks!

Answer 1

Stem cells are capable of generating/growing into any type of cell you want them to. So in diseases like MS where there is progressive degeneration of the myelin sheath around the neurons, stem cells can be used to grow new cells that would come with intact myelin.

Answer 2

Going out on a limb... years ago a doctor named Maxwell Maltz wrote a classic called Psycho Cybernetics. Most of the book concerns self-image, but the last couple chapters mention a discovery made by scientists 40 years ago:

Cells can be made immortal in a petri dish by the process of continually supplying them fresh blood. If I remember it correctly, that is...

One of the biggest reasons Pro stem cell research is that we DON'T know if it can prevent and/or cure any diseases. The very reason for scientific inquiry is that humanity is on a constant quest for knowledge we don't already have... and any avenue that may lead to breakthroughs should be taken. It's not just good for ambitious people who want to get paid for some new medicine they can develop, it's good for all the Down's Syndrome babies yet unborn who might grow up without impairment. It _might_ be good for anyone born with a malady whose cure could be found.

Ask any parent who's lost a child to a congenital defect, and I'll bet you dollars to doughnuts they wish their child had the chance to grow up healthy. If stem cells can do it, and no one is harmed by their harvest or their growth, then our morality commands us not to defend some primitive religious association between life and souls, but to enrich and mend the lives of people who HAVE souls.

In my opinion, I may be wrong...

Answer 3

There is a lot of potential. It's already been proven that adult stem cells can save lives. I am a lymphoma patient (Hodgkin's Disease) and my cancer was too aggressive to be put into remission permanently (cured) with traditional chemotherapy. My oncologists did what is called a "autogulous stem cell transplant" Stem cells were pushed out of my bone marrow and collected from my blood. I was then given very high doses of chemotherapy. Once it killed everything in my body (including my entire immune system) these cells were given back to me and regrew an immune system.

Embroytic stem cells are something entirely different. These are "blank" cells that have not been given their "jobs". Scientists have used these cells in animals to repair diseased tissue. Since the cells are blank, we can use them to recreate cells that have died off (theoretically) and won't grow back on their own accord.

I recommend trying to find articles that have been published in Europe, Canada and other countries to get more accurate information. Unfortunately, here in the states, it is all political and we rarely hear "facts" just political jargon from both sides of the argument. (perhaps try the U.K yahoo browser to search. It's www.yahoo.co.uk)

Answer 4

It already been be proven . Just look at the cloning of
Dolly ,the lamb,she was the first successful stem cell
research in cloning.Europeans are all for stem cell research,for various diseases,such as Parkinson's,Alzheimer's,many types of Cancers,it will
probably cure Aids, in time.It is time the U.S.A. join the other nations. We are letting U.S. Citizens die horrible
and long-term struggles to hang on to life.We need to
get along with Nations that have done remarkable advances ,before we fall to far behind.

Answer 5

where there's life, there's hope!