Where do embryonic stem cells come from? Is this humanlife/ should we do research on them?

Question

thankyou if you can answer this, i have been wondering.

Answer 1

The previous answers were very good. I just want to add, that from a scientific perspective, that these cells are not "human life". They are part of the earliest multiplication of cells that form the very beginnings of human life, should it be gestated to completion. "Stem cells" are largely lumped into this category, and therein lies the controversy. The question of whether these blastocyst cells constitute human life is one for philosophers and policy makers (and you, when you vote and show concern for these issues!).

However, there are other cells that may be used for this type of research that will not, if left alone, result in human life. Some are found in the amniotic fluid and in the umbilical cord (from which "cord blood" comes, as well as more cells that are pleuripotent, i.e. have the potential to take the form of any tissue in the body). Strictly speaking then, there should not be any controversy surrounding the use of THESE cells.

However, one of the biggest concerns people have (especially those who take their Bible very seriously), is the similarity between using these cells for tissue and organ production and disease treatment, and the science of genetic engineering (and cloning) in general. Many people are uncomfortable with this, and regard it as "playing God". The science seems miraculous, in the realm of magic, even. Those who don't understand it, fear it, and fear where scientists will go with it. Many feel that once a scientific technique is "out there", it is too late to influence how it will be used from that point on.

This is unfortunate. Everyone should educate themselves on the facts (like you are doing now! I applaud you!!) and only then speak up with their opinion, write letters to the paper, elected officials, etc. None of us wish to be ruled by fear and ignorance.

Answer 2

You have the answer of where they come from in the previous answer from "anything"

I will try to answer your second question. Yes, we should do research on them specifically because they are the seeds of human body parts and can become any body part. There is huge potential for improving the health of existing humanlife where there are presently devastating diseases like Parkinson's or spinal injuries to name a couple places these stem cells could be life-saving.

Answer 3

Embryonic stem cells (ES cells) are stem cells derived from the inner cell mass of an early stage embryo known as a blastocyst. Human embryos reach the blastocyst stage 4-5 days post fertilization, at which time they consist of 50-150 cells.

ES cells are pluripotent. This means they are able to differentiate into all derivatives of the three primary germ layers: ectoderm, endoderm, and mesoderm. These include each of the more than 220 cell types in the adult body. Pluripotency distinguishes ES cells from multipotent progenitor cells found in the adult; these only form a limited number of cell types. When given no stimuli for differentiation, (i.e. when grown in vitro), ES cells maintain pluripotency through multiple cell divisions. The presence of pluripotent adult stem cells remains a subject of scientific debate.