2007-05-10 09:23:13 · 8 answers · asked by T<3i_love_you 1 in Science & Mathematics ➔ Biology
There is a reason why it seems like stem cell proponents are saying they might cure just about anything. The reason is that it seems that way to scientists too! Let's put it this way - given the right set of stimuli, we KNOW a stem cell can grow into any cell in your body. We know this because that is what stem cells already do on their own. The potential for medicine is staggering.
Imagine what repairing a car would be like if all you could use were whatever parts happened to be in the nearest junkyard. You might be able to use duct tape to hold things together a little longer, or if you're lucky you'll have exactly the right part available, but otherwise mostly you're making do and hoping. That's kind of where medicine is now with major problems.
If some of the promise of stem cells pan out, however, the potential exists that any time something goes wrong, doctors could produce a new part and replace the old one. Like having a catalogue of custom car parts at your fingertips. Lost your arm in a car accident? Your pancreas stopped producing insulin and now you're diabetic? You don't like that old, wrinkly skin you have and want something new? NO PROBLEM.
You can see, I hope, why that might make people excited and be a very, VERY good thing. No damage that was ever done to your body (except - maybe - your brain) could ever really be permanent. There might always be enough of anything for transplantation purposes.
It's simply mind-boggling. IF we can get it to work!
2007-05-10 10:47:03 · answer #1 · answered by Doctor Why 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It depends on the kind of stem cell research you are talking about. Embryonic stem cell research is not a good thing. They make a baby for the sole purpose of using the stem cells for research. They have to kill the baby in the process. I understand that it is not a fully developed baby, but it is still murder and it is wrong.
There however is another method where they can use stem cells from living people - like they can take fat cells and use the stem cells from that and accomplish the same thing. This is much more ethical and there is no murder involved. This way I see no problem with. The first way is just really wrong.
It is believed that stem cell research is the key to curing diseases like Parkinsons. Adult stem cells can work for the research.
The media seems to lump them all into one category. If they would truely report the entire story, then people would be informed.
2007-05-10 16:38:15 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
I think it is. We as a society need to concentrate on those who are alive, and stem cell research looks quite promising for saving people's lives. Organ failures and other problems may someday be completely absolved, and stem cells are going to be the main source why.
2007-05-10 17:33:59 · answer #3 · answered by Misscheerios2 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Stem cell therapies have the potential to cure all sorts of things - diabetes, cancer, spinal cord injury.... The problem is that stem cells exist in embryos, placenta and umbilical cord. The right to life wackos are opposed for obvious reasons.
2007-05-10 16:28:58 · answer #4 · answered by Fester Frump 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Human being are multicellular creatures. We came from a single cell. If you can understand how cells differentiate then you have the potential to produce organs, tissues, cells and compounds that are made by the body. Many diseases and ailments involve damaged or defective parts. It gives you the potential to understand and repair these problems.
2007-05-10 16:27:36 · answer #5 · answered by bravozulu 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
having a pair of vidas lying in my bed would be a dream come true
2007-05-10 16:33:57 · answer #6 · answered by relate25 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
its a great thing, unless your a religious looney
2007-05-10 16:30:51 · answer #7 · answered by derek g 1 · 0⤊ 1⤋
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stem_cell
2007-05-10 16:31:00 · answer #8 · answered by hanibal 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋