Category Archives: Stem Cell Research

History of Stem Cell Research

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Many people have heard of stem cells and they know that the research and use of the cells is quite controversial, most do not know the history of stem cell research and why it has become such a hot button issue.

Stem Cell Research: The Beginning

Stem cell research dates back to the early 1900’s. This is when the stem cell was first discovered and shortly thereafter it was found that the cells are able to generate other types of cells. While many assume that stem cell research is all about human cells, the research has included both animal and human stem cells over the course of time. The cells can be broken down into three main categories which are totipotent, pluripotent and multipotent with each being a bit different than the other in their ability to form cells and where they come from specifically.

After finding the different types of stem cells that existed and learning, in part, what they had the ability to do much was learned about how they work and what could possibly be done with them to treat different health issues. Bone marrow was the first attempt at putting stem cell research to use. Originally the bone marrow was given to patients orally but this failed. It wasn’t until the 1960’s that doctors learned enough about the compatibility of stem cells to successfully complete During the 1990’s bone marrow transplants took off, treating immunodeficiency as well as leukemia.

Involvement of the Government

It wasn’t until 1998 when a man by the name of James Thompson first isolated cells from very early embryos. Since the 1970’s there has been much debate about the morality of using stem cells, whether they are adult or embryonic! Legislature has had to get involved, due to public outcry and so there have been many changes in the laws since the 70’s. In 1973 a moratorium was placed on government funding for anything relating to human embryo research. In 1988 a panel voted in favor of government funding and congress would then override the moratorium in 1990. This was vetoed by President George Bush and later President Bill Clinton lifted the ban but reversed his decision due to the rage of the public. By 1995 federal funding of embryonic stem cell research had been banned and in 1998 the ban was extended.

Interestingly, researchers still wanted to know more but were limited to private funds to make research happen. In 2000 President Bill Clinton ruled that research could be performed on the stem cells of aborted human fetuses but not on embryonic cells. In 2001 Presidents George W. Bush agreed that federal funding could be used to research only existing human embryonic stem cell lines but that further destruction of human embryos should not be taking place with federal funds.

These limitations on stem cell research remain in place today and there does not seem to be a change coming in the near future. While federal funding is not used to do this research, many companies and individuals are doing so with private funds, though the research is much more slow going than it would be if it was done with more generous federal funds.

Stem Cell Research Pros and Cons

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Stem cell research is a hot button issue and has been for quite a while. In fact, stem cells are the central topic of one of the biggest controversies in recent history. This controversy is not just affecting the medical community but also the research community and the political and legal communities. What is all of the controversy about and what are the pros and cons about?

Stem cells are special non specialized cells. In other words, they don’t have just one function, they can themselves become and create other types of cells such as blood cells, brain cells, tissue cells, muscle cells and the like. Stem cells can be found in every body but they are much more numerous in the body of a fetus. Stem cell research is the investigation of these cells, where they are grown in tests and investigated to understand the fundamental properties of the cells as well as their capabilities.

As is the case with any topic, there are both pros and cons. Analyzing the pros as well as the cons can really help people understand why there are some who are very supportive of the research and why some are against it.

The Pros of Stem Cell Research

Stem cell research is supported by many because these cells have the potential to treat a wide variety of medical conditions and diseases. Stem cell research could even lead to a cure for some of the most traumatic injuries and disease of the human body. These diseases and injuries include but are not limited to:

  • Diabetes
  • Parkinson’s disease
  • Alzheimer’s Disease
  • Heart Disease
  • Stroke
  • Birth Defects
  • Spinal Cord Injuries
  • Ability to replace or repair organs
  • Cancer

This is just half of the story of the pros and cons of stem cell research. If one just looked at the pros, one might wonder why stem cell treatments aren’t in wide use. The cons are often what allow for people to think again.

Cons of Stem Cell Research

The cons of stem cell research are often fears of what could come of such knowledge and the moral implications of using the stem cells.

  • Worry that stem cell research would make abortion seem like an alternative for a greater number of women, perhaps some that would not have considered abortion otherwise.
  • The assertion that humans should not be messing with human life.
  • The statement that humans should not be tying to play god.

Of course, this is a brief look at the pros and cons of stem cell research. Many of the debates and controversies go even further into it, such as how the stem cells are collected, why embryonic stem cells are preferable to adult stem cells and the moral implications that are involved with using the stem cells from a fetus that could have been a contributing member of society if it was allowed to grow to become a full term baby.