Why do we need embryonic stem cell research if we can obtain the same info from adult cells?
Filed in Talk on Mar.05, 2010
Why is the research being directed to only embryonic stemcells and not from the placenta or the umbilical cord? If the same results from research can be conducted, why use embryos?
March 5th, 2010 at 7:18 am
Mainly because embryonic stem cells proliferate (multiply rapidly) for a year or more in the laboratory without differentiating, but most adult stem cells cannot. Scientists cannot have not determined why this is so but it works to their advantage.
March 5th, 2010 at 8:16 am
Because we can’t obtain the same info.
I don’t know why this is so confusing to people. Well, no, I do – because certain people deliberately confuse the issue.
To put it ridiculously simply, embryonic stem cells, unlike other kinds, can grow into any kind of tissue required. It’s called “pluripotency.” This fact opens up the research and therapeutic potential tremendously.
The reason we aren’t all on the same page about this is because of the abortion issue, oddly enough. Abortion is a nice hot-button red meat issue for politicians to scream over. It has nothing whatever to do with embryonic stem cell research, but because of the term “embryonic,” certain interests have realized that they can conflate the two and thereby score some extra political milage.
To call this cluster of cells an “embryo” is correct in the strictest technical sense; but it’s really much closer to the stains on your sheets than a human life. Not only that, but the fact is that there are thousands of lines generated in fertility clinics every year that will be destroyed regardless. NOT using those lines for this research is simply insane.
Now this guy below me says “because they won’t have an excuse to kill babies if they use adult cells.” THIS is the mentality we’re dealing with. You’re really supposed to believe that the motivating factor behind wanting to use embryonic stem cells is that people just love to “kill babies.” It’s a shame that people are deluded into this kind of ignorant misanthropy, holding back the progress of science and of the country (since you better believe that other nations with less barbaric attitudes are proceeding with research) because they can’t or won’t look at the issue rationally.
March 5th, 2010 at 8:54 am
Because they will not have an excuse to kill babies if they use adult stem cells.
March 5th, 2010 at 8:58 am
Embryonic stem cells are more capable of forming other types of cells than are adult stem cells. Cord and placenta blood are usable, yes, but they really just don’t supply enough cells. If you disagree with stem cell research, you should probably disagree with all medical research. So, go dig yourself a hole, climb in it, and don’t come crying to me when you or someone you love has to suffer from a horrible disease. And for the idiot who says scientists are trying to “kill babies”, have you heard of Freud? You’re definately pointing out your own traits in others. Those who oppose stem cell research are prolonging the suffering of others, and causing many deaths. Medical researchers are doing our jobs to save lives, and if you can’t appreciate it, stop taking medicine, stop putting band-aids on your wounds, don’t go the doctor if you’re sick. Just mix up a little bit of herbs that you plucked outside your cave and maybe that will cure your debilitating diseases.
March 5th, 2010 at 9:38 am
i believe because the sperm cells are better for research because they are new and they are not worn down
i am against abortion, but i think the baby should have it’s cells donated to science, instead of being wasted
March 5th, 2010 at 10:17 am
these cells have the capability of developing into any cell in the human body, a fact which makes them potentially important in medicine