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Stem cell research. Do the benefits outweigh the ethical implications? What is your view?

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Question added by Oladimeji Sapoloso , Research and Laboratory Assistant , Athlone Institute of Technology
Date Posted: 2015/01/07
Mohammed Jaseem
by Mohammed Jaseem , Academics Support Specialist - Preceptor , Biotecnika

Well - Ethical implications comes into the picture when one carries out research using embryo's (specifically embryonic stem cells). For this kind of research aborted embryo's (Fetus's) are used as the source of embryonic stem cells that are pluripotent.  The Ethical concerns in the new generation of researchers will not be a concern at all. This is because of Shinya Yamanaka's Research findings of Induced Pluripoent Stem Cells (IPSC's). I advice the researchers to have a look into this aspect. 

 

The reason for turning down ethical concerns is the use of IPSC where any adult cell (mature cell) can be reprogrammed to obtain a stem cell. This is indeed a boon in stem cell research as no more young ones will be used for the potential research! 

 

Yes, The benefits are sumptuous indeed against few ethical concerns. As far as stem cell biology is concerned - It has applications in wide areas of medical research - Naming a few  -

(a) regenerative skin cells instead of plastic surgery for patients affected wit severe burns.  

(b) Neural regenerative therapy - For spinal cord injuries.

(c) Regenerative organs - Yes generate entire organs for replacements in patients with diseased organs. This is indeed a promising field as in future people need not wait for a donor for organs! This is because they can use their own stem cells to develop their organ which will be completely compatible! 

 

I would like to conclude with a statement; 

"Ethics is important to keep things in moral control but it shouldn't be a hindrance to the progress of quality research."

- Mohammed Jaseem 

Bilal Alkhizzi
by Bilal Alkhizzi , Administrative Manager , Itqan Medical Center

The only negatives that could be argued are ethical implications, and to be honest, I cannot see any.The positives, on the other hand, are very, very hard to argue against!

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