[X] My Assistant

[nebz5]

Should stem cell research be allowed. Personally I think it should be. Whether it be an aborted fetus, or a miscarriage, the fetus would just go to waste and as for religious points i can understand that you don't think it should be allowed. But if god didn't want it to happen he wouldn't let it. And as for why we could use stem cells to help people who are paralyzed to be able to walk, those who have lost limbs could have them back, damaged skin could be replaced, etc.etc.

[Swordsalmon]

And guess what, they don't even really have to use fetuses for it anymore. They supposedly found a way to reset skin cells to stem cell status.

Indeed, to an extent. I need to fine the articles, but scientists have found a way for adult stem cells and testicular cells to behave similarly to embryotic stem cells. In addition, cells found in the umbilical cord also have similar properties, so there's a number of sources for ethical stem cells. I'll go look for the articles and edit this post immediately.

EDIT: Article

According to latest reports, however, this dogma of developmental biology does not hold. Evidently, tissue-specific stem cells have the ability–as has been impressively demonstrated in experiments with animals–to "transdifferentiate" themselves when in a different environment–that is, to take on the cell functions of the new tissue. Thus, neuronal stem cells of mice have transformed themselves into blood stem cells and produced blood cells. Indeed, there are indications of another capability of adult stem cells: Apparently they have the potential to be "reprogrammed." Not only can they adjust to the specific conditions of a new tissue environment, but they can even assume more generalized, earlier levels of development, so that it even appears possible that they become totipotent again.

Anyways, I'm in favour or stem cell research. I do believe it is unethical to concieve and then abort an embryo for the sole purpose of extracting the cells, as the embyro has unique DNA and is will become a unique individual. However, using stem cells from miscarriages and unused embryos from fertility clinics would be a better alternative. This is mainly because the embyro in question will most likely die after implantation, and a moral question of lesser evils to me.

I am very excited about the advancements to improve adult cells and replace embryotic stem cells. Then we can better find cures to various ailments while avoiding a possible moral issue.

This post has been edited by Swordsalmon: Apr 20 2009, 06:12 PM