Astronomy Online

stem cell controversy

Think of fetal stem cells like a blank canvas. These teeny tiny parts of the human body begin as generic tidbits of DNA that can differentiate into any type of cell, tissue or organ. Scientists are extremely interested in what sort of biological and environmental triggers cause cells to develop. It’s believed that the information derived from stem cell research will help accident victims to naturally regenerate missing skin, and slow the progression of Alzheimer’s disease.

In an embryo that is just three days old, stem cells are found that will later transform into the heart, lungs, skin, tissues, bone marrow, muscle and brain. Advocates of stem cell research believe that there may be a way to generate replacement cells for parts of the body lost through injury, disease or aging. What makes stemcells different than blood, muscle or nerve cells is their innate ability to replicate for months in a laboratory setting. Scientists are hopeful about the potential for long term rejuvenation using these self-renewing human stem cells.

In the summer of 2008, the FDA approved of a stem cell trial for paraplegics in hopes of restoring mobility for some patients. Another stem cell research trial in the UK will implant human stem cells into the brains of stroke victims. If the portent is good on these initial trials, it’s likely that there will be many more for cancer patients, blind people, burn victims and those suffering from degenerative diseases like diabetes, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s.

While stem cell research has been full of controversy in America, other nations, notably Iran, have nothing against stem cell research at all. “Policies that may be classified as liberal in the American political system seem to be common sense to Iranian politicians,” explains Hassan Ashktorab of the Howard University Cancer Center in Washington, DC. While George W. Bush banned research on fetal stem cells, Iran’s Ayatollah Khamenei embraced the modern science. While human cloning is still condemned in Iranian culture, they believe it is their duty to do their best to prevent illness and protect human life.