Development
“A stem cell is defined as a cell that can renew
itself indefinitely.”– The
International Center for Stem Cell Research
Stem-cell research takes an emotive position in global debates
on ethics and science. It placed prominently in the United
States Presidential election and has contracted millions
in funds, but what is it? Since the spectacular birth of
Dolly,
the
cloned sheep in 1996, the word on cloning seemed definite:
people just don't buy the idea of cloning.
Since Dolly, (who only lived to six after suffering
advance lung disease) cloning has adopted a new language:
stem-cell research. Albeit the procedures in stem-cell research
vary (stem-cell grafting and cloning are not exactly what
gave birth to Dolly), they all rest essentially on the same
idea: the cloning of cells.
There are numerous types of cells that can be used in stem-cell
research, however the most notable is embryonic stem cell
research. The hope is that - in the not too distant future
- scientists will be able to cure diseases such as Alzheimer’s
and Parkinson’s and grow much needed organs like hearts
and livers, all in the comfort of their labs, using the cells
from embryos.
Debate
The debate lies in the fact that embryonic stem-cell research must utilize human
cells. This has spurred the ‘right to life’ debate to new territory,
although the essential questions remain: who decides the parameters of life?
Is an embryo life? And if so who has the power to decide its path? Still, not
many people can deny the desire to live life to its fullest, even if that requires
the help of science.
Embryonic stem cells are chameleon cells, in that they can generate any adult
cell property. They are derived from ‘left-over’ blastocytes (pre-embryonic
fertilized eggs) that come from assisted reproductive programs such as in vitro
fertilization. Families that have had problems conceiving and who participate
in reproductive programs may donate their unused fertilized eggs to science in
the same way that one dons an organ donor sticker on their driver’s license.
Those against stem-cell research have noted that there are
ways around using embryonic cells. Umbilical cord cells could
be a viable choice. Umbilical cord blood has many promising
properties that have been wasted in the past. It represents
a beautiful balance between life and the promise of health
for other individuals. Umbilical cords are full of hematopoietic
(blood forming) stem cells much like cells found in bone
marrow. In fact the use of umbilical cord blood has gained
momentum around the world. However, unlike embryonic stem
cells, umbilical blood cord cells are really only useful
for blood disease treatment and tissue repair.
According to the International Society for Stem
Cell Research, once embryonic stem cells have
been established in culture, large numbers of cells can be
grown
for a long
time
without loosing the stem cell character. The most remarkable
feature of embryonic stem cells is their ability to generate
all functional adult cell types, and they can be developed
to turn embryonic stem cells into brain, heart, muscle cells,
blood
cells,
blood vessels, skin, pancreatic
islet cells and bone cells.
Diagnosis
Despite stem cell research debates, researchers have found ways to continue their
work. Even in the United States the Bush Administration, which is decidedly
ambivalent towards embryonic stem cell research, has not arrested private flow
of funds to research centers. Stem cell research is going on despite debate
forums.
Recently Republican Governor of California, Arnold Schwarzenegger,
backed a $3 million dollar bond in support of stem cell research. The $3
million dollar ticket will fund the creation of a California
Institute for Regenerative
Medicine. Governor Schwarzenegger was quoted as saying that he supports measures
to cure Alzheimer’s disease, which his father-in-law suffers from.
The recent death of well loved, real-life Superman Christopher
Reeves, has also tugged on many a heart string in the public,
garnering support of the research that may have restored
Reeves’ spinal chord and prevented his untimely death.
Reeves himself was strongly in favor of the research.
On November 28, 2004, Switzerland approved a law supporting
the use of embryonic stem cells left over from reproductive
programs in stem cell research. The Netherlands, France,
Spain and Denmark have already approved such a law. Austria
and Germany allow the research only on imported stem cells.
Canada, Australia and China also have healthy stem cell research
programs.
So while our hearts and minds struggle with the implications
of the right to life debates, stem cell research is alive
and well. For some this is a strike against religious values
and morals, while for others, this means a new chance at
life. For science, it is a dream come true on a once unimaginable
terrain.
Do you have a comment or feedback on
this article? Email
us and let us know what you think.
|
