Positive Effects of Stem Cell Research

Stem cell research is the study of how to use stem cells---which are undifferentiated, "flexible" cells---to treat human illness and injury. Stem cells have an enormous capacity to renew themselves through mitotic cell division, making them invaluable for tissue repair in the body. They can also develop into almost any cell or tissue type as needed to treat an illness. Stem cell research is a relatively new technology in the early stages of development.

Types

• Stem cells can be embryonic or adult cells. Embryonic stem cells are derived from early stage embryos, called blastocysts. Adult stem cells are derived from non-embryonic sources, but they may have less therapeutic value than embryonic cells. (See reference 1)

Function

• According to the National Institutes of Health, to date only adult stem cells such as bone marrow stem cells have been used therapeutically. (See reference 1)

Effects

• The full therapeutic potential of stem cell research has not yet been realized. According to the NIH, stem cell research has the potential to treat some birth defects and cancers, Parkinson's disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, spinal cord injury, burns, heart disease, diabetes and arthritis. (See reference 1)

Significance

• In January 2009, the first human clinical trials using embryonic stem cell therapies began. The California-based Geron Corporation began research trials on patients with spinal cord injuries. (See reference 2)

Considerations

• The gap between embryonic stem cell and adult stem cell therapeutic capabilities may be closing. According to the NIH, scientists have been able to induce some adult cells to "reprogram" themselves and enter a state of flexibility similar to that of embryonic stem cells. (See reference 1)