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What is an Embryonic Stem Cell?

Embryonic stem cells are the subject of controversy regarding the rights of a human embryo, while also potentially being the key to treatments for many deadly diseases and disorders.

  1. What is It?

    • According to the National Institute of Health, embryonic stem cells are cells that are only found in the early stages of a human embryo, usually when the embryo is just a blastocyst.

    Significance

    • Embryonic stem cells come from the earliest stages of a human embryo so they are undifferentiated and can virtually be tailored into any cell, tissue or organ in the body.

    Benefits

    • According to Timesonline.co.uk, because embryonic stem cells are undifferentiated, scientists believe they can be used as a source of replacement cells and tissues to treat almost any disorder, including leukemia, Parkinson's disease and organ failure.

    Speculations

    • The issue of embryonic stem cells is controversial because to retract the embryonic stem cells, the embryo must be destroyed. This brings up the debate as to whether embryos are humans.

    Misconceptions

    • Embryonic stem cell research is not illegal. President George W. Bush banned the use of federal funds for this research in 2001, but private funding was allowed. In March 2009, President Barack Obama lifted this restriction and federal funds can be used for stem cell research.

    Alternatives

    • According to Timesonline.co.uk, adult stem cells are also being used for some medical therapies, but because most adult stem cells are already specialized, they cannot be tailored into any tissue.

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