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Stem Cell Harvesting >> Stem Cell Research
Stem Cell Research
Embryonic Stem Cell Research
Embryonic stem cells (also called 'unlimited' cells) are known to have great potential as the cells can be changed to form other cells that, it is believed, can then be used to treat diseases, illnesses and injuries.
Embryonic stem cell research is still in its early stages. Research is done on discarded embryos from fertility clinics, which some people oppose as they believe it is unethical to use embryos that have the potential to turn into a foetus.
Therapeutic cloning or Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer (SCNT) is a very new area of research, which involves creating an embryonic cell using an unfertilized egg and an adult cell. This is less controversial as there is no sperm involved in the process.
Safety Concerns of Stem Cell Research
As stem cell research is still very new there are concerns about some safety issues. These include:
- Concern that stem cells that are currently cultivated using nutrients taken from animal sources could harbour diseases which could be passed on to humans.
- Fear that stem cell therapy could pass on viruses and diseases to people who receive cell transplants.
- Concern about the possibility that stem cells may turn cancerous.
The Future of Stem Cell Technology
Stem cell therapy based on limited cells are already in clinical use in the form of cord blood transplants and bone marrow transplants. These procedures show the validity of stem cell transplantation. It should be possible to achieve similar success with unlimited stem cells for a range of other diseases, although it is uncertain to know exactly when this may be.
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