Stem Cell ResearchWhat is a stem cell?Stem cells are immature cells found in embryos that can develop into any type of specialized cell. They can form virtually any cell in the human body. These types of stem cells are known as pluripotent cells. Multipotent cells are more mature stem cells; they can be found in adults and children. Multipotent cells are not as flexible as pluripotent cells, as they have already developed into more specialized human cells. Benefits of Stem Cells The benefits of stem cell research can be enormous. Today, millions of people around the world suffer from incurable diseases. Stem cell research could help the scientific community find a breakthrough in developing a cure. By observing the development of stem cells in mature human tissue, scientists can better understand how embryos develop. It is possible to record “normal” human development. This knowledge can be used, for example, to prevent birth defects. Scientists would be able to grow spinal cells from pluripotent stem cells. These cells could repair damage to the spinal cord. Those suffering from paralysis, like Christopher Reeve, may eventually move again. Stem cells could also be used to grow nerve cells, possibly fighting Parkinson's disease or Alzheimer's. Although it will be many years before scientists are actually able to find a way to fight these diseases, there is great promise in stem cells. Because stem cells are essentially a blank slate, scientists are theoretically capable of growing any cell in human tissue. There is enormous medical potential in this. Stem cell research is the next step in the advancement of the medical field. It is comparable to the discovery of penicillin or the inoculation of smallpox. The current… half of the article… the creation of specific embryos for stem cell research should not be allowed. Continued stem cell research will benefit all of humanity with its promise of medical advancements. Opponents' concerns about the destruction of human life will be allayed because the stem cells will be taken from already doomed embryos. The federal government will be able to regulate research and ensure that it is conducted legally. Currently, research limitations are too restrictive, as researchers are limited to resources already collected. Today there are sixty lines of stem cells, already derived from embryos. Researchers should use only these lines. These limitations seriously hinder stem cell research. The government, especially President Bush, should reevaluate stem cell research. Sources: http://www.nih.gov/news/stemcell/primer.htm http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/2001/stemcell/