Advantages and Disadvantages of Stem Cell Research
Stem cell research is highly controversial and has been the topic of heated debates for many years. Some may be completely familiar with the pros and cons of this research but undeniably, there are those who remain ignorant. Stem cell research concentrates on the use of stem cells, often found in embryos, to treat or possibly even cure, disease. A stem cell is highly capable of developing to other forms of cells like liver cells, kidney cells and heart cells.
Advantages of Stem Cell Research
Medical Benefits
One of the best advantages of stem cell research is the medical benefits it provides. They have been proven to drastically improve the condition of many people with degenerative diseases.
Potential for Discovering Cures and Treatments
Stem cell research paved way for effective treatment discoveries. This offers great possibility for discovering cures and treatments for a wide variety of illnesses such as Alzheimer’s disease, Parkinson’s disease, diabetes, spinal cord injury and more. Organs and limbs can be grown in labs from stem cells and then utilized for treatment of transplants.
Help Doctors and Scientists
With the help of this research, doctors and scientist will be able to test countless medicines and drugs even without using human or animal testers. This imposes the process of stimulating effects that drugs have on specific cell population. This research also helps determine if drugs are useful or not.
Benefit to Other Studies
Stem cell research also benefits other studies. This is essential to the study of particular development stages that cannot be directly studied in human embryo. This is sometimes linked to primary clinical consequences like pregnancy loss, birth defects and infertility.
Reverse the Effects of Aging and Prolongs Life
Other advantages of stem cell research are reversing effects of aging and prolonging life. This research has found out several treatments that are proven to slow down the process of aging.
Disadvantages of Stem Cell Research
Uncertainty
This research may discover new technology and treatments. However, these may not be an effective solution to all ailments or diseases.
Negative Interference
Just like other types of research, stem cell research may pose unpleasant effects and negative interference with nature and other elements.
Inheriting diseases
Stem cell research revealed that stem cell treatments are ideal for patients with heart disease however; other studies have found out that this can make arteries narrower.
There have been arguments about the advantages and disadvantages of stem cell research. No wonder, these have become one of the highly debated upon topics these days. These topics are expected to rage continuously and furiously. However, it is still essential for people to have knowledge about the advantages and disadvantages of stem cell research for them to have an idea about the benefits and negative impacts this brings.