Stem Cells Essay (high school paper)

Out of all the crap they made us write about, this essay has to be one of my favourites. It was the first one of the year, and it was to set the impression. I choose a topic that I was following at the time, stem cells research. I got and 80+ on it, and that year I got the second highest mark in English class. It was the year before entering University, where every mark matters. If you choose to read on, I hope you learn a thing or tow, if you're already familliar with the subject, let me know your thoughts...
Oh yeah, notice the excessive use of semi-colons (we had learned how to use them a few days before the essay due date, and according to the teacher, I used them in all the wrong spots :-( )

The Ultimate Medicine

“The United States has a long and proud record of upholding the highest standards of ethics as we expand the limits of science and knowledge. Research on embryonic stem cells raises profound ethical questions.” The words of President George. W. Bush on August 9^th 2001; regarding the issue of stem cell research. President Bush decided to stop all government funding for embryonic stem research, destroying the hope of many Americans and non-American’s world wide. The issue of stem cells is widely discussed in the science community, with most scientists agreeing on the importance of continuing stem cell research. Stem cell research will enable us to treat diseases such as diabetes, Alzheimer’s, and Parkinson’s disease, 100% guaranteed and without any side effects. Stopping the funding would drain the fuel of the modern engine of regenerative medicine.

So what are stem cells? And why are they discussed?

Stem cells are like raw material, which have the ability to create anything if put together properly. In other words, stem cells have the ability to mimic or become any other cell in the body; much like the stem of a plant gives rise to the rest of the plant parts. The critical issue in stem cell research comes from the fact that the cells are taken from embryos, originally produced for fertility treatments.

The first weakness of the ethical argument against stem cell research comes from the fact that the embryos used in the research, are the extra embryos never to be used by couples undergoing fertility treatment. Couples may choose to keep the extra unused embryos in the lab, but most couples decide to discard them. Scientists are merely taking these embryos and using them to propel the promising research.

The second weak point can be seen if we take a closer look at the types of embryos used in the research. The embryos used in the research are 3-5 days old; embryos that count to a maximum of fifty cells, compared to the 10 trillion cells that the average human is composed of. The direct comparison shows clearly that the use of the term embryo is used to stir emotions against stem cell research. Not only are the issues raised against the research weak, but there are many profound uses of the outcomes of stem cell research; outcomes that should be realized by the public.

While our current medications involve the use of chemical or dangerous surgeries to treat disease and illness; stem cells have the ability to treat most of the diseases we are all familiar with without such risks. Each one of us knows someone who’s diabetic, has had a heart attack, or suffers from a liver or kidney disorder. Those poor people realize that they will have to suffer having a slightly abnormal life, simply because they cannot carry out certain activities or eat certain foods. Although those people seem to have recovered from their illness, they still aren’t perfectly recovered. Once again, stem cells are the cure; instead of repairing a certain part of the body or the organ, they replace it with a brand new, identical part. The diabetic will regain their ability to produce insulin, and kidney transplants will become a chapter in our medical history textbooks.

Lately, scientists have shown that they are able to reproduce nerve cells, which could be used to treat Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and spinal cord injuries. Enabling paralyzed people to start walking again, and patients with Parkinson’s to regain a firm hold on life. Eva Mezey, leading the team contributing to such discoveries in the US National Institute of Neurological Diseases and Stroke in Bethesda, Maryland, says "I think it's very encouraging to know that there are [stem] cells [with] the capability to reach the brain and become neurons." Stem cells have been also shown to treat leukemia, heart problems, and even a simple case of tooth decay.

Embryonic stem cell research should continue and be supported by governments. However, it is politics and ignorance that stands as obstacles in the way of research. The big picture that should be realized is what it is that humanity needs, the ultimate medicine!

Technorati Tags: Stem Cells, Stem Cell, Embryonic Cells, Medical Research, Regenerative Medicine