Stem Cells

[liesje]

Hi. I'm doing a research assignment for biology on the use of embryonic stem cells for research into medicines and the like and I was wondering if anyone could tell me their opinion on the subject?

Thanks

 

[sbvera13]

Considering the number of ways to harvest useful stem cells from untenable or unusable embryos, harvesting them from amniotic fluid, or to stimulate normal cells into becoming stem cells (a work in progress IIRC, we can't do it yet), and also considering the astronomical potential medical benefits of stem cell therapy, there is no reason not to research it. In fact, it would be reprehensible to oppose it. Most people that oppose it do so under the misinformation that the only way to get stem cells is by killing live embryos, when it's not true.

 

[AV1611VET]

Most people that oppose it do so under the misinformation that the only way to get stem cells is by killing live embryos, when it's not true.

Is that techno-jargon for murdering unborn babies?

 

[paug]

Is that techno-jargon for murdering unborn babies?

Yeah, AV, I had to look up "killing" too.

But if AV is against stem cell research (which he apparently is?), why? just the above mentioned?

 

[bliz]

Make sure you include some recent work that has enabled the creation of stem cells without the use of embryos.

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/uk/health/article1895546.ece

 

[paug]

E: Mysterious double post

 

[TemperateSeaIsland]

Is that techno-jargon for murdering unborn babies?

Nah more like medical waste considering the embryos were destined for the incinerator anyway.

 

[Cabal]

Welcome liesje!

Here's a newspaper article which I find really inspiring and testament to the incredible potential of stem cell therapy. Best part it, it doesn't require the use of embryonic stem cells (not quite the issue you were talking about, I understand, but it does sidestep the issue rather neatly.)

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/news/article1647158.ece

As for the use of embryonic stem cells, I'm personally hesitant about mass-producing new embryos purely for use in this treatment, it just doesn't sit too well with me. However, I have no problem with using leftover IVF treatment embryos if they're destined for the incinerator anyway. Whatever a person's stance on when life begins, I feel that using them for stem cell treatment is at least a somewhat more positive outcome than mere disposal.

(If you want a good topic that ties in with stem cells and is even more controversial, do some digging for "admixed embryos.")

 

[eMesreveR]

Is that techno-jargon for murdering unborn babies?

Do you know about in vitro fertilization? Do you think it should be legal?

 

[AV1611VET]

Do you know about in vitro fertilization?

Yes.

Do you think it should be legal?

No.

 

[plindboe]

Is that techno-jargon for murdering unborn babies?

Embryo->

Baby->

 

[AV1611VET]

Embryo->

Baby->

Bible →

 

[MrGoodBytes]

Bible →

I thought you American protestants - especially the Vietnam veterans - said it was Thou shalt not murder instead of Thou shalt not kill?

 

[MrGoodBytes]

In any case, sciencedaily has a good synopsis of the basics of stem cell research.

 

[plindboe]

Bible →

If the Bible can't tell the difference between a minute, undifferentiated cell mass and a breathing, thinking, feeling individual, I advice better and more up to date reading material.

Peter

 

[AV1611VET]

I thought you American protestants - especially the Vietnam veterans - said it was Thou shalt not murder instead of Thou shalt not kill?

Actually, a Jew said it long before we did.

Thou shalt not kill.

He saith unto him, Which? Jesus said, Thou shalt do no murder, Thou shalt not commit adultery, Thou shalt not steal, Thou shalt not bear false witness,

 

[Holy Roller]

lulz...

 

[MrGoodBytes]

Actually, a Jew said it long before we did.

Then what's your objection to stem cell research? Killing an embryo isn't murder according to the laws of the countries where it's being done.

 

[AV1611VET]

Then what's your objection to stem cell research?

Have I said even one word about stem cell research? I don't even know what it is, let alone the procedures; and I really don't care to, either.

 

[Blayz]

Have I said even one word about stem cell research? I don't even know what it is, let alone the procedures; and I really don't care to, either.

Well you said a picture (of some story book). and they say a picture is worth a thousand words.