Stem cells, are really, REALLY helpful cells which have cause quite a bit of controversy from different angles. One side is beiing extremely hostile towards this topic saying "OH MAN, you can't just play God!", while another side is being really whiny and saying "WE SHALL MAKE THIS EXPENSIVE!" *ahem* government... In all honesty, I believe that stem cells SHOULD be used in order to help others and also create great advancement in medical history... oh, wait...
Before I rant on about why stem cells should be brought out, I want gto first explain what stem cells are and how important they are. Stem cells are broken down to a few different types: totipotent (turn into ANY cell) pluripotent (most cells) and of course multi-potent (some TRANSFORMATIONS). These cells are very idle until a specific signal They can totally be anything (well not really) if they are commanded to become anything. We have different type of stem cells, from blood cells to skin cells and others. (Did you know that blood cells come from BONE MARROW? Yeah, I know...) From these stem cell formations, skin is regenerated, blood is produced etc etc. Not only that, but they can ultimately fix a person with disabilities... it would be a total shame to not use them, especially if this has been complained about for years...
If you're still curious about this topic... you should probably watch this short video.
Anyway, the use of stem cells has its risk (as shown in the video). I would love to use stem cells to treat the uncontrollable movements my hands do or something else, but I (and some other people) know of the obvious risks. I, as a 16 year old don't want an imminant tumour. I would totally freak out. This negative part is one of the reaso why we unfortunately have to stall the process of bringing it along (fully). I know that tumours can be destroyed, but I'm not paying extra money for that too. This sets us up for the second reason why stem cells are not so usual; expenses. What would you pay for a cure for nearly every condition, from skin burns to brain problems. Though Obama supports it, he might not be able to control the prices. Yes, that also means it would be like the 1600's again where only the rich could recieve such a cure. Doctor's are kind of reluctant to bring it ON! Moral issues also have their part unfortunately. You can count on letting this cure spark many "You can't just play Gooooodddddd!" and "you are destroying useful cellllllsss!"
Though stem cells have their positives and negatives, it should be carefully taken care of unlike the H1N1 cure *ahem ahem*. This process of research should see how to take away any side effects such as WALKING BACKWARDS, or I don't know... GETTING SICKER| The researchers can do anything they want... as long as after (or before) 20 more years it is perfected and everyone becomes equally awesome with no awkward diseases later on. I hope stem cells will finally become perfected so we can... `CELL-EBRATE!``
S-s-sources:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=E2ymkuUc6FU&feature=player_embedded
AND
http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/tech/stemcells/
