Types of Stem Cell Research

Embryonic Stem Cells

There are a plentiful amount of stem cells in an embryo, making them dependable during tissue transactions. But the embryo used must be destroyed in order to commence any research. For anti-embryonic stem cell groups, they consider this homicide since an embryo is a living, growing organism. But overall, there is a smaller margin of error in embryonic stem cell operation than with other types of stem cells.

Adult stem cells are taken from full-grown adults, usually from skin cells. Adults do not need to be hurt in order to take a stem cell from them. Many groups want more research with adult stem cells, but most studies show that adult stem cells are weaker and less flexible than embryonic stem cells. Adult stem cells do not last as long as embryonic stem cells either.

The only other type of stem cell research is induced pluripotent stem cells. These are reprogrammed cells created by man; they are not natural adult stem cells. They are derived artificially from adult stem cells, but are more similar to embryonic stem cells in terms of potential and usefulness.

The political controversy over stem cell research has resulted in a lack of funding for government programs furthering research. There are some states that fund embryonic stem cell research by themselves, but this always come with great uproar from opposing citizens. Many religious and conservative organizations protest the use of embryonic stem cell research, stalling any research advancements that might be made.

Since embryonic stem cell research harbors ethical dilemmas, and because adult stem cells are not reliable, scientists are always looking for more stem cell alternatives. Umbilical cord cells may become a viable option in the near future. The main reason scientists are looking for alternatives to embryonic stem cell research is not because of their effectiveness, but because of the political quandaries that have become attached to the push for embryonic stem cell research.