By: Eesha Vishnu
New innovations have been introduced in the science community for decades, regardless of its numerous benefits to researchers and the healthcare industry, there is one that seems to be in constant backlash with relation to ethics: stem cell research. First, I must clarify the definition of what a stem cell is or in truth, Mayo Clinic. They define stem cells by having two traits, "They self-renew. And they can become other cells that do different things in a process known as differentiation." Overall, stem cells are the building blocks of life. These little-machines can transfigure to different tissues — one stem cell can become liver tissue, the next a lung. This new discovery has led to life-saving techniques and treatments including: creating genetically modified brain tissue to mimic Alzheimer’s disease for research and lab-grown organs for transplants. These cells are the loophole for regenerative medicine. Its properties can be manipulated to cure heart failure, type 1 diabetes, or Parkinson’s as scientists will directly modify the cell to create what the patient may be lacking. For example, scientists can edit the stem cell to produce insulin.
But, the process of retrieving stem cells has been under fire since its discovery. Stem cells are collected by destroying a blastocyst, a fertilized egg, which then brings the question, is it considered experimenting with human life? The biotechnology industry has made efforts to reinforce regulations to allow scientists to use this technology, creating stricter guidelines on patient consent and being transparent with donors on what is happening in the lab. As well, an alternative technique has been gaining traction among scientists is the use of induced pluripotent stem cells aka iPSCs. iPSCs are created by using a somatic cells or a body cells and reversing its properties back to its original form, the stem cell. This process is less invasive and can counter the opinion that using embryonic stem cells is interfering with human life.
With its plentiful benefits in modern medicine, what’s your opinion in regards to how far we can go in using the main source of human life?
While this post highlights the intriguing potential of stem cell research in regenerative medicine, it also brings up an ethical dilemma. The moral concerns about using embryonic cells and the tension between the life-saving benefits of stem cells spikes much debate. One thing I find especially interesting about this article is how alternatives like iPSCs are being developed to address these ethical concerns which offers a potential middle ground in this long lasting issue.