How stemcell research useful in modern medical field ?

what is the role of stem cell research in modern medicines ?is it ethical to continue stem cell research?

How stemcell research useful in modern medical field ?
"Stem cell therapies" have been in use for over 20 years in the form of bone marrow transplants. This therapy has saved the lives of many people suffering from potentially fatal disorders of the blood. This line of stem cell therapy relies on a subset of stem cells called hematopoeitic stem cells; these are stem cells already committed to forming the many cells that circulate in the blood. With a 20-year track record of success, it is difficult to argue that this line of research will not one day lead to new life-saving therapies.





We have not had much success yet in using other types of stem cells in other organ systems. Some people are making limited progress, but we probably need to develop a greater understanding of which chemical and environmental signals trigger these cells to proliferate and engage their repair functions. Therefore, more basic science research in this field is required.





The question of whether adult stem cells possess the same repair capacity as embryonic stem cells remains unanswered. Research with both types of stem cells will give the best chance of new therapies in less time.





Progress in this field will take time, and we will not know which particular hurdles will prevent the big steps forward. "Gene therapies" have been promised since the 70's; to date there are only a handful of diseases that may be treated with genetic targeted therapies. A recent success in the treatment of a small number of melanoma patients looks promising. Success with stem cell therapies will likely follow a similar course. The theory is sound, but cautious moves forward with many independent studies will identify the bottlenecks and potential benefits.
Reply:Stem cell research doesn't necessarily mean cloning people/animals...





Stem cells are in a way the most fundamental type of cells.. Given the right stimulus, they can grow into any type of cells... So if you have a liver problem, and stem cells with your DNA are available, they can grow a new liver for you (its only an example of what could be achieved.. its not possible yet...)





Stem cells can also be used to repair damages to organs and tissues..





The problem with most transplants and grafts is that the body rejects foreign tissue.. so if you have someone else's body part transplanted, it won't work as efficiently as your own organ would and might even stop working all together...





But if the tissue has been developed from your own stem cells, it is like having a new organ from your own cells.. no compatibility issues...





There is a lot of work going on, on how to cure cancer, spinal cord injuries, and muscle damages...





The controversy or ethical issues involve the source of the stem cells.. The least controversial (or so I assume) source is the blood cells from umbellical cord.. So, stem cells from your umbellical cord could be frozen when you are a baby, and retrieved for your treatment whe you need it...





The most controversial source is by using an embryo... Which some interpret as killing a life..
Reply:its a touchy subject but i do support it. embryonic stem cells are cells that have yet to be told what to become, by manipulating it we can make it become what we need it to be which can than be transplanted into people with a whole range of problems from paralysis to parkinsons. i believe this type of research will help millions of people in the future. the ethics is where it becomes touchy. for me it is not about the conception of a child. i do not believe life begins at conception so for myself it is not an ethical issue.