PROJECT PROFILE

Project Title: Stem Cell Research

Names of Project Proponent/s:

Region: Division:

School: Grade Level:

Project Duration:

CATEGORY OF RESEARCH THEME

Life Science Health

Individual
INTRODUCTION
RATIONALE
Stem cells are cells that can be found in nearly every multicellular organism. Through

mitotic cell division, they have the capacity to regenerate and proliferate. They can be

utilized to treat diseases caused by cell mutation since they can develop into different

kinds of particular cells. The fundamental concept that drove the extensive research on

this subject was as follows. Cells are extracted from the interior cell mass of the

embryo, which is known as the blastocyst at the moment.

There are two fundamental types of stem cells, one of which has received a great deal

of attention over the years. The embryonic stem cells are extracted from the interior

cell mass of the embryo, which is known as the blastocyst at the moment.

The other type of cell is known as adult stem cells; these are cells that are extracted

from adults and have the ability to regenerate indefinitely. They aid in the formation of

tissues in the human body as well as the replenishment of dying cells in the organism.

The main distinction between the two is that adult stem cells are extracted from mature human
tissues, whereas embryonic cells are extracted from embryos, which is essentially the cause of

the ethical problems surrounding the two. In essence, stem cells can either develop any form

of organ in the body or, in rare cases, they can be utilized to regenerate old cells. (Panno,

2004)

SIGNIFICANCE

Stem cell research provides unprecedented opportunities for developing new medical

therapies for debilitating diseases as well as a new way to investigate fundamental

biological questions. Stem cells are unspecialized cells that can self-renew and

differentiate into more mature cells with specialized functions indefinitely. Human

embryonic stem cell research, on the other hand, is contentious, given our society's

diverse views on the moral and legal status of the early embryo. The controversy has

given rise to provocative and contradictory claims about the biology and biomedical

potential of both adult and embryonic stem cells, both within and outside the scientific

community.

Through the transplantation of stem cells, stem cell therapy aims to be a promising method for

regenerating damaged organs, tissues, or functions. (Viegas, 2003)

SCIENTIFIC BASIS
The history of stem cell research can be traced back to the 1800s, when it was

discovered that some cells could regenerate themselves. Proper research in the field

began in the 1900s, when mice were used as models, and there has been no turning

back since, especially since physicians learned about the importance of gene

compatibility for the acceptance of the donor's bone marrow to the patient.

Stem cell research is primarily carried out in laboratories, where human stem cells are
 extracted from a female egg between the 5th and 9th week, when she is about to have

an abortion. This raises moral and ethical concerns in people, so extensive research is

being conducted to discover alternative methods for extracting stem cells.

Alzheimer's disease, other heart diseases, birth defects, spinal and other related

injuries, repairing damaged organs, and so on are among the notable diseases.

Although the cure has yet to be discovered, supporters of stem cell research argue that

more money should be invested in the field so that the cure can be discovered.

(Experiment-research.com, 2009)

Stem cell research advancements would benefit both the economic and social aspects of

society. Economic benefits imply that they will be able to cure diseases and will be socially

acceptable.

As more and more people become able to compete with the average man for social

advancement and join the labor force. The previously disabled would become a

productive member of society as a result, which would benefit them both economically

and socially.

The most compelling argument against the development is that embryonic stem cells are

extracted, putting a potential new life in jeopardy. What needed to be determined was whether

or not a nervous system was present in the embryo at the time of extraction, and if so, whether

or not a child was killed. (Monroe, Miller, 2008)

Some argue that once an egg is fertilized, a baby is born, and that it is unethical to give up a

child's life to help another person. Because there have been no results from stem cell research,

some argue that they are wasting precious lives. A life, even if it is in the form of a fetus,
should not be jeopardized in order to save other people's lives, because it may grow up to be a

normal person. (Arnes, 2006) (Humber, Almeder, 2010)

Another fundamental drawback that has been anticipated is the possibility of human

cloning as a result of ongoing stem cell research. Although it may appear to many to be

a lucrative idea, it can be extremely dangerous and morally unethical. The stakes are

extremely high; using embryonic stem cells could offer people with neurological

diseases a great deal of hope.

(National Bioethics Advisory Commission, National Bioethics Advisory Commission,

United States, United States. Ethical Issues in Human Stem Cell Research. University

Press of the Pacific, 2004)