Biotechnology is at the forefront of science
The biotechnology field has a role to play in keeping the world safe every day by its application in various fields. The field has paid increasing attention to the engineering side in the last few decades, aiming at improving human functionality through their machines. However, when biotechnology shifted its focus to genetics, things changed incredibly. By combining biotechnology and genetics, biotechnology has demonstrated incredible potential for saving lives. Using stem cells and gene manipulation, the field has demonstrated unmatched potential, gaining the reputation of leading science.
Medicine is entering a new era with stem cells
Stem cells have the potential to produce groundbreaking results. Stem cells have so far been studied extensively with regard to embryonic stem cells (ESC) and adult stem cells (ASC).
The most powerful stem cells are those derived from embryonic tissues since they can fuse with any kind of cell. These cells reside in the embryo, which is the source of every cell in the human body. Unfortunately, ESCs are limited in lifespan, lasting just a couple of days.
Researchers may be capable of harnessing the full capability of these cells, which would be a huge breakthrough in medicine. They believe that ESCs are capable of regenerating new tissues and cells, replacing the inoperative ones, with this much power, no disease would be fatal. However, the ethical and controversial obstacles prevent scientists from discovering the full potential of embryonic stem cells.
Another type of Stem Cell: Adult Stem Cells, which provide less controversy but are still powerful because of their comparative advantage. These cells repair and maintain bone and skin tissues. However, there is a high chance that the immune system will reject them.
Another stem cell research initiative with the help of biotechnology
Pluripotent Stem Cell research (iPSC) has been initiated to avoid political and religious uproars and side effects. Scientists are working on making ASCs pluripotent since they can’t be fused into all cell types.
What are the restrictions concerning Embryonic Cell research?
Embryonic stem cell research is restricted mainly because they destroy embryos when they are extracted. Many people who are against killing unborn children consider embryo extraction murder, which has prevented a lot of potential cures from being discovered.
The Dilemma of Scientists
ESC has the potential to cure many degenerative diseases, such as multiple sclerosis, diabetes, etc. However, scientists are now forced to find alternate methods in order to end political controversies, rather than immediately work on ESCs.
Getting to the bottom of ethical debate regulating Embryo Stem Cell research
Our discussion so far has focused on why it is unethical to remove embryonic cells. In spite of the morally stretched nature of this concept, the debate over whether it should be researched or not depends on specific views.
It is possible to obtain embryonic stem cells through the IVF process. The destruction of human life by harvesting embryos is viewed by many as an unacceptable practice. Using embryonic stem cells to create human life is unacceptable to most religious minds, which raises unethical concerns as this procedure disrupts the natural order, and is akin to playing god.
The stem cell debate is considered unethical because it is closely linked with the “human cloning” debate, which goes against nature’s logic. ESC research has a much brighter future if it is possible to gain the cells without destroying human life.
Research with iPSCs revolves around ethical considerations. Using grown human organs to treat human diseases borders on human experimentation. Even though this was controversial in the past, today we are better prepared to support the potential success of this medicine.
In conclusion
Providing for the safety of life means working on ways to prevent mishaps, a strategy New Amsterdam Advisors highlights. When it comes to the human body, biotechnology must place the correct pieces at the right time. The potential of stem cell research should not be overlooked, despite the research’s ethical and moral difficulties. To achieve the common goal of saving human lives, stem cell research should be adequately taught and studies so it can reach its full potential.
