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Stem Cell Research |
Lately, we have been hearing about a lot about this idea called stem cell research. Although it may not be that new, it is about to become a new reality of everyday life! It is basically to help grow cells to save people's lives. Stem cell research is a new medical technology that might revolutionize treatment of some of the most damaging diseases that exist today. Debate is now under way on whether this research should continue. Some opponents feel scientists have already overstepped our society's moral and ethical boundaries. Proponents stem cells, especially those taken from embryos, offer new cell replacement therapies for dozens of devastating illnesses. Opponents feels this research sanctions the killing of human fetuses and is associated with human cloning, another issue they strongly oppose. What they are saying is they can take out harmful genes that can give you diseases in the future as they grow, like cancer, color blindness, and other such health problems.
There are mixed reviews about this concept. Some are for it, and some are totally against it. The idea also gives us the ability to find cures through gene extraction and studying them to help cure diseases. Sounds nice and humanitarian, but is this idea a bit far-fetched? Scientists, congressmen, and even the president himself have gotten into this controversial idea. Religious figures such as the Pope and human rights groups have voiced their opinions on this topic. Here at home some people have opinions on both sides of the story. Sophomore Brando Eaton says, " It is weird to clone someone, but to get help for people is okay."
The good news is that it is an interesting and insightful prospect on what can be done in the not so distant future, and even now, just the thought of it is amazing. Think of all the personalized cells for people and babies we could have, not to mention the cats and dogs. But then, how far is too far? Sophomore Vanessa Pravecek says, " I think in general it is wrong because whatever you are, you are, an shouldn't personalize other people. The whole thing has a good/bad side; to do it is okay only for helping save people's lives, but not cloning. It is still a little weird."
Nerve and most organ cells once damaged can never be repaired, now they can be with this technology. To help all the people with disabilities and save people from diseases. It is beyond comprehension. "I feel it eliminates any possible outcome of originality in the sense of human cell growth; it is very strange to do these procedures, but in a way I feel it only has to do with and helping people in need," said sophomore Kali Fontecchio.
Another sad thing about society today is they get so caught up in the moment and don't think of the aftermaths of what can go wrong. One other side of the story is the opinion of Junior Kelly Segers, who said, "I'm not opposed to it, and not against it either, so I see it as: it is supposed to help people gain what they might have lost, but trying to help people their lives and to grow from what it is and make it easier."
They may even use the extracted genes of a cat to grow cells for humans as well! A lot of people think it is wrong and crazy to play the role of God. I think a lot can develop into good from this idea, and all it really is for is to benefit the people, not to hurt them. I think we should just be patient and content with what we get and live life normally, and use this technology only to help the ones who really need this.