Stem Cell ResearchWhat is a stem cell?Stem cells are immature cells found in embryos that can develop into any cell type specialized. They can form virtually any cell in the human body. These types of stem cells are called pluripotent cells. Multipotent cells are more mature stem cells; they can be found in adults and children. Multipotent cells are not as flexible as pluripotent cells because they have already developed into more specialized human cells.Benefits of Stem CellsThe benefits of stem cell research can be overwhelming. Today, millions of people around the world suffer from incurable diseases. Stem cell research could help the scientific community find a major breakthrough in developing a cure. By watching stem cells develop into mature human tissue, scientists can better understand how embryos develop. “Normal” human development can be recorded. This knowledge could, for example, be used to help prevent birth defects. Scientists may be able to cultivate spinal cells from pluripotent stem cells. These cells could potentially repair spinal cord injuries. People with paralysis, like Christopher Reeve, could eventually move again. Stem cells could also be used to grow nerve cells, possibly to fight Parkinson's or Alzheimer's disease. Although it will be many years before scientists can actually find a way to combat these diseases, stem cells hold great promise. Because stem cells are essentially a blank slate, scientists are theoretically capable of growing any cell from human tissue. There is enormous medical potential there. Stem cell research is the next step in the advancement of the medical field. It is comparable to the discovery of penicillin or the inoculation of smallpox.Current...... middle of article ......the production of embryos specifically for stem cell research should not be allowed. Continued stem cell research will benefit all of humanity through its promise of medical advancements. Opponents' concerns about the destruction of human life will be allayed because the stem cells will be taken from already-doomed embryos. The federal government will be able to regulate research and ensure that it is conducted legally. Currently, the boundaries of research are too restrictive, as researchers are limited to the resources already gathered. Today there are sixty lines of stem cells, already derived from embryos. Researchers should use only these lines. These limitations seriously hamper stem cell research. The government, especially President Bush, should re-evaluate stem cell research. Sources: http://www.nih.gov/news/stemcell/primer.htm http://www.cnn.com/SPECIALS/2001/stemcell/