Research Essay Stem Cell Research - 961 Words

Biology Research Essay Erica Ford In recent years, there has been a lot more talk about stem cell research than ever before. The idea of stem cells arose in the 1960 s, with the first successful bone marrow transplant in 1968. Now, stem cell research is a widely known topic in biotechnology and shows a substantial amount of scientific promise. The future of stem cell research and the impact it could have follows with many questions on people s minds, as well the simple curiosity of what stem cells are and how they can affect people both positively and negatively. There are quite a few areas of discussion about stem cells, and this essay addresses seven of the many questions concerning stem cell research. The typical first†¦show more content†¦The main risks of a blood and bone marrow stem cell transplant are infections, graft-versus-host disease (GVHD), and graft failure. Patients can easily get infections after the transplant because their immune systems are very weak. The risk of infections decreases as the patient s immune system begins to recover. GVHD is a common disease for people who get stem cells from a donor in which the new stem cells attack the patient’s body. Doctors prescribe medicines to treat GVHD, such as glucocorticoids for acute GVHD and steroids for chronic GVHD.2 Graft failure occurs if the immune system rejects the new stem cells. It also can occur if not enough stem cells are used, the new stem cells are damaged, or the patient receiving the cells’ bone marrow is damaged after the transplant. Graft failure is most likely to occur in people who aren t as prepared for their transplants. People who get stem cells from donors who are not a ve ry good match also are more likely to have graft failure. Other complications can include infertility, cataracts, new cancers, and damage to the liver, kidneys, lungs, or heart. Now after most read the list of risks, the benefits seem outweighed and initially started controversy. The stem cell controversy is the consideration of the ethics of research involving the development, usage, and destruction of human embryos and also takes into account the possible risks associated with stem cell transfer. Most commonly, this