Samantha Lee: (Outside Reading 2) Funding for Stem Cell Research

http://clearlyexplained.com/nature/life/cells/stemcells.html

Some people may call them the “magic seeds” of the human body with their ability to transform and duplicate themselves as any type of body tissue. Others see them as miracle cures for diseases such as Parkinson’s, cancer, and sickle cell anemia or even “body repair kits” that can replace a needed kidney. Stem cells have been responsible for much hope and appropriately so, a great deal of controversy and hype. There are three main types found in mammals, embryonic, adult, and umbilical cord stem cells.

Stem cell research is indeed a scary thing for the world. Embryos that could have developed and grown into someone’s son can be taken out of a mother’s womb to be probed and studied. These concerns are warranted, but they are not true. The only embryonic stem cells being used are ones already discarded and donated specifically for research uses. No cloning and deliberate manufacture is taking hand, and no underground business is trafficking these cells. The research is strictly controlled by the government, but should receive more funds. The monetary value of the discoveries that stem cell research can bring is unimaginable.