Name And Explain Three Things You Learned From The Presentat

Name And Explain 3 Things That You Learned From The Presentations Abou

Name and explain 3 things that you learned from the presentations about stem cells that you were otherwise not aware of. How do you think stem cell research and stem cell technology, as presented in the videos, will affect public health diseases in the future? The benefits are clearly discussed in the videos but what do you think may be some of the potential unintended negative consequences of this progress? (ie. ethics, cost, longer life expectancy, limited resources, etc.)

Paper For Above instruction

Stem cell research has rapidly evolved over the past few decades, offering promising avenues for regenerative medicine and the treatment of various diseases. From the presentations, I learned that stem cells possess the remarkable ability to differentiate into various cell types, which can be harnessed to repair or replace damaged tissues. One key insight was understanding the distinction between embryonic stem cells and adult stem cells. Embryonic stem cells are pluripotent, capable of developing into any cell type, whereas adult stem cells are limited to certain lineages. This knowledge deepened my appreciation for the ethical debates surrounding embryonic stem cell research, which I was previously less aware of. Additionally, I discovered the potential of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), which are adult cells reprogrammed to behave like embryonic stem cells, thus sidestepping some ethical concerns and expanding the possibilities for personalized medicine.

Looking towards the future, stem cell technologies are poised to revolutionize public health by enabling treatments for diseases such as Parkinson's, diabetes, heart disease, and spinal cord injuries. These advancements could lead to longer, healthier lives and reduce the burden on healthcare systems. However, along with these benefits come significant ethical, social, and economic challenges. One potential negative consequence is the ethical dilemma surrounding the use of embryonic stem cells, which involves the moral status of human embryos. Moreover, the high cost of developing and deploying stem cell therapies could widen health disparities, as access may be limited to wealthier populations or countries. Additionally, prolonging life expectancy raises concerns about overpopulation and the sustainable use of limited resources like healthcare infrastructure, medical supplies, and environmental impacts. There is also the risk of unintended outcomes, such as tumor formation or immune rejection, which could complicate treatment success. Overall, while stem cell research offers tremendous promise, careful consideration of these potential risks and ethical implications is essential for responsible advancement in the field.

References

  • Thomson, J. A., et al. (1998). Embryonic Stem Cell Lines Derived from Human Blastocysts. Science, 282(5391), 1145-1147.
  • Yamanaka, S. (2007). Strategies and New Developments in the Generation of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells. Cell Stem Cell, 1(1), 55-62.
  • Hyun, I. (2010). The Ethics of Stem Cell Research and Therapy. The Hastings Center Report, 40(2), 25-33.
  • Lo, B., & Parham, L. (2009). Ethical issues in stem cell research. Endocrine Reviews, 30(3), 204-213.
  • Thomson, J. A., et al. (1998). Embryonic Stem Cell Lines Derived from Human Blastocysts. Science, 282(5391), 1145-1147.
  • Robinton, D. A., & Daley, G. Q. (2012). The promise of induced pluripotent stem cells in research and therapy. Nature, 481(7383), 295-305.
  • Nrl, I., & Fernandez, A. (2017). Ethical Challenges in Stem Cell Research: A Review. Stem Cells International. https://doi.org/10.1155/2017/9878765
  • Jaenisch, R., & Young, E. (2008). Stem Cells, Ethics, and Politics. Science, 322(5903), 535-536.
  • Fisher, C., & Sinden, J. D. (2013). Stem cell therapy and regulation: a review of the ethical, legal and social issues. Tissue Engineering Part B: Reviews, 19(2), 146-154.
  • McGonagle, D., & Combe, B. (2010). Ethical and legal implications of stem cell therapies. Lupus, 19(11), 1231-1234.

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