Stem cells are cells with the potential to develop into many different types of cells that exist in the human body. For years the usefulness of stem cells has been debated. These “miracle cells” have been subject to a wide field of medicine. From skin grafts to organ regrowth, STEM cells are extremely versatile and maybe one day will be used to treat currently incurable diseases such as AIDS and different forms of cancer.
STEM Cells work in a very unique way. They are essentially blank templates. This allows them to develop/serve many functions in the human body. There are a couple different types of stem cells in the human body. They are as follows
- Embryonic STEM Cells: These cells come from the “undifferentiated inner mass cells of a human embryo”. Currently this type of STEM Cell is being researched as a treatment for diseases such as Parkinson’s, Diabetes, and various forms of cancer
- Non-Embryonic STEM Cells, more commonly referred to as adult STEM Cells, have a variety of different purposes and functions. These cells exist within humans of all ages. These cells can divide and become differentiated. Like Embryonic cells, adult stem cells take part in a variety of medicinal treatments such as those for Leukemia, and Heart attacks.
Despite the medical implication of STEM Cells, they are not without controversy. Many critics question the ethical implication of such methods of treatments. Most specifically surrounding Embryonic cells. Many people question whether it is moral to break down a human embryo. The reason that this is such a hot topic is because it is similar to another divisive issue: abortion.
Despite what you may think about STEM Cells, they are a revolutionary breakthrough within the scientific community, and will forever change the shape of medicinal treatments in this world. Despite the arguments against it, STEM Cells are being used to treat diseases/ailments such as diabetes and leukemia. They are also used for skin grafts and other cosmetic surgeries/procedures.- Post Written By Yash Banga
Sources:
https://www.healthline.com/health/stem-cell-research
https://www.closerlookatstemcells.corg/learn-about-stem-cells//types-of-stem-cells/
