The Discovery and Importance of Stem Cells

Stem cells were discovered around 1981 when the first embryonic cell. These cells were discovered by Dr. James Till and Dr. Ernset McCulloch. There are many experiments that have been conducted such as putting stem cells into pigs hearts that have had heart attacks, and their hearts would end up brand new. For humans, this same experiment has worked on their hearts too. Injecting stem cells into the heart can also help humans that have had strokes.

Stem cells are cells that can divide and provide offspring cells that can continue as stem cells and those cells become specialized. Based on what I read, "Stem cells are an ongoing source of the differentiated cells that make up the tissues and organs of animals and plants." For stem cells, there are two types: adult and embryonic cells. In adult stem cells, the cells are usually found in small tissue. On the other hand, embryonic stem cells come from embryos.

The stem cells can also be found in different parts of the body in tissue. Stem cells are important because they help keep human cells happy and healthy. According to Encyclopaedia Britannica, "...they have potential in the development of therapies for replacing defective or damaged cells resulting from a variety of disorders..." They are also important to us because they can help restore bodies that have been through a heart attack, heart diseases, and diabetes.

Human embryonic stem cells are harvested from the cell mass in the blastocyst. While this process requires the removal of the trophoblast, it is bad because it destroys for further development. This can also lead to unnecessary deaths of hundreds of people. Stem cells are beneficial for us because it helps cure both animals and humans.

There are also stem cells that can be as good as human embryonic stem cells. They are called induced pluripotent stem cells. These cells are adult stem cells that are reprogramed to have the same properties as embryonic cells, but scientists say that they don't know if it is safe to inject them into humans just yet. My opinion on all of this is that there shouldn't be a research that can destroy these cells, these cells can be used for good and should be continued curing diseases and injuries.