Stem cells: the future of medicine?            

Stem cells are an incredibly exciting area of research, adult and embryonic stem cells show enormous potential in changing the field of medicine. But what are they and what do they do? 

Adult stem cells are found in bone marrow and are used within the body to replenish dying cells and repair damaged tissue. They can differentiate into many different types of cells such as blood, brain, muscle and liver cells.  

The ability to clone these cells can have many uses in medicine. For example, a layer of skin cells can be grown to replace the skin of third degree burn victims, something they could not live without. However, we are still unable to replicate the ability for the skin to sweat and grow hair, but this is another area of development scientists are exploring. Adult stem cells, although being able to differentiate into many cells, are limited in development compared to embryonic stem cells. 

Embryonic stem cells are also a developing area. They are found within a blastocyst- a hollow ball with an inner cell mass of stem cells. This is the beginning of a human embryo and can grow into most types of cells. 

These cells have enormous potential in medicine; already doctors have transplanted embryonic stem cells into the eyes of people living with macular degeneration. Despite this only being a ‘safety check’ trial, all the patients reported improvements to their sight.  

One of the most promising areas of research within embryonic stem cells is therapeutic cloning. It is an exceedingly difficult process for scientists to replicate however if gotten right, the results could be lifesaving. It uses cells from an adult that produce an early embryo of themselves meaning all embryonic stem cells are perfectly matched to that person. In theory, this could be used to grow new organs that would not be rejected by the body as they have the same genetic material which would mean a much better quality of life for patients. 

However, there is some controversy surrounding the use of embryonic stem cells. Some people believe that as an embryo cannot give permission, it is a violation of their human rights. Also, some religious groups believe the use of embryonic stem cells is an interference with the process of human reproduction and therefore unacceptable. Scientists have found embryonic stem cells in the umbilical cord blood of new-born babies which could be used to overcome ethical difficulties surrounding the use of embryos. 

Disadvantages of stem cells are also relevant in the safety of this developing science. Because embryonic stem cells grow and divide so rapidly, there is a risk they may cause cancer if used to treat people- this has been found to be a problem in early tests in and out of the laboratory. There is also a risk that adult stem cells could be infected with viruses that could be transmitted to patients. Immunosuppressants may need to be taken by patients treated with adult stem cells to avoid the body rejecting the new cells however this is a problem that could be solved with the use of embryonic stem cells. It is also an expensive area of development and some people feel time and money would be better spent on other areas of research despite this, scientists and doctors remain certain stem cells can be used to help many people. 

Overall, the developments and usage of stem cells is an amazing field with enormous potential in medicine. Ethical challenges and safety concerns are well on their way to being overcome and despite the relatively slow process of development the potential benefits in therapies such as treatment of diabetes and eyesight are huge. Although we do not yet know if hopes for a world changed by stem cells can be fulfilled it is certain that research is promising and should trials continue to be successful, stem cells have the potential to change lives.