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Collin Thomas
Mrs. Crist
English IV
2/19/15
Stem Cell Research
For years there have been a plethora of different methods for repairing and revitalizing
human life through scientific advancement. Only recently have scientists found a completely
effective treatment for many psychological and physiological issues, though highly controversial.
Stem cell research is a groundbreaking discovery that, through the manipulation of cells
extracted from fetuses, can morph into and take on the functions of other types of cells. This
seems to be the most effective form of cancer treatment to date and boasts high possibilities of
being used to regenerate flesh tissue. Stem cells have the basic properties of undifferentiated
cells, allowing them to take the form of any other type of cell, which can benefit patients in a
multitude of ways.
Stem cells are the building blocks of regenerative medicine. There are four different
classifications of stem cells: embryonic stem cells, perinatal stem cells, adult stem cells, and
bioengineered stem cells. Embryonic stem cells are derived from the embryo of an in vitro
fertilized egg. Perineal stem cells are derived from umbilical cord blood. Adult stem cells are
present in many tissues including bone marrow, adipose tissue, and circulating blood.
Bioengineered stem cells are a recent development. Scientists have also been able to create
induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells using ordinary tissues such as the fibroblasts obtained from a
dermal biopsy (Nelson 8).

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By utilizing the regenerative power of stem cells, any number of treatments and
procedures could be improved upon and accelerated. Just a few possible uses for stem cells are
having the ability to replace damaged cells, treat disease, study diseases, providing a new
resource for testing medical procedures, and even generating functional tissues and organs. Most
medical procedures including stem cells are moderately cheap and highly effective, as opposed
to the other methods. Regardless of extraction method or cell type, the end product is generally
the same.
Scientists are still finding new origins of stem cells and new ways to extract them.
Recently, scientists have discovered that there is a new type of stem cell found in the teeth.
Within the hard outer shell of the tooth lies the less dense material known as the pulp. The stem
cells within the pulp was of unknown origin, however it was discovered that they derived from
the nerves within the tooth. As Zeimer states, some glial cells, which are non-neuron cells that
support the nervous system, dont stay in the nerves during embryonic development. Instead,
they leave fairly early on in development and become mesenchymal stem cells. The stem cells
can then differentiate into osteoblasts that reside in the outer regions of the tooth pulp and create
new dentin. This means that stem cells could possibly even be removed in a less controversial
way.
Although it is an increasingly argued topic, stem cells have vast potential to
enhance the lives of millions of people more effectively than modern day medicine. The risk of
implementing this type of medicine is very minimal, as there is little drawback to the results.
Stem cells have the basic properties of undifferentiated cells, allowing them to take the form of
any other type of cell, which can benefit patients in a multitude of ways. As well as having
several different points of origin, they have endless possible applications. They can be used to

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do anything from aiding in creating a cure for cancer, to regenerating organs and generating flesh
tissue. Stem cells are a medical breakthrough that should not be brushed aside due to
controversial issues, but should be praised and funded for its economic and medical potential.

Works Cited
Arno, Anna, et al. "Stem Cell Therapy: A New Treatment For Burns?." Pharmaceuticals 4.10 (2011):

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1355-1380. Academic Search Complete. Web. 10 Feb. 2015.
Nelson, Timothy J., et al. "Stem Cells Could Solve the Organ Donation Problem." Organ Donation. Ed.
Laura Egendorf. Detroit: Greenhaven Press, 2013. Opposing Viewpoints. Rpt. from
"Regenerative
Medicine." Minnesota Medicine (May 2011). Opposing Viewpoints in Context. Web. 10 Feb. 2015.
Zneimer, Susan M., Ph.D. "Stem Cell Research And Technology." Salem Press Encyclopedia Of
Science (2014): Research Starters. Web. 10 Feb. 2015.