Can someone explain to me the Embryonic Stem Cell Research?

Question

Can someone explain to me the Embryonic Stem Cell Research?

Answer 1

It is Stem Cell Research from embryos of aborted fetuses as opposed to adult stem cell research.  It is not illegal if that is what you are asking just not govt funded.

Answer 2

Embryonic stem cells are cells that have the ability to transform into a multitude of different types of adult, differentiated cells, meaning they can turn into bone cells or blood cells or brain cells depending on the environment and stimulation. Embryonic stem cells come from the ICM of the blastocyst, usually around 7 days after fertilization.  

These stem cells can be taken from the embryo, killing it in the process, to create many different cell cultures.  Compared to adult stem cells, which are only multipotent (can only become a few different types of cells because they have already begun specialization), embryonic stem cells are pluripotent (can become any type of human cell besides the placenta).

The controversy lies in whether or not taking the stem cells and killing the embryos is killing a human and taking a life, thus murder.

There is great potential for stem cells, as the differentiated, cultured cells can be used to cure or treat diseases such as Parkinson's and general nerve damage.

Answer 3

Embryonic stem cell research is exactly what it sounds like.  Scientists harvest stem cells from unborn babies (embryos).  It's also available through blood from the umbilical cord of a baby after he or she has been born.

It's becoming increasingly unnecessary due to the discovery of ways to create stem cells from skin cells.  

Answer 4

It is taking embryos that would otherwise be destroyed and using the stem cells from that embryo to find ways to cure all sorts of diseases in living humans. So far, we haven't had enough funding/research to show that much in the way of results, but there are several studies that have been done that show promise with things like cancer, Lou Gerrick's Disease, Diabeties, and others. Adult Stem Cells have been used more frequently and have also show some results, but many scientists believe that embryonic stem cells show more promise. Embryonic stem cells can become all cell types of the body because they are pluripotent. Adult stem cells are generally limited to differentiating into different cell types of their tissue of origin. Regardless, these embryos will be thrown into the garbage if they are not used for stem cell research...as is happening now. These are not 'future humans' that we are destroying for research...these are 'trash' that we are throwing out daily by the thousands....scientists simply want to keep the 'trash' and do something productive with it.