What exactly is stem cell research?

Question

What is it, and why is it such a controversial topic?

Answer 1

Stem cells are undifferentiated cells which can be used to turn into any other type of cell.  In a growing fetus, there are an abundance of stem cells to become different organs in the body.

Researchers have been wanting to use these cells for particular diseases which require growth of new tissue such as bone marrow.

Research at one time had to use fetuses to harness the stem cells in the 1980's, but in the late 1990's, they figured out a process to harness stem cells from the umbilical cord of newborn babies which get thrown away anyway.

In addition, the very bibilical notion of creating life is very controversial since they think that should be left up to God.

Answer 2

stem cells are cells that can become anything - skin, muscle, any organ. You just have to know how to push them in the desired direction.

It is controversial because stem cells are harvested from embryos.

Answer 3

stem cell research is a study where scientists BELIEVE they can re-grow entire human organs such as livers hearts and lungs

the link provided explains major stem cell research break-throughs and other info on how its done and how far the have accomplished with their science

Answer 4

Well, stem cell research is research done on the cells in the stems of endangered plants in order to discover whether there are any useful chemicals that can be used in medicine before the plants become extinct. It is a controversial topic because only the stems are used and the rest of the plant is discarded and so the research is pushing the plants towards extinction faster. Also,  why should a company benefit from the extinction of a plant just because it would ensure no other company can duplicate the research and also benefit.