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To the Editor:
The twenty first century dawns a new frontier in the realm of biology.
This drastic and far reaching revolution started in 1953 with the
discovery of the double helix and has led scientists to marvelous
discoveries about the function of the human body and life in general. We
now stand at a crossroads where we can move on to improve the quality of
living for all humanity through finding solutions previously thought
inconceivable, or we could check our progress for the sake of misinformed,
narrow-minded fanatics. Stem cell research for the sole use of therapeutic
cloning should receive increased federal spending and should not face
restrictions of any kind passed by the government.
The main benefit
of therapeutic cloning comes from the possibility of creation of human
tissue or organs achieved through the process of somatic cell nuclear
transfer. According to The Association of the British Pharmaceutical
Industry, the following procedure takes place: DNA from an adult cell
(cheek cell, skin cell) of the patient is placed into an empty donor ovum
(egg) which has had its own DNA removed. The ovum is then shocked to
promote growth and the resulting stem cells are harvested. The stem cells
can then be encouraged to grow into any kind of unique tissue or organ.
Completion of the process of promoting stem cells into specialized ones
has occurred for most of the two hundred and twenty cell types of our
body, but we have yet to perfect this method into maturation and
successful transplantation. Subsequently, with further research, organs
made with an exact DNA match can be placed in patients with a need for
them. Mainly, this would save on average, the sixteen people on the
waiting list that die each day without organs (DCI Donor Services).
Additionally, this process completely eliminates the chance of rejection
and consequent death from organ failure. Perfecting this method through
additional research could save countless lives and increase the average
life expectancy greatly.
Another benefit
of stem cell research comprises of a possible cure for diseases such as
Type I Diabetes, Parkinson's disease, or spinal cord injuries. Caused by
the destruction of insulin producing cells, Type I Diabetes remains to
have hopeful prospects in finding a cure. Dr. Sidhu from the Prince of
Whales Hospital states these insulin producing cells are derived from a
layer of stem cells, and stem cell research can offer a permanent solution
by producing pure populations of those cells and transplanting them into
patients. Creation of these cells would occur by the somatic cell nuclear
transfer, in a somewhat similar procedure as creating new tissue or
organs. Furthermore, possible treatments by this method of specialized
cell growth include a cure for a multitude of other conditions such as
Parkinson's disease. Imagine a loved one being afflicted with one of these
debilitating diseases. Treatments derived from these techniques could save
their life. A process of extensive and unrestrictive research needs to
occur in order to form and implement these cures.
A third benefit
that will result from stem cell research includes an enhanced
understanding of non-genetic birth defects and the formation of cancers.
By using these stem cells, scientists can learn how these maladies form
and the biological pathways they take, according Gabriela Cezar who works
at the Scotland Roslin Institute (birth place of Dolly the sheep). She
states that this process involves generating a panel of molecular markers
coming from stem cells during the formation of these problems. This
further understanding will play a major role in the development of
successful treatments. In addition, this work can also help effectively
predict the effects of drugs and other chemicals from treatment of these
ailments according to Cezar's Assistant, Jessica Quam.
Many argue stem
cell research posses unethical qualities because of the destruction of the
embryo in order to harvest the stem cells. In reality, these cells do not
hold life itself, but a possibility of life such as the countless sperm
produced in a male or eggs produced in a female. They have the capacity to
grow into a multitude of living matter provided the right environment.
Because they possess the mere capacity to create human progeny does not
mean they have or need to. Moreover, the cell matter at the time of
harvest should be regarded as any other cell in the human body such as a
skin or cheek cell as they do not retain any more characteristics of life
than these other cells do. Rational thinking concludes the destruction of
life does not occur but a creation of a new form of life such as an organ
or other specialized cell.
In order to
advance the revolution that has shaken the scientific world to its core,
stem cell research needs relentless study with no restrictions. Along the
way, miraculous cures will surface for diseases and problems that will
ultimately only raise our standard of living by many folds and help loved
ones get well. Is it not a cause worth fighting for? Social responsibility
states a person should be proactive in the role of the betterment of
humanity. For this to happen, please oppose any candidates running for
office in favor of stem cell research bans or restrictions and support
those in favor of promoting research and increasing government research
grants.
Sincerely,
Dinesh Palanisamy
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