University Researcher's Position on Stem Cell Research

This position paper, written from the perspective of a university researcher, delves into the multifaceted world of stem cell research. It begins by outlining the sources of stem cells, including cord cells, adult cells, and embryonic cells, and discusses the advantages and disadvantages associated with each. The paper highlights the potential of stem cells in regenerative medicine, such as replacing cells lost during cancer treatments or those damaged in the brain and nervous system. However, it also acknowledges the ethical concerns, particularly regarding the use of embryonic stem cells and the associated destruction of embryos. The paper explores the benefits of adult stem cells, such as the perfect DNA match, while acknowledging the drawbacks of painful extraction processes. The paper concludes by reiterating the importance of understanding both the promises and the challenges inherent in stem cell research, emphasizing the need for careful consideration of ethical implications alongside scientific advancements.

Running head: STEM CELLS POSITION PAPER
Stem Cells Position Paper
Student’s Name
Institutional Affiliation

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Stem Cells Position Paper
The use of stem cells in medicine has raised several concerns in the contemporary
society. The issue has been of much controversy in the recent years. Stems cells has offered
great hope in the field of medicine since they can be used in several instances to save lives
(Nagaishi, Arimura and Fujimiya, 2015). This hope is derived from the ability of a stem cell
to grow into almost any kind of cell. This means that these cells could be used to replace the
cells that die during treatment of cancer using processes such as radiotherapy or
chemotherapy (Sullivan, Dailey, Duncan, Abel and Borlongan, 2016). These cells could even
be used to replace neuronal or brain cells in circumstances where such a move is necessary
(Barsanti and Gualtieri, 2014). From these observations it is clear that stem cells research
could bring a positive revolution in the field of medicine. This could greatly improve the
quality of life and promote longevity especially for patients who need cell replacement. This
paper is going to focus on the pros and cons of stem cell research. The paper is going to
represent the position of a researcher at the university.
In order to analyse the pros and the cons of stem cell research, it is important to first
focus on the source of stem cells, that is, where stem cells come from. There are three main
sources of these cells. These are the cord cells, adult cells and embryonic cells. When it
comes to the adult stem cells, these can be obtained from either the bone marrow or the
peripheral system (Shen, Xia and Wang, 2016). The process of obtaining the cells from the
bone marrow may be very painful and may cause considerable damage (to the bone marrow).
The process of extracting these cells from the peripheral system is less painful, less
destructive but takes a relatively longer period when compared to the bone marrow
procedure. This creates some dilemma or a controversy since time is of key importance when
it comes to medical procedures. This basically means that the procedure that would be most
viable in medical procedures is that of extraction from the bone marrow. It is worth noting

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that adult cells are extracted from the patient’s own body. In addition to this, these cells are
superior to both the embryonic and the umbilical cord cells (Ding, Chang, Shyu and Lin,
2015). They are also available in numerous numbers. One of the main advantages associated
with these cells is that they perfectly match the DNA of the individual and therefore the body
can never reject them.
As noted in the previous section, the umbilical cord is also a rich source of the stem
cells. The use of these cells could be of great use in the health of the child who is yet to be
born. Here is how. The process involves extracting the cells during pregnancy for the use in
the future health of the child (Nguyen, Rhee and Wu, 2016). Therefore, the family must plan
in advance when it comes to extraction of these cells. After extraction, they are stored
cryogenic cell banks. In addition to use for health of the child in future, these cells could also
be used for the health of the father, the mother or even close relatives. The more distant the
relationship with the child, the more likely that the antibodies of the immune system will
reject those cells. The controversy mainly revolves around the embryonic source of stem
cells. The process involves extraction of cells of a blastocyst which leads to its death. Some
believe that this is equivalent to murder since it involves terminating the life of a developing
embryo. Therefore, although there are many pros associated with stem cells, there are such
cons as termination of life and destruction of the embryo.
In conclusion, the field of stem cell research has become an issue of great concern in
the contemporary society. There are huge advantages that could be accrued from extraction
and use of stem cells. For instance, the stem cells could be used to replace the cells that are
lost by cancer patients during radiotherapy or chemotherapy. In addition, the cells can also be
used to replace such sensitive cells as those of the brain and the nervous system. Despite
these advantages there are also several cons associated with stem cell research. As noted,
extraction of stem cells from the bone marrow is not only painful but may lead to destruction

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of the bone marrow. In addition, extraction of stem cells from an embryo leads to terminating
the life of the developing embryo.

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References
Barsanti, L., & Gualtieri, P. (2014). Biochemistry and biotechnology. CRC press.
Ding, D. C., Chang, Y. H., Shyu, W. C., & Lin, S. Z. (2015). Human umbilical cord
mesenchymal stem cells: a new era for stem cell therapy. Routledge.
Nagaishi, K., Arimura, Y., & Fujimiya, M. (2015). Stem cell therapy for inflammatory bowel
disease. Journal of Gastroenterology, 50(3), 280-286.
Nguyen, P. K., Rhee, J. W., & Wu, J. C. (2016). Adult stem cell therapy and heart failure.
JAMA cardiology, 1(7), 831-841.
Shen, S., Xia, J. X., & Wang, J. (2016). Nanomedicine-mediated cancer stem cell therapy.
Routledge.
Sullivan, R., Dailey, T., Duncan, K., Abel, N., & Borlongan, C. V. (2016). Peripheral nerve
injury: stem cell therapy and peripheral nerve transfer. Routledge.