Stem cell research Proposal Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Stem cell - Research Proposal Example In addition to this, stem cells also help in the internal repairing of the organs by dividing themselves endlessly to cover up for the lost or damaged cells. The new cell which is formed by the stem cell division has the ability to either become another stem cell or a cell with a particular function. Because of its functions, its biological uses are endless. Human heart muscles can be rebuilt, as well as cartilage muscles, bones, neurons and skeletal muscles. Pancreatic cells can be developed for diabetes patients, neurons for people with Alzheimer’s and bone marrow for cancer patients. These are but a few uses to mention. (Gross) Stem cell technology is the best biological step towards repairing of damaged organs as well as creating new ones. The goal of using stem cells is to strap up the chemical signals by which stem cells synchronize the development of organs of a fetus in the womb, and then repeat the process in adulthood to reshape the damaged organs into a better susta inable condition. (KU medical centre) Up till now the research has only been conducted on mice but it is believed that this technology would soon be in practice. Researchers in Washington reported that the stem cells derived from the embryos have the potential to repair organs in two ways: The stem cells either take up the place of the wounded areas or by secreting vital chemicals which help tissues to repair themselves. (Info centre) Craig Basson, director of cardiovascular research at Cornell University's Weill Medical College in New York said "Most of the work on stem cells to date has focused on how to get these cells to turn into a heart cell, a kidney cell, a bone cell or whatever it is you need,". Biological materials like bone marrow, kidneys and even heart could be created out of a stem cell thus with proper utilization and work on this technique, these materials would become abundant. Heart deformities which previously had no cure and proved to be fatal could be cured by t he introduction of stem cells in the affected place as proved by the research and experiments. (KU medical centre) For the first time in the history of biological development, such a gigantic leap has been taken and it is believed, it would result in a positive turn on the life and health of the people. The future is supposed to hold a limitless reserve of the stem cells which would be readily available as per the demand of the user; the prospect of having a new pancreas as well as having your heart repaired with a few injections of stem cells is highly exciting. Abnormalities in blood cells and weak immune system in the people are constantly on the rise and even the youngsters are affected by this; stem cells offer a cure to these abnormalities. Heart diseases are the biggest problem faced by the patients around the world. (Kiessling) Most of the time, these result in death as heart transplants are exceedingly rare and repair of the organ without the stem cell is impossible. This i s the reason what makes heart an expensive biological material, making the treatment of these diseases very costly. In America alone, the total cost of treating cardiovascular diseases and stroke in 2004 is estimated to reach almost $368 billion. Introduction of stem cells would be a great relief for such patients and heart disease would tend to be less lethal. When put into practice,