Essay Example on Stem Cells: Unveiling their Importance

In recent years, interest in the regenerative abilities of stem cells has risen. More researchers have focussed on the field to shed more light and clear the controversies surrounding the topic. In this article titled What are stem cells and why are they important? Published on the 18th of February 2019, David Railton sought to provide more insight into the topic (Railton, 2019). Nancy L. Moyer reviewed the article published in Medical News Today.

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The writer starts by stating that many concepts and ideas surrounding stem cells are controversial (Railton, 2019). He then describes what stem cells are and the role they play in the human body. He also discusses some of the therapies in which stem cells are employed. For instance, he writes that scientists believe that stem cells may hold the key to the treatment of diseases such as heart disease, cancer, diabetes, as well as the development of various drugs. Importantly, the writer maintains that at the moment, most stem cell therapies are more theoretical than evidence-based. Moreover, most stem cell treatments are yet to reach the clinical trial phase. This notwithstanding, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) only allows the use of stem cells for their normal purposes (Railton, 2019).

The writer heavily borrows from empirical evidence. For instance, in presenting stem cells as a possible treatment for heart diseases, he cites two studies published in credible journals (Railton, 2019). Besides, the writer outlines other studies that have been carried out both in laboratory-grown cultures and mice to determine the efficacy of stem cell therapies. He also borrows from the existing literature when talking about the ongoing research into stem cell therapies. Moreover, the writer uses studies made in other countries to show the global effort by scientists to discover more about stem cells. He cites the Royal Society of Chemistry in the United Kingdom that has developed a technology to regenerate one's teeth (Railton, 2019). As such, the report is reliable.

While the writer is exceedingly cautious in recommending the use of stem cells, he is optimistic that they might hold the cure to some of the diseases plaguing humankind today. Stem cell therapy is also likely to be used for other purposes, such as anti-aging (New Vision, 2013). This optimism is seen when he writes of the change in attitudes regarding stem cell technology over the past few years. Other studies have also documented this shift in attitudes both in the general public and press coverage (Kamenova & Caufield, 2015). However, just like all other scientists, the writer holds back from stating when exactly stem cells will be used to treat the discussed diseases.

At the moment, the FDA allows the injection of one's own stem cells to perform their normal function (Railton, 2019). Therefore, I would advise a family member to receive stem cell therapy as long as it is within these confines. However, research for other purposes is still ongoing, and hence, I would not recommend the use of stem cells for uses other than those allowed by regulatory bodies. There is a need to allow the studies to go through all the required phases before beginning to use the therapies (ISSCR, 2020). Generally, new treatments must pass the basic research stage, pre-clinical research, as well as clinical research, before they are approved for use (ISSCR, 2020). Caution should also be taken since the applications of stem cells are often exaggerated (ISSCR, 2020). Experts have warned that unproven therapies are not only costly but also risky (Goldman, 2016). Facilities that offer unproven therapies have also led to more calls to regulate the use of stem cells (Cyranoski, 2013).

References

Cyranoski, D. (2013, the 13th of February). Stem cells in Texas: Cowboy culture. Nature, 494(7436). Retrieved from Nature: https://www.nature.com/news/stem-cells-in-texas-cowboy-culture-1.12404

Goldman, B. (2016, the 27th of June). Stem cell hype and risk. Retrieved from CBC: https://www.cbc.ca/radio/whitecoat/blog/stem-cell-hype-and-risk-1.3654515

ISSCR. (2020). How science becomes medicine. Retrieved from ISSCR: https://www.closerlookatstemcells.org/from-lab-to-you/how-science-becomes-medicine/

ISSCR. (2020). Nine things to know about stem cell treatments. Retrieved from ICCSR: https://www.closerlookatstemcells.org/stem-cells-medicine/nine-things-to-know-about-stem-cell-treatments/

Kamenova, K., & Caufield, T. (2015). Stem cell hype: Media portrayal of therapy translation. Science Translational Medicine, 7(278), 278. Retrieved from https://stm.sciencemag.org/content/7/278/278ps4.full

New Vision. (2013, the 9th of November). Fighting ageing using stem cell therapy. Retrieved from New Vision: https://www.newvision.co.ug/new_vision/news/1334426/fighting-ageing-stem-cell-therapy

Railton, D. (2019, Fenruary 18). What are stem cells and why are they important? Retrieved from Medical News Today: https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/200904