Source Citation: "An appointment with chance; Stem cells.(A novel stem-cell treatment)." The Economist (US) 381.8506 (Dec 2, 2006): 82US. Student Resource Center - Gold. Thomson Gale. Centennial High School (MD). 20 Dec. 2006 http://find.galegroup.com/ips/infomark.do?&contentSet=IAC-Documents&type=retrieve&tabID=T003&prodId=IPS&docId=A155234426&source=gale&srcprod=SRCG&userGroupName=elli29753&version=1.0.


Stem cells cause much controversy in America. But they are needed because they are used for making the body, and helping keep it alive. "Stem cells are the cells responsible for making bodies, and then repairing the natural wear and tear to which they are subject while they are alive." The controversy is that embryos have to be destroyed in order to obtain the stem cells that can be used to treat so many life threatening diseases. Some people think that obtaining these cells from a embryo is murder. Others think that it will cure many diseases to save lives in the future, or save the lives of those living with diseases today.



1. Would it be worth it to use the embryo to save other lives now and in the future?
2. How much the the American population support stem cell research? How much are against it?

First Article

"Embryonic Stem Cell Research Is Beneficial." Human Embryo Experimentation. Roman Espejo. San Diego: Greenhaven Press, 2002. Opposing Viewpoints Resource Center. Thomson Gale. Centennial High School (MD). 6 Dec. 2006 .


I just finished reading an article summerizing my research topic, stem cells. I already knew that they have the potential for medical breakthroughs. Stem cells divide and give a rise to specialized cells. They are formed during human development. A human starts off as a single cell and has the ability to form into a complex organism. Stem cells start off with one thing they can do. This is called pluripotent. They continue to develop more and eventually develop further. The article also stated the many different diseases that stem cells can cure.

What I know & What I want to learn

My topic for the research project is stem cells. I have some previous knowledge of stem cells. One thing I know is the cells can help cure many diseases such as sickle cell, diabetes, and leukemia. I know it comes from the umbilical cord when a baby is born. The cells can be used to help people in the baby's family to cure life threatening diseases. I also know that stem cells can be taken from abortions and there is a lot of controversy about that.

There are also some things I want to know about stem cells. I want to know why there is controversy. I would also like to know what it is the stem cells that can cure the life threatening diseases and why scientists can only use that one type of cell. I would also like to find out the many diseases that stem cells are capable of treating, since I only know a few.