Future Of Stem Cell Research

Atlantis Carries Adult Stem Cells Into Space

On its 135th and final flight in NASA's shuttle program, the shuttle Atlantis carried the stem cells of six adults to the International Space Station. Alberto Sant Antonio, MD, a Weston, Florida general surgeon, was selected to obtain the tissue samples from the six adults. NASA is hopeful the Human adult stem cell experiments will lead to the reversal of the rapid aging process that zero gravity has on astronauts.

"The stem cell research being conducted now will benefit all of us in the future," said Dr. Sant Antonio. "I am confident that NASA's stem cell experiments will help astronauts stay younger and healthier in space, and this will eventually apply to people here on earth.

Dr. Sant Antonio has for the past two years submitted specimens for NASA's evaluation. Not until the final shuttle mission did the adult stem cells end up in space. "NASA came through in a huge way," said Dr. Sant Antonio. "Astronauts age much more quickly because of harmful gamma rays that bombard their bodies. Injecting future astronauts may slow the aging process in space. This is a critical step in space exploration. This is history in the making."

The stem cells from a Pompano Beach, Florida woman took off with the Atlantis crew. "This is thrilling," said Valerie Daniello, who was chosen by Dr. Sant Antonio to take part in the project. "It's a wonderful feeling knowing that a part of me may well help the astronauts. My seven year old son is quite aware of the importance of scientific research in space. He's very excited."

Dr. Sant Antonio has been working for the past two years in collaboration with Tissue Genesis, Inc., a stem cell research company based in Honolulu, Hawaii and Miami Fat Supply, which was chosen to supply the fat which is harvested for the stem cells.

Dr. Sant Antonio says this group was selected by NASA because it has the best protocol in yielding quality stem cells.

"This is all amazing," said Lajill Durr of Atlanta, who was also called-on to take part in NASA's stem cell study. "These experiments are so important to those who will follow us for generations to come."

Dr. Sant Antonio believes NASA has been studying the effects stem cells have had on mice in space, "I believe NASA will soon be injecting stem cells into astronauts. They've come a long way and just in time for the last shuttle mission. It's a great feeling."

Dr.

Should Stem Cell Research Be Permitted To Continue? - What Is Sewage?

One controversial issue facing politicians concerns stem cell research.  Political figures are usually asked what their opinion is concerning the use of stem cells in medical research.  Should stem cell research be regulated or what kinds of regulations need to be created to cope with its ethical implications?

What do average Americans really know about stem cell research and its impact on their lifestyles and future?  The stem cell debate has similarities to the pro-life and pro-choice issues.  Some persons fully endorse stem cell research because they think it will lead to the saving of the lives of millions of people.  In contrast, it is highly belittled by people who view it as a form of murder of youngsters.

This raises the question, where do the embryos come from? The majority of the embryos used in the studies come from couples that have donated them, following a therapy for infertility; there are often Ten or more embryos left over after such procedures, which can be put to use in the laboratory environment. The options for those embryos are limited; they can be preserved, adopted to a needy couple, destroyed, or donated to medical research.

The left-over embryos are iced a couple of days following their conception.  In this way, they are not capable of sustaining life.  They are not legally viewed as alive given that life is legally defined to start on the first breath of air of the infant. Who, in that case, has the final capacity to decide the destiny of these embryos?

The earliest stages of human growth are in the form of embryos.  Would these embryos qualify for legal rights similar to fully developed human beings?  Are there people who would be held totally accountable for looking after these embryos?  As the embryos were not really born and were only conceived in a test tube, would it not be regarded as murder in the event that these embryos were utilized in scientific research?

The study importance of embryos arises from the fact that this phase is a rich source of stem cells, that have the potential for for treating diverse illnesses and medical conditions.  Is it morally appropriate to utilize these stem cells for creating body parts and organs to help people with certain health problems?

The government administration, as of now, is trying to put a prohibition on stem cell research and the use of embryos for medical purposes.  On one hand, supporters of stem cell research feel that the government is hindering scientific studies that will finally be beneficial to the human race.  Alternatively, detractors are eager to get a total ban on stem cell study in effect.  Is the authorities warranted in meddling in medical research, or do we permit medical experts to keep their research and possibly come up with good ways to help countless unwell persons?

Stem cell research and cloning

Translational Stem Cell Research, Issues Beyond the Debate on the Moral Status of the Human Embryo

Encyclopedia of stem cell research

Stem cell research, new frontiers in science and ethics

Stem cell research, medical applications and ethical controversy