Question: do you agree with stem cell research?

Helen O'Connor answered on 22 Jun 2011:

As scientists we must always consider whether the positive effects of our research are likely to be significantly higher than the negative effects. This helps us ensure our research is ethical – without ethical approval, we can’t do our research.

Stem cell research can help us understand more about (and therefore treat or cure) several medical problems including Parkinson’s and Alzheimer’s Disease, heart disease, strokes and diabetes, spinal cord injuries, and cancer.

Regarding HOW stem cell research is conducted things have changed since 2007 to hopefully make this more ethical. Before 2007, researchers used embryonic stem cells (cells from aborted foetuses) which led to a big debate about at what point a foetus was a human life.

Since 2007 scientists use more ethical methods for stem cell research, such as iPS – “induced pluripotent stem cells”. This is basically where adult cells are collected (without danger or harm to a person) and then reprogrammed to resemble embryonic stem cells. This doesnt involve any harm or risk to human life, at any stage of development.

In short – yes I do agree with stem cell research