Abstract
This paper gives a brief description of what stem cells are and how they may be used in scientific research. Recent studies show that stem cells may hold the key to discovering a cure for many mysterious diseases, including Parkinson's and Alzheimer's. But the moral issues remain intact, despite the obvious positive consequences. The core of the stem cell debate is a battle over abortion, as stem cells come from embryos. This paper discusses both sides of the debate and looks at government intervention.

From the Paper
"For pro-life advocates, the moral costs of the research far outweigh any potential benefits. For scientists, the possibilities of research are awe-inspiring and bewildering. No one denies the moral dilemma of the stem cell debate. But to turn back now, researchers say, would be like turning our backs on a bright, sustaining light because we are terrified of the shadows it creates. "

Tags:embryos, research, infertility, clinics, aborted, fetuses, pro-choice, abortion

Abstract
This paper examines how embryonic stem cells are on the cutting edge of modern science and how they have become a controversial issue. It looks at how the ongoing debate over federal funding for research in this field has highlighted many of the ethical problems involved. The author puts forward a pro-stem cell argument by providing three fundamental reasons why research must continue together with government support and funding.

Outline
Introduction
The Scientific and Medical Potential of Stem Cells
A Humanitarian Approach to a Controversial Issue
A Third Reason for Support
The Argument
Conclusion

From the Paper
"There are many reasons that the government should financially support stem cell reason. Most importantly, the lack of federal funding places scientific research in the hands of privately funded projects. This research is far too important and too new to be left to private researchers. Because researchers are required to share data when their work is federally funded, public support of stem cells is of vital importance (Wildmoon, 2001). All stakeholders, including scientists, researchers, ethicists, and investors should be kept up-to-date on stem cell projects. This would be a reality if more federal funding was available."

Tags:embryonic, science, medicine, life

Abstract
This paper explains the concept of stem cell research and explains in what situations this technology can be used. It also discusses the several advantages of this type of research, medically and scientifically. It reviews some of the opponents of stem cell research, but concludes that the potential benefits far outweigh the disadvantages.

From the Paper
"Many advances have come about in the last decade about prevention, diagnosis, and treatment for many diseases. Some of these diseases include heart disease, diabetes, and cancer, a nervous system disease like Parkinson's or Alzheimer's disease. All of these diseases continue to deprive people of health, independence, and well being. Much research has been done about human development biology. This research has led to the discovery of human stem cells, embryonic stem cells, fetal stem cells, and adult stem cells. Although experiments have proven many breakthroughs in the conversion of a single undifferentiated cell into the different cells comprising the organs and tissues of the human body, much more research is needed. Taking cells from early human embryos and fetal stem cells from aborted, fetal tissue raise ethical, legal, religious and policy questions."

Tags:human, embryo, organ, experiment

Abstract
This paper applies the philosophy of utilitarianism to argue if favor of embryonic stem cell research. The paper discusses the ethical dilemma involved in destroying embryos and argues that the utility of stem cell research, its potential to reduce human suffering, make it ethical as well as necessary.

From the Paper
"Embryonic stem cell research has the potential to open the floodgates of science, finding cures for a myriad of different cancers and diseases, saving millions of lives and averting untold human suffering in the process. Despite the nearly boundless promise that stem cells offer, there is a potent ethical dilemma involved. Namely, research into stem cells requires the destruction of human embryos. While there are indeed some powerful visceral arguments to be made concerning the sanctity of human life, I believe that there is an equally powerful ethically grounded argument..."

Tags:stem cell, ethics, utilitarianism

Abstract
The paper first briefly defines stem cell research in all its forms (embryonic, adult, umbilical). It next explores whether the young fetus should actually be considered a 'life-form'. The political portion of the paper revolves around President Bush's policies and California's Proposition 71. Finally, the argument is made that alternatives to embryonic stem cells represent the only moral choice, especially at this early stage of research.

From the Paper
"There are too many unanswered questions and unknowns when it comes to stem cell research, embryonic or not. There is promising research being made on adult stem cells and umbilical cells as we speak. Shouldn't these avenues be completely explored before we even discuss destroying another embryo in the name of science? I would think so. The greatness of humankind can be measured by its accomplishments, but accomplishments made without regard to morals can destroy us. This is the course we must avoid. We must not sacrifice life with blind hopes of scientific advancement. We must not sacrifice one life to cure another."

Tags:abortion, CLS, ethics

Abstract
This paper looks at stem cell research using embryos. The author discusses the benefits of this type of research such as combating disease in the future. The author argues in favor of this type of research as he believes that this is a breaking step for medicine and provides counter-active arguments for the immorality and illegitimacy that is attached to embryo research.

From the Paper
"Since the dawn of mankind, humans have struggled to understand how and when life begins. Through countless developments in science and medicine, a much clearer understanding of the origin of life exists, as well as how the body itself works. Scientists of today have observed, in test tubes, the very first stages of life. And now scientists have discovered a new way to harness their knowledge of the origins of life in a way that promises to revolutionize medicine forever. Stem cell research is itself still in its infancy. In 1998, scientists at the University of Wisconsin and at Johns Hopkins University isolated and successfully cultured human pluripotent stem cells for the first time ever ("Fact Sheet"). These cells possess the potential to develop into nearly any type of cell in the body, including muscle, nervous, bone, blood, or skin."

Tags:baby, catholic, cell, church, clinic, clone, cloning, dna, doctor, embryonic, engineering, fertility, genes, genetic, health, human, moral, morality, pope, president, religion, research, scientist, sin, stem

Abstract
This paper explains the term germline manipulation and discusses this method of genetic engineering. Gene manipulation techniques are discussed, as well as the challenges and uncertainties that gene therapy might bring with its advantages. The paper studies the laws and rights governing germline manipulation in countries such as Canada and China. With the view that germline manipulation represents an infinite potential for treating genetic diseases such as Huntington's, the paper advocates more flexible laws, support and research so that future generations can reap the benefits that germline technology has to offer. This paper includes figures.

Outline:
Comparison of Gene Manipulation Techniques
What is Nuclear Cloning?
Use of Animals
Techniques Used
Hope For Huntington's disease
Opposition
Fearing the Future
Opportunity to Cure
Laws and Rights
An Open future
Recommended readings

From the Paper
"The strongest drive built into every living organism is survival, consequently it should be of no surprise that we want to be healthy and live longer. Life is a tricky term to define. If we do attain the power of immortality by engineering our genes to keep replicating indefinitely, then will we still be alive? Then again cancer cells replicate indefinitely, yet ironically their immortality leads to our death. Such are the reasons why one must take caution when approaching newly developing technologies like germline therapy."

Tags:genetic engineering bioethical rights, gene therapy

Abstract
This paper takes a look at the issues involved in genetic engineering, including the pros, cons and the use of eugenics. The author begins with a discussion of randomness and chaos in nature, and how we interpret these phenomenon. The implications of gene modification are also presented, including the benefits of germ-line gene therapy. The author continues by explaining eugenics, its positive aspects and its potential for abuse. In closing, the author argues that we must use wisdom when using genetic engineering.

From the Paper
"Some forms of genetic modifications can be beneficial. Germ-line gene therapy involves inserting genes and artificial chromosomes into the embryo (First GM, 2001). This is used to cure genetic and behavioural disorders such as schizophrenia. (Heaf, n.d.) It also can increase the intelligence or physical performance of the organism. (Holtzman, 2005) These genetically altered traits are passed down to the person's offspring, which includes irreversible mistakes (Heaf, n.d.). This is clearly eugenics because the offspring as specifically altered to display favored characteristics."

Tags:genetic modifications, fertility treatment, embryo, fertility technology, eugenics

Abstract
This paper provides an overview and discussion of the current state of genetic technology, with emphasis on the Human Genome Project. The microbiological aspects of genomic sequencing are briefly summarized. The focus is mainly on the ethical and social implications of knowing and understanding each gene. It also looks at how this emerging biotechnology is embedded into modern society through complex interactions between several institutions.

From the Paper
"The project is a culmination of the application of the results of the past 50 years in genetics. Since the discovery of the structure of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid), scientists have made two vital conclusions. The genome, containing an individual's DNA sequences, is a map for the physical and behaviourial traits that one has inherited. Therefore, a species' genome is the code to all of its biological faculties (Levi 6). In this sense, the Human Genome Project can be viewed as a necessary and central component to genetic progress, since complete knowledge of our DNA sequence is required to develop biotechnology that is more effective and on a broader scale."

Tags:genetic, applications, virus, DNA, sequencing, abortion, disease

Abstract
In this article, the writer first explains that a stem cell is a human cell that has the ability to divide itself a large number of times when placed in suitable environment, such as a laboratory culture. The writer notes that stem cell research implications are generally related to human health, and thus human stem cells are the focus of this paper. The writer discusses that many people are opposed to stem-cell research because of the need for using embryo cells, which can either come from aborted foetuses or from the umbilical cords of newborn babies. The writer then argues that, despite the concerns about stem-cell research, there are a great number of medical benefits that have already and may still come from stem-cell research and they far outweigh any potential negative effects. The writer argues that stem-cell research should not only be allowed to continue and prosper, but it should also be well funded and placed at a high priority among medical research fields.

From the Paper
" Stem-cell research has allowed researchers to learn more about how cells regenerate themselves, as well as how initial cells at the embryo stage of development later develop into specific cells with specific functions in the body. This research is very useful for informing scientists about potential treatments for debilitating diseases. Researchers working with stem-cells have become fairly certain that continued research with the stem-cells will lead to potential cures or treatments for diseases such as Parkinson's disease, by regenerating muscle and brain cells. The research is also promising in terms of generating treatment options for individuals with multiple sclerosis. One of the most exciting possibilities for stem-cell research lies in the field of developing organs from stem-cells which could meet the human demand for organ transplants and remove the necessity of finding matching donors. Thus, stem-cell research has the potential to save a remarkable number of human lives."

Tags:human, embryos, regenerate, replicate