Scientists say, stem cells can be used to replace and or repair damaged cells in the body. What they do is they can make a perfect copy of the cell, and make the cell bigger and better than what it already is. Most of the research has been conducted on a certain type of stem cells known as embryonic. The researchers take a 4 to 5 day old fertilized egg and then use that for the cell. This is the most common procedure in order to cure people with visual diseases. Stem cells have become a medical break through in modern society and they also have the potential to cure visual diseases.
The researches of embryonic stem cells can open doors that couldn’t have been open before (NY times). For example in 2010, two women had embryonic stem cell surgery performed on them. One was in her 70’s and she had suffered from the dry form of macular degeneration, a leading cause of severe vision loss of the elderly (Pollack). The other one was a 51 year old who had suffered from macular dystrophy, which tends to occur in younger people (Pollack). The 71 year old was finally able to go to the store all by herself. The 51 year old was able to sew a button on a shirt. Here is perfect example of the breakthroughs of the stem cells, and how they can help restore people’s vision.
Because of these breakthroughs, everything really started gong right for the researchers. Former president George Bush signed a bill to allow tax payer money to go directly to research the already taken embryos. Almost a year ago president Barrack Obama overturned a judge’s ruling on stem cell research, and allowed the studies to continue (sirs). The congress continued to be inundated with calls from the people suffering and stems being the only way to save them (NY Times). The Republican controlled congress at the time tried to pass a bill to continue research, however in the first veto of his presidency, George W. Bush vetoed the bill. Later that next year the congress came up with a much smaller bill, George W. Bush allowed that to pass.
With the continuation of the research of stem cells, a person could have such a better life knowing that if some sort of problem appears in their eyes, stem cells can help save their vision. Also it could be a better future for everyone.
Works Cited
NY Times.” Stem Cells.” NY Times.
2 May. 2011. Web source
Pollack, Andrew. “Embryonic Stem Cell Research Shoes Progress” NY Times.
24 Jan. 2012. Web source
Johnson, Carolyn. “Judge Dismisses Challenge to Stem Cell Funding.” SIRS.
28 Jul. 2011.Web source.
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