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Literature Review

Abstract: This were four articles (two popular media and two scholarly) I used when working on the group presentations. Our group was focusing in stem cells and I had chosen articles that focused on more of the ethical side of stem cell therapy.

Lo, B., & Parham, L. (2009). Ethical Issues in Stem Cell Research. Academic.oup.com. https://academic.oup.com/edrv/article/30/3/204/2354990

This article titled “Ethical issues in Stem Cell Research ” Explores the ethical considerations surrounding stem cell research. There is an overview of the different kinds of stem cells and its various uses in medicine. The article discusses the ethical challenges associated with the use of embryonic stem cells as they need to be destroyed in order to be used. There are also ethical considerations surrounding the use of pluripotent stem cells such as safety issues and the potential of commercial exploitation. The article highlights the importance of informed consent in stem cell research and the need for regulatory oversight to ensure that research is conducted in an ethical and responsible manner. The authors also discuss the role of society in shaping ethical standards and public policies related to stem cell research. Overall, this article provides a comprehensive overview of the ethical issues surrounding stem cell research and highlights the need for ongoing dialogue and ethical reflection to ensure that research is conducted in a manner that is respectful of human dignity and upholds the principles of justice and beneficence.

Biehl, J. K., & Russell, B. (2009). Introduction to stem cell therapy. The Journal of cardiovascular nursing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4104807/

The authors provide an overview of different types of stem cells, including embryonic stem cells, induced pluripotent stem cells, and adult stem cells, and discuss the potential benefits and applications of these cells in medical research and therapy. The article highlights key ethical issues, such as the moral status of the human embryo, informed consent, privacy and confidentiality, intellectual property rights, and the potential for commercialization and exploitation. The authors examine these issues from various ethical perspectives and discuss the need for ethical guidelines and regulatory frameworks to ensure responsible and ethical practices in stem cell research and therapy. Furthermore, the article addresses controversial topics, such as human cloning, and explores societal and cultural considerations that influence the ethical discourse surrounding stem cell research.Basically, this article provides a comprehensive overview of the ethical challenges and considerations in stem cell research and therapy. It emphasizes the importance of balancing scientific progress with ethical principles and calls for ongoing dialogue and ethical reflection to guide the responsible development and application of stem cell technologies.

Wilson, C. (2023, May 11). Stem cells treat diabetes without triggering immune response in mice. New Scientist. 

https://www.newscientist.com/article/2372263-stem-cells-treat-diabetes-without-triggering-immune-response-in-mice/

The article reports on a study where scientists successfully treated diabetes in mice using stem cells without triggering an immune response. The researchers used a new method to convert human pluripotent stem cells into pancreatic beta cells, which are responsible for producing insulin. By encapsulating these cells in a protective hydrogel, they were able to transplant them into diabetic mice without causing an immune rejection. The transplanted cells survived and functioned properly, leading to improved blood sugar control in the mice. This study provides promising results for potential future treatments of diabetes using stem cell therapy.

Thompson, D. (2023). Scientists create monkey embryo from Stem Cells – U.S. News & World Report. Scientists Create Monkey Embryo From Stem Cells. https://www.usnews.com/news/health-news/articles/2023-04-06/scientists-create-monkey-embryo-from-stem-cells

Scientists have achieved a notable scientific feat by creating a monkey embryo using stem cells, as described in the article you shared. Through the manipulation of pluripotent stem cells, researchers successfully generated an embryo that closely resembled the early-stage embryos of monkeys. This accomplishment holds great potential for advancing the understanding of early developmental processes. This can also offer valuable insights for developing novel medical treatments. However, acknowledged at the end of the article that the groundbreaking research does raise ethical concerns and necessitates careful consideration regarding the ethical boundaries surrounding such experiments.