Stem Cell Research Paper Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words - 3

Stem Cell - Research Paper Example Though one cannot forecast the results from basic research, there is enough information available to suggest that a good deal of this enthusiasm is justified. Definition of Stem Cells Stem cells are basically building block cells of a human being which are capable of becoming 210 different types of tissue. â€Å"Stem cells have traditionally been defined as not fully differentiated yet to be any particular type of cell or tissue† (Irving, 1999). Adult stem cells are found in minute numbers within most tissues, but the majority of stem cells can be obtained from the umbilical cord. A more precise term is â€Å"somatic stem cells† (Sullivan, 2004). There are numerous potential sources for stem cells. Embryonic stem cells originate from the inner cell of an early stage embryo. Embryonic germ cells can be collected from fetal tissue at a later stage of development. Adult stem cells can be obtained from mature tissues. â€Å"Even after complete maturation of an organism, ce lls need to be replaced. A good example (of adult stem cells) is blood, but this is true for muscle and other connective tissue as well, and may be true for at least some nervous system cells† (Chapman et al, 1999). ... It has been substantiated from animal research that stem cells can be differentiated into cells that will behave appropriately in their transplanted location. For example, the transplantation of stem cells following treatments for cancer has found much success for many years. â€Å"Experiments such as the transplantation of fetal tissue into the brains of Parkinson’s patients indicate that the expectation that stem cell therapies could provide robust treatments for many human diseases is a reasonable one. It is only through controlled scientific research that the true promise will be understood† (Frankel, 1999). Argument for use of aborted fetuses The moral dilemma that surrounds the prohibition of aborted fetuses is the idea of abortion itself. The former Bush administration made it very clear that it was opposed to legal abortions, in at least most circumstances, and transferred that ideology to the prohibition of embryonic stem cell research. The concept of scientifi c study of the next stage of development, the fetus, which resulted from an abortion, was unthinkable. The ideology of the past Presidential administration reflected the minority which opposes abortion and also reflects the majority that is opposed to aborted fetuses of consenting parents being used for experimentation. This reality has no basis in reason. Why would those who claim to be ‘pro-choice’ want to waste the aborted tissue? For that matter, why would pro-lifers want to witness what they believe is a living being tossed away in vain? At least its ‘life’ could have meant something to humanity in a very real way. In 1999 alone, more than 850,000 abortions were performed in the U.S.

Compare and Contrast Research Methods Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 1250 words

Compare and Contrast Research Methods - Essay Example To begin with, the prime reason for the development of increasingly complex research methods is to enhance their effectiveness regarding to their ability to predict human attitudes and behaviors (Malhotra, 2008). In order to establish the comparison between various research techniques, it is mandatory to define the key terms. Management Style Guide online (2008) explains Projective Techniques  as the methods of investigation developed by psychologists, which are unstructured and indirect. The aim is to uncover the projection of the subjects regarding the underlying motives of the researcher. It provides information about the intentions of participants which cannot be obtained by direct questioning owing to certain limitations e.g. inability of participants to figure out the issue themselves, resistance to reveal, etc. It is in fact a disguised-unstructured qualitative technique in which aim of the researcher is kept veiled from the subjects from which information is obtained (Steinman, 2009). Due to the same reasons, attitude surveys nowadays use the help of projective surveys and so do motivational studies and researches. Examples: Projective techniques are applicable in various fields of life, ranging from psychological and social all the way to business and marketing researches. Will et al (1996) as cited by Steinman (2009) demonstrates some of the uses of projective techniques when it comes to opening discussions are extremely useful in opening discussions or in socially sensitive issues which might not be successfully elucidated owing to social and cultural norms and to avoid embarrassment on part of the subject. In social research, these may include; In the field of business and consumer research, an example can be taken from the work of Donoghue (1998) who demonstrated the use of projective techniques with the purpose of revealing consumers’ hidden attitudes, feelings, beliefs and motives that are intimately associated