123 Elm St.

Corpus Christi, Texas 78413

April 25, 2014

To Whom it May Concern:
Stem cell research continues to further our knowledge about how organisms develop. It is one of
the most intriguing areas of biology. Research on stem cells raises many scientific questions as rapidly as
it raises and produces new discoveries. The importance, differences, use, global opinions and support of
stem cell research will be introduced below.
What makes stems cells unique and important for research is they differ from other kinds of cells
in the body. All stem cells have three general properties: they are capable of dividing and renewing
themselves for long periods; they are unspecialized; and they can give rise to specialized cell types
(Bethesda, M.D., 2009). There are so many ways in which stem cells are important to research because,
they have the potential to treat numerous ranges of diseases that affect millions of people around the
world.
The main difference between adult stem cells and embryonic stem cells are that adult stem cells
are differentiated already. Embryonic stem cells can develop into anything such as, a skin cell, liver, ear,
etc. (Murnaghan, 2013). The disadvantage to this is an adult stem cell can only develop into whatever you
took it from. For Example, if you took it from a skin cell, it will only develop into a skin cell not a hair
cell or anything else. It cannot develop into anything like an embryonic stem cell that can change to
anything because it isn't differentiated yet (Murhaghan, 2013). Another difference is embryonic stem
cells can be grown relatively easily in culture, adult stem cells are rare in mature tissues, so isolating these
cells from an adult tissue is challenging (Bethesda, M.D., 2009).
Since 2005, billions of dollars have been funded for this research in the scientific community.
Now that this has come about, facts are being presented on how organs can be regenerated so those on
waiting list for transplants won't have to wait for the passing of another life. Also, certain types of
cancerous cells can be destroyed using certain stem cells, and that people who suffer from physical
disabilities can be provide stem cell therapy that can regenerate nerves to start functioning properly again.
Stem cells have been used to treat more than 75 different diseases and this number is only growing.
Scientist have very high hopes for the future of this research and with the start of human clinical trials, the
outcomes could show those who disagree with the scientific evidence that this is truly a therapy and a
medicine of the future.
Due to a diversity of opinions and cultural viewpoints, no single policy or set of rules exist to
govern stem cell research. Instead, each country has developed its own policy. There are several
countries that conduct cell research, Singapore is considered Asias stem cell center (Dhar & Hsi-en
Ho, 2009). Other countries that are in favor of stem cell research and practice it are Japan, China, South
Korea, United Kingdom, Brazil, and Mexico (Dhar & Hsi-en Ho, 2009).
Stem cell research, while debated, has had many advances in a medical and therapeutic aspect
over the past decade. The use of these cells has already proven to work in a variety of disabilities and
diseases. Think if you have a family member, friend, or even yourself that may suffer from an illness that
could be helped by this research. If you take the time to look, the facts are there, and we all need to realize
that this research isn't hurting anybody, only helping a high percentage of people in this world.

Sincerely, Cole Morin
Stem Cell Research