A stem cell breakthrough

HBO recently screened “Bicentennial Man”, the story of a very advanced robot/android who strives to become as close to being human as possible. He starts by acquiring emotion, then progressing to having human organs installed one by one, along with skin and hair, until he finally reaches an almost human state. Almost in the sense that he was not born of a human mother, rather a factory. It would be wonderful if scientists are finally able to “farm” human organs and tissues, similar to what the movie was suggesting. This would eliminate the dreaded diseases that seem to have no cure like cancer, diabetes, Alzheimer’s and the like. Enter the research on stem cells.

A breakthrough of sorts has been achieved by stem cell researchers, wherein the possibility of producing grow-in-a-dish transplant tissue has inched closer to reality. What is even more amazing is that these researchers have managed to reprogram skin cells into embryonic stem cells, which in turn can be programmed to grow into specialized tissue. Like finally discovering cement to be able to build anything. This method makes it free from controversy, since cells from embryos were not used at all. Critics of stem cell research - mainly from the religious sector - have maintained the same line as those who criticize cloning. That life or any part of it is not for man to create, but God’s.

We can probably fill this whole paper with the arguments of both sides, but let’s just stick to the science for now. They still have to find a way to coax the said stem cells into growing into specialized tissue. The science behind that is still in its infancy with regards to testing. Sadly, it will always be met with resistance by religious groups and the like. Which is why some people have traveled to China, where stem cell research is neither taboo nor criticized, in the hope of finding a cure for their various ailments. This treatment in itself is still under evaluation, with regards to its effectiveness and success.

 The search for the fountain of youth is as old as life itself. The idea of living beyond that of a normal lifespan, free from sickness and disease is just too great to ignore. Should the time come that organs and tissues can be grown at will and sold to replace ailing and aging human parts, we might have to ask ourselves who are worthy to have such “spare parts”? What if it were some despot wanting to rule and live forever? What if it were a swindler of billions who has ruined the lives of thousands while continuing to enjoy a life of luxury? What if it were a lawmaker who discriminates in favor of his or her friends, despite their complicity and involvement in crime? For sure this will not be a cheap solution. Are the rich the only ones qualified to have their bodies overhauled? These are just some of the questions that may arise when the time comes. Issues other than religious objection, but moral and social as well. Just like “Andrew” in the aforementioned movie, he may have won his humanity, but at what cost?