There is a debate over the ethics of stem cell research and many people on opposing sides of the issue

are not aware of all aspects. In order to intelligently debate the legal and ethical issues regarding stem cell research, one must understand what stem cells are, the applications currently available, and the impact of the research. It is also important to understand the distinction between adult and embryonic stem cells before exploring their uses and impacts. Stem cells possess unique properties that make them different from all other cells in the body. Most cells do not have the ability to replicate where stem cells have the potential to multiply indefinitely. Before they have a specific function in the body, stem cells are essentially blank slates. There are two basic types of stem cells, which have different empirical properties and ethical implications. Researchers successfully attained embryonic stem cells from the embryos of mice in 1981, which led to the discovery of this process in human beings, in 1998 (3). Embryonic stem cells are derived from an in vitro embryo between five days and seven weeks. Regenerative medicine can benefit greatly from the characteristics of embryonic stem cells. This process enables damaged organs and tissues to heal themselves with the help of implanted stem cells matching the organ (2). There are two traits that make embryonic stem cells especially suited for this task. They are the ability to reproduce at a markedly rapid rate, and the ability to do this without differentiating for an extended period. Embryonic stem cells are unspecialized, which allows them to interact with and adopt the functions of a specialized cell. This has proven to be an important part of regenerative medicine and a controversial topic among the debate of science and ethics (3).

There are also adult stem cells; these are undifferentiated cells, which are rare by comparison. Adult stem cells can be found throughout the body in certain organs and tissues, unlike embryonic stem cells. Although adult stem cells lack the ability to differentiate and multiply as embryonic cells, adult stem cells have the ability to repair the damaged cells of tissue they are located. Research on adult stem cells has been ongoing for over half a century, and there has been a vast amount of information gained in the quest for knowledge that has resulted in immeasurable benefits to the medical science community. A better understanding of adult stem cells has led to research on controlling these cells and manipulating them in order to develop more advanced treatments for serious injuries and illnesses (3). Although adult and embryonic stem cells share some characteristics, the science and ethics communities are at odds with the application of research and treatment because of the differences between the cells. The majority accepts adult stem cell research because the stem cells can be obtained with no harm to the donor. There are several arguments regarding the advantages and disadvantages of both types of cells. Embryonic stem cells are advantageous because they are easily obtained, have the potential for unlimited cell production, and are not limited to what they can become. Despite these characteristics, there are some drawbacks to using these cells. Manipulation of the stem cells would be difficult because the diseases that embryonic stem cells could benefit are entirely understood. There is also the risk of rejection by the recipients immune system, which is a common risk factor with

tissue transplants. The most prolific disadvantage is the ethical dilemma and the corresponding viewpoints (1). As with any controversial topic, there is a corresponding argument for the benefits and limitations in harvesting adult stem cells for regenerative therapy. There is less risk involved to the patient since they are receiving their own cells, and they may be easier to activate because adult stem cells are already specialized. Research has discovered adult stem cells may be able to give rise to cells from different tissues. The ease of attaining these cells is a mixed bag; while it is safe to harvest most types, it is extremely dangerous to extract stem cells from the brain. Few adult stem cells can be found in each tissue type, making it difficult to extract in large quantities. The stem cells that are cultivated in a laboratory do not produce as much or for as long as embryonic stem cells. The cells may be damaged by carrying mutations or from experimentation (1). Despite the potential benefits that embryonic stem cell research might yield, the science community has focused their research on the manipulation and application of adult stem cells due to the ethical controversy. This research has advanced the treatments many blood disorders, leukemia, and lymphoma (4).