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Extended Inquiry Project: Final Draft

Stem Cells: Growing Leaves of Change in Animal Testing

Tyler Rapp

Professor Malcolm Campbell

Writing 1103

December 1, 2015

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Imagine this: it is a sunny, perfect day. You are driving down the highwayand

suddenlyyou wreck! Not just any wreck, however, but a life-threatening wreck that
sends you immediately into the emergency roomeach breath possibly your last. Now,

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Comment [1]: Changed from and
suddenly wreck!

to make the story even more enthralling: imagine being a womana pregnant woman.
As you are being rushed to the hospital, each moment is sacred as you hope that you and
your baby make it out alive. In the end, however, you both survive, perfectly okay and
happy. But how can that be possible when the brink of death was seconds away? The
answer is simple: stem cells.
A couple of years ago, I heard this storyyes, a true storyand was bewildered.
Incidentally, the woman was saved by her baby. The baby sent stem cells from his/her
own body into the womans damaged areas in order to temporarily save her until more

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Comment [2]: Changed from from her
baby

medical treatment was completed. Ever since I heard this story, I have been utterly
intrigued by stem cells in every possible way. Essentially, stem cells are bodily cells that
have the potential to develop into many different cell types [and behave like an] internal
repair system (Stem Cell Information).
Recently, a new area of stem cell research has emerged around the realm of animal
testing. According to the Humane Society International, ever since the origination of

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Comment [3]: Removed a sentence here
that was repetitive
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experimentation, animalslike dogs, cats, mice, and many rodentshave been used as
test subjects for a variety of purposes (such as drug testing, surgical advancements, and
more). In todays society, stem cells are becoming more prevalent and desired in the field
of science. As such, there has been a slight gravitation towards the use of stem cells for
toxicological testing (the process of seeing how various chemicals react on an organism)
as opposed to using animals. This has occurred due to the moral roadblock that many

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Comment [5]: Combined a few sentences
into one, and mentioned a source in my
writing instead of in parentheses
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Comment [6]: Added this definition

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people, including myself, have when they hear about animal testing. I am immensely
curious about the practicality and usefulness of implementing stem cell testing in labs

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Comment [7]: Added my stance early on
as opposed to at the end

(instead of animals) and delving into the benefits and drawbacks of doing so because, in
my opinion, there is no just reason to sacrifice the lives of animals when there is a
harmless alternative available.
Furthermore, while stem cells are found in every human and are constantly at use
naturally, there have been vital applications that scientists have used stem cells for. For
example, cell-based therapies on bodily organs have been conducted to save patients
from peculiar conditions (Stem Cell Information). Due to their function, stem cells can
be an endless renewable source of cells and tissues [that could] treat diseases including

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Comment [8]: Elaborated on my stance
here
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Comment [9]: Removed a sentence that
was here because it was repetitive

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Comment [10]: Added a space here that
was not there before

macular degeneration, spinal cord injury, stroke, burns, heart disease, diabetes,
osteoarthritis, rheumatoid arthritis, and more (Stem Cell Information). While many of
these conditions can be restored via an organ or tissue transplant, the availability of

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Comment [11]: Changed the weird
wording this sentence had before

organs and tissues in so limited in comparison to the need. Approximately 21 people pass
away every day due to not being able to receive an organ or tissue transplant (Facts and
Myths). Additionally, according to the Centers for Disease Control, heart disease
being the number one cause of death in the United States for both men and women

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Comment [12]: Added mention of source
here

causes about 610,000 deaths each year. Therefore, it is interesting to note that stem cells
are a controversial topic when the number one killer in the United States has the potential
to be cured from stem cell research.
Moreover, there are two types of stem cells: embryonic and somatic. Embryonic
stem cells are derived from embryos via in vitro fertilization, the process of combining
donated eggs and sperm in a petri dish (Stem Cell Information). It is vital to understand

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Comment [13]: Combined sentences here
for more concise wording

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that, as interestingly noted by the National Institutes of Health, embryos are not removed
from a womans body for research purpose; that is, abortions are not taking place. On the
contrary, somatic stem cells are found in human beings that are born (stem cells found in
the body of anyone walking down the street or even a baby in a carriage). These stem
cells, however, are rare in the human body are often specified to a region in the body

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Comment [14]: Added mention of source
here
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Comment [15]: Italicized this word for
effect

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Comment [16]: Reworded this clause
from before

which means that they are limited to the types of cells that they can change into (Stem
Cell Information). Thus, embryonic stem cells are much more favorable among stem
cell scientists as opposed to somatic stem cells. The reason for this lies behind the fact
that embryonic stem cells provide a lot more potential and can target essentially any area
in the human body. Additionally, embryonic stem cells can be endlessly grown in a lab

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Comment [17]: Combined two
paragraphs here; before, the paragraphs
broke at Thus, embryonic

and supply enough resources for plenty of research; whereas deriving somatic stem cells
is a lengthy and complex endeavor that is unnecessary when embryonic stem cells are
available and creating them does not involve working on humans whatsoever.
In regards to animal testing, around 100 million animals are killed a yearin the

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Comment [18]: Removed extra
information that was previously here

United States alonefor laboratory purposes (Collins). For organizations such as People
for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) and those in favor of animal rights, this is
an astounding number of animal deaths each year, which is why these types of groups are
so in favor of stem cell research. In the toxicological world, animals are the first thought
to target when something new is being tested. However, animals are not always the most

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Comment [19]: Combined sentences here

reliable source when testing for human drugs and substances. Christine Mummery, a
Professor of Developmental Biology in the Netherlands, stated that, [Stem cells] may
save a lot of time and effort because [certain drugs] affect animal cells but dont have an
effect on human cells (qtd. in Knight). Stem cells have a direct connection to humans

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Comment [20]: Added qtd. in

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because not only do they grow within each of us, they are the foundation for the
beginning of our lives. Thus, testing on stem cells is more similar to testing on a
humanwithout actually doing sothan testing on animals and their respective cells. As

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Comment [21]: Fixed wording here
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Comment [22]: Fixed wording here

such, the vital question arises of why are so many animals harmed and killed each year
when the testing done on them is not always accurate or useful in regards to human
beingsespecially when there appears to be a safe and better substitute? The answer?
Controversy.
On the matter of stem cells and their purpose of replacing animal subjects, there are
four crucial stakeholders involved: stem cell scientists, religious groups, politicians, and
animal rights activists. Each of these groups and their different opinions spark the intense
controversy that resonates in the United States and the world. (It is important to note that

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Comment [23]: Fixed wording here

each of the viewpoints of these core groups discussed is based on the stereotypical
standpoint of the average person within the group.)
Stem cell scientists, to begin, are definitely for the application of stem cells in
society; also, they typically believe that federal funding should be allotted for it due to the
difficulties behind receiving private funding. In the opinion of stem cell scientists, the
research that can be done has remarkable potential that could lead to fantastic

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Comment [24]: Removed parentheses
that were previously here

advancements in the scientific community. The millions of people that die every year
from possible stem cell curable conditions is unfathomable in the eyes of these scientists;
thus, they believe thatregardless of the ethical concerns involving embryosthe
benefits outweigh any negative side-effects.
Religious groups, on the other hand, are the most obvious opposers to stem cell
research. In 2007, a panel took place at Harvard University that integrated many religious

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Comment [25]: Fixed awkward wording
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Comment [26]: Talked about religious
groups before the US government to make
sense when referencing conservatives

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figures and leading scientists to discuss the matter of stem cell research (Powell). The
Christian representative stated that, according to most Christian denominations, life is
created at the moment of conception (when a sperm and egg come together to form a
single unit). As such, a human is created the moment the sperm enters the egg, and
using this material for scientific research would be considered killing a person. Other
religious groups, however, disagree with this notion that life is formed during the
moment of unification between a sperm and egg. For example, the Jewish figure at
Harvard stated that an embryo officially becomes a human being after 40 days of
gestation (Powell). Similarly, the Muslim speaker at Harvard relayed that human life is
reached when the soul enters the developing baby sometime between 40 days and 120
days after conception (qtd. in Powell). Buddhists and Hindus, along with Christians, are
against the idea of embryonic stem cell research the most. Rebirth from a previous life is

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Comment [27]: Added a quote and qtd.
in

one significant philosophy in Buddhism and Hinduism. As a result, embryonic stem cell
research is essentially analogous to killing a person because they believe that the
embryonic stem cells hold the life of someone who previously passed away

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Comment [28]: Fixed wording here

(Manickavel). Nonetheless, while all of these religions tend to be against embryonic stem
cell research in some shape or form, somatic stem cell research is typically deemed
appropriate because no embryos are involved.
The United States government is a divided group on the matter of stem cell research
due to the split of ideologies in our political system. There are, for the most part, two
sides politicallyconservative and liberal. On the conservative side of the spectrum,
religion (especially Christianity) is an essential theme of their lives; therefore,
conservatives are often against the idea of embryonic stem cell research. Liberals,

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Comment [29]: This now makes sense
because religion was already discussed

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however, tend to be less religiously affiliated and more religiously diverse; therefore, the
idea of embryonic stem cell research is favored and seen as necessary in our modern
society. The United Statess two most recent presidents (Barack Obama and George W.
Bush), for example, were on opposite sides of the issue. President Obama created a law
on March 11, 2009, that allowed scientists to study stem cells without many restrictions,
as well as giving the scientists federal money (Obama). This law, coincidentally enough,
was made in response to a bill President Bush passed on August 9, 2001, which outlawed
stem cell research. Obama, who is a liberal, agrees with the act of embryonic stem cell
research because of its progressive nature to a better, healthier society.
Animal rights activists are the last prime stakeholder that is relevant to the matter of
animal testing and stem cells. PETA is the most well-known organization that represents
animals and their rights. In 2006, head members of PETA stated that they support
embryonic stem cell research because it is a clear alternative to animal testing. PETA
actively agrees that stem cell research has the potential to end the vast majority of
animal testing (Milloy). In the eyes of animal rights activists, there is no reason why
embryonic stem cells cannot be used when their production is in a petri dishwhich
harms no one, including animals.
These four groups are essential in regards to the controversy of allowing embryonic
stem cell research or not in the United States. Figuring out the matter is an issue that
thoroughly involves each group. Can compromises be made? Is one sector right over
another? Who decides who is right and who is wrong? Due to the research conducted on

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Comment [30]: Combined this paragraph
into one that was two previously
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Comment [31]: Combined sentences from
beforehand that was really wordy

the matter, embryonic stem cell researchand its acceptanceappears to be the next
step in society in order to not only save more human lives but millions of animals as well.

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Comment [32]: Fixed wording here

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Animals are subjected to harsh chemicals, probes and needles, and frightening scenes
each day, while the mass public is merely apathetic on the issue overall. Embryonic stem
cells are cultured in a lab; therefore, abortions are not taking place whatsoever, as many

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Comment [33]: Fixed wording here

people tend to think when embryonic stem cell research is referenced. Embryonic stem
cells are simply the cells that have grown in a petri dish after a few hours and days of
growthnothing more.
However, according to scientists at the Society of Toxicology, there are some
although fewscientists out there that disagree with the advancement of stem cell
research at such a rampant pace. These individuals still acknowledge the fact that stem
cells offer outstanding potentials for the future, but believe that their basic function needs

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Comment [34]: Removed lots of extra
information that was previously here
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Comment [35]: Added mention of source

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sentence previously found here

to be further understood before moving forward. Additionally, the role and onset of
human disease needs to be more understood, according to this group (Kang). In the realm
of toxicology, animal subjects are what are currently primarily usedwhich some people
find suffice for now until further research on stem cells themselves are known. I find this
counterargument intriguing, yet flawed. Stem cells are a well-known entity in the
scientific world that has been researched on for years and years. While their full function
and capabilities may not be completely known, there are not many substances in the
scientific community that are known to a tee. Science evolves everyday; as such, I
believe that the function and roles of stem cells could be further understood by taking it a
step further and applying them to other needs that will not only help people of this group
who wants to know more about stem cells, but patients and animals as well.
Embryonic stem cell research is a matter that directly affects me and those around
me, although it does not seem like it. Many of the people surrounding me have, or know

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Comment [37]: Fixed wrong there that
was here before very embarrassing
haha!

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people that have, medical conditions that have the potential to be cured by further stem
cell research. Additionally, almost everyone has a pet that is the type of animal used
every single day in a lab. From here, I am very curious about the ins-and-outs of animal
testing and what one could do to start the gradual shift from animal testing to stem cells.
This is an intricate matter that would require much thought, effort, and policy-making
that involves each of the stakeholder groups previously discussed.

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Works Cited

About Animal Testing. Humane Society International. Humane Society International,

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Comment [38]: Fixed from
Bibliography

n.d. Web. 9 Nov. 2015.

Collins, Francis. Animal Experiments: Overview. People for the Ethical Treatment of
Animals. People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, n.d. Web. 9 Nov. 2015.
Facts and Myths. American Transplant Foundation. American Transplant Foundation,
n.d. Web. 9 Nov. 2015.
Heart Disease Facts. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. United States
Department of Health and Human Services, n.d. Web. 9 Nov. 2015.
Kang, Kyung-Sun, and James E. Trosko. Stem Cells in Toxicology: Fundamental
Biology and Practical Considerations. Society of Toxicology: S270-S276. Web.
16 Dec. 2010.
Knight, Matthew. Scientist: Stem cells could end animal testing. CNN. CNN, 23 Dec.
2008. Web. 18 Oct. 2015.
Manickavel, Valavandan. On Stem Cell Research. Hinduism Today. Himalayan
Academy, 2004. Web. 9 Nov. 2015.
Milloy, Steven. PETA: Sacrifice Human, Not Animal Life for Medical Research. FOX
News. FOX News, 20 July 2006. Web. 9 Nov. 2015.
Obama, Barack. Removing Barriers to Responsible Scientific Research Involving
Human Stem Cells. United States Government Publishing Office. United States
Government Publishing Office, 9 Mar. 2009. Web. 9 Nov. 2015.
Powell, Alvin. Stem cells, through a religious lens. Harvard University Mag. Harvard
University, 22 Mar. 2007. Web. 19 Oct. 2015.

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Comment [39]: Fixed this; before, had
things reversed

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Stem Cell Information. National Institutes of Health. United States Department of

Health and Human Services, 31 Mar. 2015. Web. 18 Oct. 2015.