However, because the source of the most useful type of stem cells is fetal tissue, political opposition, predominantly from the religious right, has successfully lobbied for restrictions on their use, culminating in the 2001 federal ban on publicly funded medical research into their use. As a result, almost a decade of valuable research has largely been lost into an effective cure for millions suffering from Alzheimer's and other debilitating human diseases (Kinsey 2007).
The federal ban on stem cell research has forced researchers to explore other avenues, such as two unrelated studies announced in late 2007 announcing methods of coaxing adult stem cells into the type of use for which only fetal stem cells had previously exhibited potential (Kinsey 2007). More recently, a study published in the March 2008 issue of Stem Cells and Development announced the results of studies evidencing the usefulness of stem cells derived from umbilical cord tissues in slowing the progression of Alzheimer's after diagnosis (Phan 2008). According to Mercedes Walton, of Cryo-Cell International, "The scientific community has only skimmed the surface in uncovering the many potential therapeutic uses for cord blood stem cells, and this new research in Alzheimer's disease may pave the way for discoveries around the use of these cells for a host of neurodegenerative and other chronic conditions" (Phan 2008).
This finding would represent the first genuine potential cure for the disease since the federal ban on embryonic stem cell research. Because stem cells derived from umbilical cord tissues do not involve destruction of viable embryos, even some conservative Christian representatives have since voiced support for this avenue of research. Dr. Jennifer Roback Morse, of the Acton Institute for the Study of Religion and Liberty has suggested that, "The use of umbilical cord blood is more humane than the use of embryos for two reasons: first,...
Disease and Poverty Poverty and diseases The third world countries are much known for the negative aspects and the perpetuating of the same. One of the negative news that is heard of from the third world all the time is the problem of diseases that plague the country. It is a problem that has been observed to affect a vast population within the poor countries and especially among the poor sector of
Diseases and Pathogens Pathogens Pathogens are disease-causing or infectious microorganisms (EPA 2011, Kennedy 2012). Some of them are often found in water from sewage discharges, leaking septic tanks, or runoff from feedlots. They enter the body and cause disease every day through the air we breathe, food, water or direct personal contact. The body's immune system is able to destroy many pathogens. When it cannot, infection occurs and the person gets sick.
ALZHEIMER'S DISEASE Examining the potential use of beta secretase enzymes in the treatment of Alzheimer's Disease Examining the potential use of beta secretase enzymes in the treatment of Alzheimer's Disease Efforts to develop a drug for Alzheimer's disease, which mostly affect people in older age, have not been successful. Instead, most of the treatments offered often target the behavioral symptoms of the affected individual, but not the cause of the disease. The occurrence
Alzheimer Healthy Community PLANNED, PERSONALIZED CARE Alzheimer's Healthy Community Dog-Assisted Therapy for Older People with Dementia A review of nine studies on the subject produced loose conclusions on the value of this type of therapy (Perkins et al., 2008). They, however, established a trend, indicating increased social behavior and decreased agitation when dogs were in the company of the respondents. This improvement in social behavior was unrelated with the severity of the respondents' dementia.
Our semester plans gives you unlimited, unrestricted access to our entire library of resources —writing tools, guides, example essays, tutorials, class notes, and more.
Get Started Now