extended inquiry project - with marked changes

7/23/2019 Extended Inquiry Project - With Marked Changes

http://slidepdf.com/reader/full/extended-inquiry-project-with-marked-changes 1/11

Rapp "

Extended Inquiry Project: Final Draft

Stem Cells: Growing Leaves of Change in Animal Testing

Tyler Rapp

Professor Malcolm Campbell

Writing 1103

December 1, 2015



Rapp #

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

suddenly…you wreck! Not just any wreck, however, but a life-threatening wreck that

sends you immediately into the emergency room—each breath possibly your last. Now,

to make the story even more enthralling: imagine being a woman—a 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 story—yes, a true story—and was bewildered.

Incidentally, the woman was saved by her baby. The baby sent stem cells from his/her

own body into the woman’s damaged areas in order to temporarily save her until more

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

experimentation, animals—like dogs, cats, mice, and many rodents—have been used as

test subjects for a variety of purposes (such as drug testing, surgical advancements, and

more). In today’s 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

Tyler Rapp 11/29/2015 3:17 PM

Comment [1]: $%&'()* +,-. /&'*

01**)'23 4,)5678

Tyler Rapp 11/29/2015 3:17 PM

Comment [2]: $%&'()* +,-. /+,-. %

9&938

Tyler Rapp 11/29/2015 3:18 PM

Comment [3]: :).-;)* & 0)'<)'5) %

<%&< 4&0 ,)=)<><>;)

Tyler Rapp 11/29/2015 3:18 PM

Comment [4]: $%&'()* +,-. /0<). 5)

Tyler Rapp 11/29/2015 3:19 PM

Comment [5]: $-.9>')* & +)4 0)'<)'

>'<- -')? &'* .)'<>-')* & 0-1,5) >' .3

4,><>'( >'0<)&* -+ >' =&,)'<%)0)0

Tyler Rapp 11/29/2015 3:19 PM

Comment [6]: @**)* <%>0 *)+>'><>-'



Rapp A

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

(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

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

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—

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

Tyler Rapp 11/29/2015 3:19 PM

Comment [7]: @**)* .3 0<&'5) )&,23

&0 -==-0)* <- &< <%) )'*

Tyler Rapp 11/29/2015 3:19 PM

Comment [8]: B2&9-,&<)* -' .3 0<&'

%),)

Tyler Rapp 11/29/2015 3:20 PM

Comment [9]: :).-;)* & 0)'<)'5) <%4&0 %),) 9)5&10) >< 4&0 ,)=)<><>;)

Tyler Rapp 11/29/2015 3:20 PM

Comment [10]: @**)* & 0=&5) %),) <

4&0 '-< <%),) 9)+-,)

Tyler Rapp 11/29/2015 3:20 PM

Comment [11]: $%&'()* <%) 4)>,*

4-,*>'( <%>0 0)'<)'5) %&* 9)+-,)

Tyler Rapp 11/29/2015 3:21 PM

Comment [12]: @**)* .)'<>-' -+ 0-

%),)

Tyler Rapp 11/29/2015 3:21 PM

Comment [13]: $-.9>')* 0)'<)'5)0

+-, .-,) 5-'5>0) 4-,*>'(



Rapp C

that, as interestingly noted by the National Institutes of Health, embryos are not removed

from a woman’s 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—

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

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 year—in the

United States alone—for 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

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 don’t have an

effect on human cells” (qtd. in Knight). Stem cells have a direct connection to humans

Tyler Rapp 11/29/2015 3:21 PM

Comment [14]: @**)* .)'<>-' -+ 0-

%),)

Tyler Rapp 11/29/2015 3:21 PM

Comment [15]: D<&2>5>E)* <%>0 4-,* +)++)5<

Tyler Rapp 11/29/2015 3:22 PM

Comment [16]: :)4-,*)* <%>0 52&10)

+,-. 9)+-,)

Tyler Rapp 11/29/2015 3:22 PM

Comment [17]: $-.9>')* <4-

=&,&(,&=%0 %),)F 9)+-,)? <%) =&,&(,&=%

9,-6) &< /G%10? ).9,3-'>5H8

Tyler Rapp 11/29/2015 3:22 PM

Comment [18]: :).-;)* )I<,&

>'+-,.&<>-' <%&< 4&0 =,);>-1023 %),)

Tyler Rapp 11/29/2015 3:23 PM

Comment [19]: $-.9>')* 0)'<)'5)0

Tyler Rapp 11/29/2015 3:23 PM

Comment [20]: @**)* /J<*K >'8



Rapp L

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

human—without actually doing so—than testing on animals and their respective cells. As

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

beings—especially 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

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

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 that—regardless of the ethical concerns involving embryos—the

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

Tyler Rapp 11/29/2015 3:23 PM

Comment [21]: M>I)* 4-,*>'( %),)

Tyler Rapp 11/29/2015 3:23 PM

Comment [22]: M>I)* 4-,*>'( %),)

Tyler Rapp 11/29/2015 3:24 PM

Comment [23]: M>I)* 4-,*>'( %),)

Tyler Rapp 11/29/2015 3:24 PM

Comment [24]: :).-;)* =&,)'<%)0)

<%&< 4),) =,);>-1023 %),)

Tyler Rapp 11/29/2015 3:25 PM

Comment [25]: M>I)* &464&,* 4-,*

Tyler Rapp 11/29/2015 3:25 PM

Comment [26]: G&26)* &9-1< ,)2>(>-1

(,-1=0 9)+-,) <%) NO (-;),'.)'< <- .&

0)'0) 4%)' ,)+),)'5>'( 5-'0),;&<>;)0



Rapp P

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

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

(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 politically—conservative 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,

Tyler Rapp 11/29/2015 3:25 PM

Comment [27]: @**)* & J1-<) &'* /J>'8

Tyler Rapp 11/29/2015 3:26 PM

Comment [28]: M>I)* 4-,*>'( %),)

Tyler Rapp 11/29/2015 3:26 PM

Comment [29]: G%>0 '-4 .&6)0 0)'0

9)5&10) ,)2>(>-' 4&0 &2,)&*3 *>05100)*



Rapp Q

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 States’s 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 dish—which

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

the matter, embryonic stem cell research—and its acceptance—appears to be the next

step in society in order to not only save more human lives but millions of animals as well.

Tyler Rapp 11/29/2015 3:27 PM

Comment [30]: $-.9>')* <%>0 =&,&(

>'<- -') <%&< 4&0 <4- =,);>-1023

Tyler Rapp 11/29/2015 3:27 PM

Comment [31]: $-.9>')* 0)'<)'5)0

9)+-,)%&'* <%&< 4&0 ,)&223 4-,*3

Tyler Rapp 11/29/2015 3:28 PM

Comment [32]: M>I)* 4-,*>'( %),)



Rapp R

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

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

growth—nothing more.

However, according to scientists at the Society of Toxicology, there are some—

although few—scientists 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

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 used—which 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

Tyler Rapp 11/29/2015 3:28 PM

Comment [33]: M>I)* 4-,*>'( %),)

Tyler Rapp 11/29/2015 3:28 PM

Comment [34]: :).-;)* 2-<0 -+ )I<,

>'+-,.&<>-' <%&< 4&0 =,);>-1023 %),)

Tyler Rapp 11/29/2015 3:28 PM

Comment [35]: @**)* .)'<>-' -+ 0-

Tyler Rapp 11/29/2015 3:28 PM

Comment [36]: :).-;)* 1'')5)00&,

0)'<)'5) =,);>-1023 +-1'* %),)

Tyler Rapp 11/29/2015 3:29 PM

Comment [37]: M>I)* 4,-'( /<%),)8

4&0 %),) 9)+-,)H ;),3 ).9&,,&00>'( S

%&%&7



Rapp T

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.



Rapp "U

Works Cited

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

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.

Tyler Rapp 11/29/2015 3:29 PM

Comment [38]: M>I)* +,-.

/V>92>-(,&=%38

Tyler Rapp 11/29/2015 3:29 PM

Comment [39]: M>I)* <%>0F 9)+-,)? %&

<%>'(0 ,);),0)*



Rapp ""

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

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

extended inquiry project - with marked changes

Documents