Warming Up To Stem Cell Research

Posted by Victor Dela Casa

What stem cell research is trying to achieve for spinal cord injuries is how embryonic stem cells can help victims by regenerating damaged nerve cells and other materials needed to restore the correct transmission of electronic signals between the brain, to the spinal cord, to the nerves and back.

Accidents especially those that involve motor vehicles, sports and premises negligence can cause severe injuries. Often these injuries have long-term debilitating consequences that could limit a person’s ability to perform physical tasks, among others.

Many accident victims who are suffering from spinal cord injuries and paralysis are seeking out possible medical treatments that could potentially bring normalcy and physical functionality back. The good news is that such a solution could be in the works through stem cell research.

Stem cells are studied because they have properties that support growth regeneration from a single fertilized egg which replicates exponentially to form embryonic stem cells.

Considered taboo before, the recent popular opinion on stem cell research has changed with more people, including government agencies, actually supporting it. In previous decades, it had to go through many obstacles as well as clinical ups-and-downs before it became accepted as a serious scientific branch.

Such acceptance may very well open doors to many medical breakthroughs and scientific discoveries -- one that could change the lives of accident victims, particularly those suffering from spinal cord injuries

Stem cell research may hold the key to spinal injury treatment

Stem cells are studied because they have properties that support growth regeneration from a single fertilized egg which replicates exponentially to form embryonic stem cells. If continued, this embryonic stem cell will go on to form a living being – which is why the study has been morally controversial in the past.

What stem cell researchers are trying to achieve for spinal cord injuries is how embryonic stem cells can help victims by regenerating damaged nerve cells and other materials needed to restore the correct transmission of electronic signals between the brain, to the spinal cord, to the nerves and back.

This ambitious endeavor is proving to be very successful in many clinical studies on non-human samples. Actual human tests are in the horizon. If human testing proves successful, then a cure could be found for spinal injuries in the near future. Such will also open the possibilities to treating the myriad of other injuries and diseases common and currently untreatable.

With continued positive support, then research will resume, too.

About The Author

Victor Dela Casa is a Filipino-Canadian who spent over a decade working as a business professional in Canada. Worked in IT, finance, marketing, international trade, public service, project management and the maritime industry. Earned degree in Economics from the University of the Philippines and Business Administration Honours from Eastern College. Currently based in the Philippines and working as a professional writer for a multi-national business processes firm.

keywords: spinal cord injury, stem cell research, embryonic stem cells