Disadvantages of Stem Cell ResearchThe early promise shown by stem cell research is plentiful. However you as a consumer also need to be aware that there are certain disadvantages of stem cell research that need to be addressed before researchers can adopt the practice on a wider level. As you may already be aware, research efforts are being directed at two types of stem cells: adult stem cells and embryonic stem cells. Research using adult stem cells is not so controversial, but it does have certain drawbacks that are yet to be overcome by scientists. Disadvantages of Adult Stem Cell Research 1. The primary disadvantage of adult stem cell research is that although these cells are available from the bone marrow of adults, they are limited in number. There are only so many cells that can be harvested from an individual, forcing scientists to make judicious use of the available quantity. 2. Furthermore adult stem cells do not have a long storage life. They may not thrive as much as their embryonic counterparts in laboratory cultures. Hence it becomes difficult to maintain these cells in cultures for longer periods of time. 3. Another disadvantage is that the harvesting procedure itself is difficult. Adult stem cells are present in mature tissues, but isolating and harvesting them is a very tough procedure. These cells also have limited flexibility and cannot be reprogrammed to transform themselves into any type of cell in the body. 4. Finally there are still many unknowns associated with adult stem cells. These cells may still harbor genetic defects in that the targeted disease may also be present in the genes of these cells. Disadvantages of Embryonic Stem Cell Research 1. Embryonic stem cells are difficult to control and it may take many attempts before researchers are able to derive the desired cell line from them. 2. The use of embryonic stem cells involves the destruction of 5 to 7-day-old embryos, which has raised moral and ethical issues amongst the public. 3. There is also a risk of immunogenic reaction as stem cells from a random embryo donor are more likely to face rejection after transplantation. 4. These cells may also trigger cancer or tumor formation because there are so many factors that are yet to be studied in detail. As seen above, the disadvantages of stem cell research are a formidable barrier to scientists. However as of now, the advantages of stem cell research appear to outweigh these risks and scientists are exploring ways to make stem cell research a risk-free venture.
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