Applying computer modeling
of stem cells to research.

Stem cell science

Stem cell research has come a long way since the discovery of stem cells in human embryos in 1998 but will recent advances in computer modeling of stem cells hold any more answers that we already have? Computer modeling is very much an engineering principle applied in many different industries and for various purposes and the power and adaptability of modern computers and software means that the possibilities for computer modeling are growing at a fast rate. It seems logical, therefore, that this science would be transposed into the world of medicine and in particular stem cell research.

Indeed, for many years now, computer modeling has been used in medical science. The discovery of and increased knowledge that we have of DNA and a great many drugs and diseases would have been highly unlikely without the assistance of artificial intelligence. Computers can not think for themselves and it is obviously necessary to have doctors with a great knowledge of the subject area establishing the modeling but once this has been done the computer really comes into it's own. It can study relational attributes and apply certain theories in seconds that would take a human days, weeks or even months to complete manually.

The biggest test when it comes to stem cell research has been training the stem cells to grow into the cells required within the human body. A stem cell acts like a blank canvas until it is needed, and only then does it begin it's amazing transformation into cells, tissue or even organs. Without the correct conditions stem cells are unlikely to simply guess and develop as required. Computer modeling of stem cells has allowed scientists, such as Dr Zandstra of Toronto University, to complete ongoing tests on stem cells. Previously, many of these tests have been conducted on mouse embryos but amongst the results have been positive signs that stem cells can be effectively stored and managed until they are required.

Advances in computer science and in particular computer modeling mean that these tests are soon to be taken to the next level with tests conducted on people as well as animals. The computer modeling allows doctors to predict what will happen under certain circumstances based on theory and on animal testing. Eventually it is very likely that these tests will truly come to fruition with the creation of stem cell transplants being integrated into modern operational transfusions.

Since the days of Jamie Thomson stem cells discovery in 1998 the debate has remained a hotly debated one over stem cells and the use of them in medical science. In part this is mostly surrounding the use of embryonic stem cells, but there are other alternatives. Cord blood is an excellent source of stem cells that show an excellent level of plasticity and is only extracted from the umbilical cord after birth when the cord is usually disposed of anyway. For all the knockers that stem cell research has there are also a large number of advocates.

Diabetes organizations around the world recognize stem cell research could have the answer to curing type I diabetes. This is a cure that has previously eluded patients, doctors and scientists alike and diabetes sufferers know that this is the best chance they have of finding a cure. As such, many people have been lobbying against the government to allow research to not only continue but also progress and deepen. For Emma Yerrick stem cells Ohio are a very important factor. She is one of 150 young children with Type 1 diabetes who have actively spoken and lobbied for the use and advance of stem cell research.

The debate over using embryonic stem cells arises because the extraction of the stem cell from an embryo will certainly kill that embryo off. The government and protestors fear that allowing the use of embryos in this fashion will eventually lead to forced terminations. At present there are no other known ways of artificially creating stem cells without destroying human embryos and it is also difficult to answer the question of why are stem cells produced in bone marrow because for every bone marrow donor there are a large number of patients who need the transfusion.

Stem cell research really does appear to hold the key to curing a number of different deadly diseases. Parkinson's, different types of cancer and anemia are only a few of these diseases but through the use of computer modeling of stem cells it is quite possible that these answers can be unlocked for the benefit of everyone.

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