奥巴马干细胞演讲英文
Obamas Speech on Stem Cell Research
In March 2009, the United States President Barack Obama gave a speech where he announced that he was reversing George W. Bushs restrictions on embryonic stem cell research funding. The speech addressed the potential impact of stem cell research on human health and the ethical considerations involved.
Background
Stem cells are unique cells that have the ability to develop into various types of cells in the body. Embryonic stem cells are stem cells that are derived from embryos that are a few days old. These cells are pluripotent, meaning they have the potential to differentiate into any type of cell in the body. This makes them valuable in the development of medical treatments for numerous diseases and injuries, such as heart disease, Parkinsons disease, and spinal cord injuries.
However, the use of embryonic stem cells is controversial because it involves the destruction of embryos. In 2001, President George W. Bush signed an executive order that limited federal funding for embryonic stem cell research to existing lines of stem cells. This meant that researchers were restricted from using federal funds to create new embryonic stem cell lines.
Obamas Decision
In his speech, Obama announced that he was reversing Bushs executive order and allowing federal funding for research involving new embryonic stem cell lines. He stressed the importance of investing in science to tackle some of the worlds most pressing health problems. He also acknowledged the ethical concerns surrounding embryonic stem cell research and emphasized the need for regulation and oversight.
Obamas decision was met with both praise and criticism. Supporters of stem cell research believed that the move would accelerate progress in finding treatments for various diseases. Critics argued that killing embryos violated the sanctity of life and that alternative forms of stem cell research, such as adult stem cell research, should be pursued instead.
Impact
Obamas decision had a major impact on the funding and progress of stem cell research in the United States. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) began providing federal funds for research involving new embryonic stem cell lines. This opened up more opportunities for scientists to continue exploring the potential of embryonic stem cells in medical treatments.
Today, embryonic stem cells are still being researched, although new developments in induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cell technology have created an alternative to using embryonic stem cells for medical research. These iPS cells are derived from adult cells and reprogrammed to act like embryonic stem cells, eliminating the need to destroy embryos.
Conclusion
Obamas speech on stem cell research was a major moment in the history of the field. His decision to allow federal funding for new embryonic stem cell lines had a significant impact on the progress of the research in the United States. It also sparked a debate about the ethical considerations involved in the use of embryonic stem cells and the importance of alternative forms of stem cell research.
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