iPS CELLS

Induced pluripotentiary cells or also known as iPS cells are adult somatic cells that are not naturally pluripotent but are induced or forced to differentiate into different cell types. This is important as it could potentially be an efficient alternative to embryonic stem cells which there are a lot of ethical and moral issues surrounding. Even though iPS cells are relatively new and needs more research, it has already proven to be a useful tool in the scientific and medical field. So through this a new way to de-differentiate cells has come to be and this is similar to how stem cells work, but only the cells have a predetermined developmental fate into specific cell types. One of the great advantages of this is that the tissues derived from this type of iPS cells will be identically matched to the cell donor and will avoid the risks of body rejection of the immune system. iPS cells have the potential to lead medical research in creating all types of advancements for treating diseases and organ failures.

What about stems cells the? Are iPS cells really a good alternative to stem cells, or are there draw backs that will make iPS cells vastly inferior to stem cells? Well, there are advantages and disadvantages with these induced pluripotent cells. Firstly, one of the clear advangages of iPS cells is the lack of ethical and moral issues surrounding the use and study of. Another advantage would be the lack of immune system rejection from the body. It is an innovative way to replacing damaged parts of the body and as shown in studies, it has already proven to be able to restore sight by replacing tissues in the eyes. iPS cells may go much further than stem cells will simply because the research of it will not cross the many morality lines that embryonic stems cells have to. In addition iPS cells are also easier to obtain since they can be created in a laboratory unlike embryonic stem cells which needs to be obtained through umbilical cords and embryos. There are some disadvantages as well though, one being that iPS cells take a long time and a lot of money to produce and since it is specialized for each individual, it becomes very time consuming. Another things is that stem cells are so successful that iPS cells might find it harder to launch. However, I do think that iPS cells are a great asset and there's a lot of future possibilities if further research continues. I think eventually, using iPS cells, scientists will be able to create an entire human being with it, and of course that will bring forth much conversational ethical issues because the technology will definitely be abused by some. However, as of now, there is definitely more benefits then disadvantages. As for any future problems with the induced pleuripotent cells, they will definitely be there, but only time will tell problems will exactly arise. Even if that happens, we must tackle it head on as a community, but since society is evolving so fast, it is hard to make predictions on how everything will work out.