There is a large ethical debate centered on research involving creation, usage, and destruction of human embryonic stem cells.  However, not all stem cell research involves these ethical debates including adult stem cell research.  In fact, much success and potential has been demonstrated from research using adult stem cells.(Avasthi).  This is why I believe more federal funding should be promised to research of adult stem cell opposed to that of embryonic stem cells. 

·      I plan on beginning my paper with an opening such as my thesis, introducing my topic.  I will probably just use the paragraph I just posted as my opening (possibly elaborate) and then carry on to give background information.

·      I want to start very general because my topic is very, very detailed and I don’t want to lose the reader right away.

o          I may do this by discussing STEM cells in general giving definitions for embryonic stem cell research and adult stem cell research to prepare my reader for what they are about to read and give them some background.  It will basically talk about the success behind stem cell research (not too long of a paragraph I hope…)

·      Next, I may want to talk about certain viewpoints such as embryonic research and why people believe it is not ethically incorrect and I hope to back it up with my claim and with specific evidence.  More they say/I say stuff.

·      Next, with my rebuttal in the previous paragraph I hope to elaborate on the positives of Adult Stem cell research and why it is better.

·      Next paragraph I want to talk about how it can help with certain diseases and which ones and why they help with those to help prove this research is better reinforcing the need for funding.

·      Next, I want to go back to ethical argument.  There are some ways to make cells look a lot like embryo’s and also there are “spare” stem cells which labs end up throwing away if the invitro mother does not need them and some people argue that that is inevitably killing a human and is just the same as working on an embryonic stem cell that no one will use.  I want to prove both of those unethical also.

·      I want to discuss the BENEFITS involved in using adult stem cell research opposed to embryonic stem cell research towards the end of my paper to leave the reader satisfied with what they read. 

·      That is roughly what I want to do.  Clearly when I write my paper, I will know what is appropriate where etc.  But lastly, I will just have a closing finishing and concluding my argument. 

The Ultimate Push for Adult Stem Cell Research

            Current research is going on proving that adult stem cell research is valid and is very possible in humans.  I understand why people do not think its possible, because they are stubborn to the fact that embryonic research is the only way to go.  I too, was at first convinced it was the only form of research valid for curing diseases, cloning, and turning cells into all sorts of things such as muscle cells or a growing part of a heart.

            However, researchers have proven the stubborn crowd, including myself wrong.  Researchers discussed in The National Review how they would no longer involve the deliberate ending of the lives of human embryos, and would rather use “teratomas” which is produced by incomplete fertilization to clone stem cells.   Emphasizing how embryonic research would no longer be needed.  In addition, it has be proven that stem cells can be made from an individual stem cell thus improving research to prevent diseases, and to help tissue’s in the body grow. 

            This argument may seem typical to make, but it’s not and it’s a rather difficult one to achieve.  Some say it is impossible, and research has only been done on animals.  Research has been done where scientists have actually seen adult stem cells transform in a Petri-dish in front of their eyes further highlighting its immense amount of possibilities. On the contrast, pro embryo researchers think it will be a long time until achieved, and if so, it wouldn’t be perfected for a long time.   They also state how left over embryos from in-vitro should be able to be used in research.  This is one case, which could be useful if the mother consents.  But is it humane?  Is that embryo a life?  Those who say embryonic research is the only way are naïve to the restriction of life.  If that is the only way – it needs to end.  Thus emphasizing the need to continue the research on adult stem cell research. 

            Other researchers have investigated how it is possible to reprogram adult human cells into an embryo-like state, which would ultimately be the end of embryonic research.  They have done this successfully in labs with exposing skin cells to four “transcription factors” which are naturally occurring chemicals that regulate genes, and load them with viruses, and after they grew in the lab dish, the skin cells turned into ones that closely resembled embryonic stem cells.  So why stop there?  Why not move a little further?  Embryonic research is inhumane.  And in my opinion, adult stem cell research is more humane and the government should fund this research so proof can be shown that embryos are no longer needed for stem cell research and the curing of diseases. 

Becky Lyus

“Is there a way to pursue the possible benefits of embryonic stem-cell research without killing human embryos?(The Week)(Brief Article) The National Review.  56.24 (2004) p6 Expanded Academics ASAP. 5 March 2009.  <http://find.galegroup.com/itx/infomark.do?contentSet=IAC-Documents&docType=IAC&type=retrieve&tabID=T003&prodId=EAIM&docId=A131003764&userGroupName=txshracd2573&version=1.0&searchType=AdvancedSearchForm&source=gale> In “Is there a way to pursue the possible benefits of embryonic stem-cell research without killing human embryos?(The Week)(Brief Article)” The National Review discusses the possibility of using stem-cell research without killing human embryos.  The Nation Review does this by discussing how they would no longer involve the deliberate ending of the lives of human embryos, rather use “teratomas” which is produced by incomplete fertilization to clone stem-cells.  This article was written in National Review, so I believe the author was intentionally giving a short overview to the nation about the upcoming studies on how to improve and continue stem-cell research in a more accepted manner. The National Review discusses these possibilities in order to reveal to readers the possibility of stem-cell research and the upcoming studies to help continue the research.  I learned about “teratomas” in this article and its possible use in the upcoming study.  This gives me a common ground to work with and another term I can research and find more about this research process.

Sachin Avasthi, R.N. Srivastava, Ajai Singh and Manoj Srivastava. “Stem cell: past, present and future—a review article. (Clinical Knowledge).” Internet Journal of Medical Update. Jan.2008. Expanded Academics ASAP. 5 March 2009. <http://find.galegroup.com/itx/retrieve.do?contentSet=IAC-Documents&resultListType=RESULT_LIST&qrySerId=Locale%28en%2C%2C%29%3AFQE%3D%28ke%2CNone%2C6%29adult+%3AAnd%3AFQE%3D%28ke%2CNone%2C18%29stem+cell+research%24&sgHitCountType=None&inPS=true&sort=DateDescend&searchType=AdvancedSearchForm&tabID=T002&prodId=EAIM&searchId=R1&currentPosition=15&userGroupName=txshracd2573&docId=A187844323&docType=IAC> In “Stem cell: past, present and future – a review article” Avasthi, R.N Srivastava, Singh, and Manoj Srivastava  highlight all the important facts and procedures stem cells are capable and incapable of doing.  The authors discuss massive amounts of research on the subject while also describing the difference between embryonic stem cells and adult stem cells. Furthermore, they discuss several diseases adult stem cells are able to cure and what they may be able to cure in the future.  The article was published in a medical update journal in a magazine which may mean the author’s were targeting the article towards an audience interested in medical papers while also a broad audience by means of placing this in a magazine.  The authors purpose is to inform the readers of developing research and why stem cells are so important in curing disease while they also include facts so the audience has a better understanding.  This article I could use to support my side of adult stem cell research because it contains certain experiments in which adult stem cell research was successful.
 

Grayling, Mindfields A.C. “From ‘pro-life’ to anti-ethics.(Commentary)(Stem cell research)(Cover story)” New Scientist. 22 December 2007. Expanded Academics ASAP. 5 March 2009. <http://find.galegroup.com/itx/retrieve.do?contentSet=IAC-Documents&resultListType=RESULT_LIST&qrySerId=Locale%28en%2C%2C%29%3AFQE%3D%28ke%2CNone%2C6%29adult+%3AAnd%3AFQE%3D%28ke%2CNone%2C18%29stem+cell+research%24&sgHitCountType=None&inPS=true&sort=DateDescend&searchType=AdvancedSearchForm&tabID=T002&prodId=EAIM&searchId=R1&currentPosition=17&userGroupName=txshracd2573&docId=A173098651&docType=IAC> In “From ‘pro-life’ to anti-ethics.(Commentary)(Stem cell research)(Cover story), Grayling argues how adult stem cell research will gain greater simplicity, straightforwardness, and safety in stem-cell research.  Grayling discusses what stem cell research is primarily for – curing diseases.  She continues her argument by giving research on embryonic stem cells not reaching adulthood causing grief to families while also emphasizing how people who do use embryonic stem cells think that is just as important as a person.  While this is presented in a scientific magazine to get her opinion on embryonic stem cell research out there,  it may also be directed at a more specific group with her use of difficult words and rather poignant opinion.  Grayling wrote this article in order to inform people of the hurt embryonic stem cell research is causing and the necessity to fight for adult research.  This is going to be useful to use the persuasion in my paper.  She was very persuasive to me by using examples such as comparing women’s ability to become barren with a fish’s ability to highlight the difficulty of level of pregnancy and the importance of an embryonic cell.

Rossant, Janet. “Stem cells: the magic brew. (Report).” Nature. 19 July 2007. Expanded Academics ASAP. 5 March 2009. <http://find.galegroup.com/itx/retrieve.do?contentSet=IAC-Documents&resultListType=RESULT_LIST&qrySerId=Locale%28en%2C%2C%29%3AFQE%3D%28ke%2CNone%2C6%29adult+%3AAnd%3AFQE%3D%28ke%2CNone%2C18%29stem+cell+research%24&sgHitCountType=None&inPS=true&sort=DateDescend&searchType=AdvancedSearchForm&tabID=T002&prodId=EAIM&searchId=R1&currentPosition=31&userGroupName=txshracd2573&docId=A185560709&docType=IAC> In “Stem cells: the magic brew,” Rossant informs the readers of the simple method for changing differentiated adult cells into stem cells.  Rossant discusses the immense possibility that humans too can undergo what mice and other animals have undergone in this process.  She is firm in her believe and provides stubborn evidence regarding her belief.  Her article appears in Nature, a scientific magazine/journal which may mean she was targeting people of scientific interest on new research on transforming adult cells to make stem cells.   Rossant includes her examples in order to persuade the audience that it is possible to go through with this research and that it has a great possibility to work.  I think this is useful for my paper because it has concrete evidence on her theories that this works.  I think this will be useful to persuade my readers that it is better than embryonic stem cell research. 

Geddes, Linda and Marshall, Jessica. “From adult to embryo: we are one step closer to treating diseases with stem cells made from a person’s own adult cells. (This week: Stem cells).” New Scientist. 9 June 2007. Expanded Academics ASAP. 5 March 2009. <http://find.galegroup.com/itx/infomark.do?contentSet=IAC-Documents&docType=IAC&type=retrieve&tabID=T002&prodId=EAIM&docId=A164829925&userGroupName=txshracd2573&version=1.0&searchType=AdvancedSearchForm&source=gale> In “From adult to embryo: we are one step closer to treating diseases with stem cells made from a person’s own adult cells,” Geddes and Marshall discuss several advances in stem cell research that may actually be milestones to accomplishing creation of stem cells from an individuals own cells opposed to needing a donated egg or embryo.  The authors begin by explaining this research while also giving examples with mice and their success while also discussing the 20 % chance of failure.  Furthermore, they discuss how it is unlike the much negatively exposed cloning of Dolly, because the adult stem cell is transferred into an egg of a different mother.  This is an article presented in the New Scientist, which proposes the idea that they wanted people interested in science to read it.  However, it is a magazine/journal so it is a more general field meaning it is allowed for all audiences interested in this uprising event.  This article will be useful in my paper because it gives me fundamental evidence that stem cells can be made from an individuals stem cell, further proving my point that embryonic stem cell research should stop.

McCormick, Jennifer B., and Scott, Christopher. “The stem-cell century: a new epoch and fresh challenges. (Essay Review).” Perspectives in Biology and Medicine.  52.1 (2009). Expanded Academic ASAP. 10 March 2009. <http://find.galegroup.com/itx/infomark.do?contentSet=IAC-Documents&docType=IAC&type=retrieve&tabID=T002&prodId=EAIM&docId=A194332272&userGroupName=txshracd2573&version=1.0&searchType=AdvancedSearchForm&source=gale> McCormick and Scott’s “The stem-cell century: a new epoch and fresh challenges. (Essay Review),” argues that embryonic stem cell research is valid, as well as providing several sides to their argument.  The author’s provide interesting metaphor’s to connect with the reader displaying embryo research is no different than a person crushing an acorn, restricting it of life.  The language and article in which this was written, clearly targets an audience who is interested in the argument against stem cell research and for those who want evidence to prove their point.   Smith includes Bush’s policy on funding restrictions in order to display the reason why people are looking for alternative ways of stem cell research.  This will be useful in my paper as the opposite view to my personal opinion.  They say that adult stem cell research is what we are resorting to by the lack of lines due to Bush’s restrictions and they also include how it is of moral conduct.

Cyranoski, David. “Stem cells: a national project.” Nature. 17 Jan 2008. Expanded Academic ASAP. 10 March 2009. <http://find.galegroup.com/itx/infomark.do?contentSet=IAC-Documents&docType=IAC&type=retrieve&tabID=T002&prodId=EAIM&docId=A193476505&userGroupName=txshracd2573&version=1.0&searchType=AdvancedSearchForm&source=gale>  David Cyranoski’s “Stem cells: a national project,” argues that it is possible to reprogram adult human cells into an embryo-like state.  Cyranoski discuses what an ‘induced pluropotent stem cell’ is and how they plan on creating this adult cell. Cyranoski includes research and increased amounts of money Japan is putting into research.   Because this article is found in the Nature magazine, it is clearly targeted at a general audience who is interested in biology.  This magazine is written with clear language targeted at all audience who are interested in the subject. Cyranoski includes this information in order to inform people that research is being done, more amounts of money are being contributed, and Japan has a plan to make this work.  I plan on using this article in my paper to further inforce that research is being done about adult stem cell research and it is soon on the way.  There are formulas that work, and they just need to make it perfect.  So without embryonic research, it will be okay because soon adult stem cell research will be perfected.

“Custom stem cells. (Upfront)(skin cells can be used for human cloning)(Brief article).” New Scientist. 24 Nov 2007. Expanded Academic ASAP. 10 March 2009. <http://find.galegroup.com/itx/retrieve.do?contentSet=IAC-Documents&resultListType=RESULT_LIST&qrySerId=Locale%28en%2C%2C%29%3AFQE%3D%28ke%2CNone%2C6%29embryo%3AAnd%3AFQE%3D%28ke%2CNone%2C9%29stem+cell%3AAnd%3AFQE%3D%28ke%2CNone%2C8%29research%24&sgHitCountType=None&inPS=true&sort=DateDescend&searchType=AdvancedSearchForm&tabID=T002&prodId=EAIM&searchId=R3&currentPosition=30&userGroupName=txshracd2573&docId=A172011171&docType=IAC> The author of “Custom stem cells. (Upfront)(Skin cells can be used for human cloning)(Brief article), wrote this article to inform the reader that embryo’s are no longer needed to treat Parkinson’s and diabetes.  The author demonstrated how they exposed skin cells to four “transcription factors”-naturally occurring chemicals that regulate genes.  They loaded them with viruses, and after they grew in the lab dish, the skin cells turned into ones that closely resembled embryonic stem cells.  This article was written in the New Scientist, so it targets audiences interested in biology.  However, by the use of language and the noted no author, it appears to be a casual article targeting anyone interested in this upcoming world phenomenon.  The author included this example in order to explain to the audience that these generated look alike “embryo cells” have the ability to turn into any tissue in the body.  This is a great resource for my paper because it actually has the steps they took to make this look a like “embryo cell” and how it has cured diseases.  This will help my argument.

Nelson, Erin. “Consent to embryo donation for human embryonic stem cell research.(Canada).” Law Review 16.2 (Spring 2008): 5(22). Expanded Academic ASAP. Gale. Texas Christian University. 10 Mar. 2009 <http://find.galegroup.com/itx/start.do?prodId=EAIM>

In “Consent to embryo donation for human embryonic stem cell research.(Canada),” Nelson discuses the legal issues upon embryonic research as well as the ethical issues.  Smith highlights the moral question of is the embryo a human being from the moment of fertilization, or is it “too rudimentary in… development to yet have interests and be the subject of moral duties.  This article is located in the Law Review, and has extensive research within it.  This may mean that this article is presented for people doing extensive research over the subject, and who are very interested in science, which we can infer by the sophisticated biological terms.  Nelsons purpose is to inform the readers of the moral issues and to inform the readers this embryonic research does not only affect women but men as well.  I can use this in my paper because it has plenty of research and gives more to an alternate side of the argument.

Condic, Maureen L. ”Getting stem cells right.(Opinion).” First Things: A Monthly Journal of Religion and Public Life 180 (Feb 2008): 10(3). Expanded Academic ASAP. Gale. Texas Christian University. 11 Mar. 2009 

<http://find.galegroup.com/itx/start.do?prodId=EAIM>  In “Getting stem cells right,” Condic argues that research should be unrestricted by all means. Condic states it is not unethical to destroy the human stem lines that we already have to compare with our new and advanced upcoming research on creating stem cells without embryos.  This article is displayed in a general magazine because it is an opinionated piece.  This means it is targeting all audiences and Condic wants everyone to know the argument at hand.  Smith’s purpose is to inform the readers it is okay to destroy the human embryo’s we already have in order to save the upcoming research.  This is a good source to use in my paper, because while it is an opinion, it has many things in the paper I could research as well as providing a valid point that it should be okay to destroy the embryos we already have donated if it is useful to science and reaching the goal of creating stem cells without the use of embryos.  

Becky Lyus

“Is there a way to pursue the possible benefits of embryonic stem-cell research without killing human embryos?(The Week)(Brief Article) The National Review.  56.24 (2004) p6 Expanded Academics ASAP. 5 March 2009.  <http://find.galegroup.com/itx/infomark.do?contentSet=IAC-Documents&docType=IAC&type=retrieve&tabID=T003&prodId=EAIM&docId=A131003764&userGroupName=txshracd2573&version=1.0&searchType=AdvancedSearchForm&source=gale> In “Is there a way to pursue the possible benefits of embryonic stem-cell research without killing human embryos?(The Week)(Brief Article)” The National Review discusses the possibility of using stem-cell research without killing human embryos.  The Nation Review does this by discussing how they would no longer involve the deliberate ending of the lives of human embryos, rather use “teratomas” which is produced by incomplete fertilization to clone stem-cells.  This article was written in National Review, so I believe the author was intentionally giving a short overview to the nation about the upcoming studies on how to improve and continue stem-cell research in a more accepted manner. The National Review discusses these possibilities in order to reveal to readers the possibility of stem-cell research and the upcoming studies to help continue the research.  I learned about “teratomas” in this article and its possible use in the upcoming study.  This gives me a common ground to work with and another term I can research and find more about this research process.

Sachin Avasthi, R.N. Srivastava, Ajai Singh and Manoj Srivastava. “Stem cell: past, present and future—a review article. (Clinical Knowledge).” Internet Journal of Medical Update. Jan.2008. Expanded Academics ASAP. 5 March 2009. <http://find.galegroup.com/itx/retrieve.do?contentSet=IAC-Documents&resultListType=RESULT_LIST&qrySerId=Locale%28en%2C%2C%29%3AFQE%3D%28ke%2CNone%2C6%29adult+%3AAnd%3AFQE%3D%28ke%2CNone%2C18%29stem+cell+research%24&sgHitCountType=None&inPS=true&sort=DateDescend&searchType=AdvancedSearchForm&tabID=T002&prodId=EAIM&searchId=R1&currentPosition=15&userGroupName=txshracd2573&docId=A187844323&docType=IAC> In “Stem cell: past, present and future – a review article” Avasthi, R.N Srivastava, Singh, and Manoj Srivastava  highlight all the important facts and procedures stem cells are capable and incapable of doing.  The authors discuss massive amounts of research on the subject while also describing the difference between embryonic stem cells and adult stem cells. Furthermore, they discuss several diseases adult stem cells are able to cure and what they may be able to cure in the future.  The article was published in a medical update journal in a magazine which may mean the author’s were targeting the article towards an audience interested in medical papers while also a broad audience by means of placing this in a magazine.  The authors purpose is to inform the readers of developing research and why stem cells are so important in curing disease while they also include facts so the audience has a better understanding.  This article I could use to support my side of adult stem cell research because it contains certain experiments in which adult stem cell research was successful.
 

Grayling, Mindfields A.C. “From ‘pro-life’ to anti-ethics.(Commentary)(Stem cell research)(Cover story)” New Scientist. 22 December 2007. Expanded Academics ASAP. 5 March 2009. <http://find.galegroup.com/itx/retrieve.do?contentSet=IAC-Documents&resultListType=RESULT_LIST&qrySerId=Locale%28en%2C%2C%29%3AFQE%3D%28ke%2CNone%2C6%29adult+%3AAnd%3AFQE%3D%28ke%2CNone%2C18%29stem+cell+research%24&sgHitCountType=None&inPS=true&sort=DateDescend&searchType=AdvancedSearchForm&tabID=T002&prodId=EAIM&searchId=R1&currentPosition=17&userGroupName=txshracd2573&docId=A173098651&docType=IAC> In “From ‘pro-life’ to anti-ethics.(Commentary)(Stem cell research)(Cover story), Grayling argues how adult stem cell research will gain greater simplicity, straightforwardness, and safety in stem-cell research.  Grayling discusses what stem cell research is primarily for – curing diseases.  She continues her argument by giving research on embryonic stem cells not reaching adulthood causing grief to families while also emphasizing how people who do use embryonic stem cells think that is more important than a person.  While this is presented in a scientific magazine to get her opinion on embryonic stem cell research out there,  it may also be directed at a more specific group with her use of difficult words and rather poignant opinion.  Grayling wrote this article in order to inform people of the hurt embryonic stem cell research is causing and the necessity to fight for adult research.  This is going to be useful to use the persuasion in my paper.  She was very persuasive to me by using examples such as comparing women’s ability to become barren with a fish’s ability to highlight the difficulty of level of pregnancy and the importance of an embryonic cell.

Rossant, Janet. “Stem cells: the magic brew. (Report).” Nature. 19 July 2007. Expanded Academics ASAP. 5 March 2009. <http://find.galegroup.com/itx/retrieve.do?contentSet=IAC-Documents&resultListType=RESULT_LIST&qrySerId=Locale%28en%2C%2C%29%3AFQE%3D%28ke%2CNone%2C6%29adult+%3AAnd%3AFQE%3D%28ke%2CNone%2C18%29stem+cell+research%24&sgHitCountType=None&inPS=true&sort=DateDescend&searchType=AdvancedSearchForm&tabID=T002&prodId=EAIM&searchId=R1&currentPosition=31&userGroupName=txshracd2573&docId=A185560709&docType=IAC> In “Stem cells: the magic brew,” Rossant informs the readers of the simple method for changing differentiated adult cells into stem cells.  Rossant discusses the immense possibility that humans too can undergo what mice and other animals have undergone in this process.  She is firm in her believe and provides stubborn evidence regarding her belief.  Her article appears in Nature, a scientific magazine/journal which may mean she was targeting people of scientific interest on new research on transforming adult cells to make stem cells.   Rossant includes her examples in order to persuade the audience that it is possible to go through with this research and that it has a great possibility to work.  I think this is useful for my paper because it has concrete evidence on her theories that this works.  I think this will be useful to persuade my readers that it is better than embryonic stem cell research. 

Geddes, Linda and Marshall, Jessica. “From adult to embryo: we are one step closer to treating diseases with stem cells made from a person’s own adult cells. (This week: Stem cells).” New Scientist. 9 June 2007. Expanded Academics ASAP. 5 March 2009. <http://find.galegroup.com/itx/infomark.do?contentSet=IAC-Documents&docType=IAC&type=retrieve&tabID=T002&prodId=EAIM&docId=A164829925&userGroupName=txshracd2573&version=1.0&searchType=AdvancedSearchForm&source=gale> In “From adult to embryo: we are one step closer to treating diseases with stem cells made from a person’s own adult cells,” Geddes and Marshall discuss several advances in stem cell research that may actually be milestones to accomplishing creation of stem cells from an individuals own cells opposed to needing a donated egg or embryo.  The authors begin by explaining this research while also giving examples with mice and their success while also discussing the 20 % chance of failure.  Furthermore, they discuss how it is unlike the much negatively exposed cloning of Dolly because the adult stem cell is transferred into an egg of a different mother.  This is an article presented in the New Scientist, which propses the idea that they wanted people interested in science to read it.  However, it is a magazine/journal so it is a more general field meaning it is allowed for all audiences interested in this uprising event.  This article will be useful in my paper because it gives me fundamental evidence that stem cells can be made from an individuals stem cells, further proving my point that embryonic stem cell research should stop.

McCormick, Jennifer B., and Scott, Christopher. “The stem-cell century: a new epoch and fresh challenges. (Essay Review).” Perspectives in Biology and Medicine.  52.1 (2009). Expanded Academic ASAP. 10 March 2009. <http://find.galegroup.com/itx/infomark.do?contentSet=IAC-Documents&docType=IAC&type=retrieve&tabID=T002&prodId=EAIM&docId=A194332272&userGroupName=txshracd2573&version=1.0&searchType=AdvancedSearchForm&source=gale> McCormick and Scott’s “The stem-cell century: a new epoch and fresh challenges. (Essay Review),” argues that embryonic stem cell research is valid, as well as providing several sides to their argument.  The author’s provide interesting metaphor’s to connect with the reader displaying embryo research is no different than a person crushing an acorn, restricting it of life.  The language and article in which this was written, clearly targets an audience who is interested in the argument against stem cell research and for those who want evidence to prove their point.   Smith includes Bush’s policy on funding restrictions in order to display the reason why people are looking for alternative ways of stem cell research.  This will be useful in my paper as the opposite view to my personal opinion.  They say that adult stem cell research is what we are resorting to by the lack of lines due to Bush’s restrictions and they also include how it is of moral conduct.

Cyranoski, David. “Stem cells: a national project.” Nature. 17 Jan 2008. Expanded Academic ASAP. 10 March 2009. <http://find.galegroup.com/itx/infomark.do?contentSet=IAC-Documents&docType=IAC&type=retrieve&tabID=T002&prodId=EAIM&docId=A193476505&userGroupName=txshracd2573&version=1.0&searchType=AdvancedSearchForm&source=gale>  David Cyranoski’s “Stem cells: a national project,” argues that it is possible to reprogram adult human cells into an embryo-like state.  Cyranoski discuses what an ‘induced pluropotent stem cell’ is and how they plan on creating this adult cell. Cyranoski includes research and increased amounts of money Japan is putting into research.   Because this article is found in the Nature magazine, it is clearly targeted at a general audience who is interested in biology.  This magazine is written with clear language targeted at all audience who are interested in the subject. Cyranoski includes this information in order to inform people that research is being done, more amounts of money are being contributed, and Japan has a plan to make this work.  I plan on using this article in my paper to further inforce that research is being done about adult stem cell research and it is soon on the way.  There are formulas that work, and they just need to make it perfect.  So without embryonic research, it will be okay because soon adult stem cell research will be perfected.

“Custom stem cells. (Upfront)(skin cells can be used for human cloning)(Brief article).” New Scientist. 24 Nov 2007. Expanded Academic ASAP. 10 March 2009. <http://find.galegroup.com/itx/retrieve.do?contentSet=IAC-Documents&resultListType=RESULT_LIST&qrySerId=Locale%28en%2C%2C%29%3AFQE%3D%28ke%2CNone%2C6%29embryo%3AAnd%3AFQE%3D%28ke%2CNone%2C9%29stem+cell%3AAnd%3AFQE%3D%28ke%2CNone%2C8%29research%24&sgHitCountType=None&inPS=true&sort=DateDescend&searchType=AdvancedSearchForm&tabID=T002&prodId=EAIM&searchId=R3&currentPosition=30&userGroupName=txshracd2573&docId=A172011171&docType=IAC> The author of “Custom stem cells. (Upfront)(Skin cells can be used for human cloning)(Brief article), wrote this article to inform the reader that embryo’s are no longer needed to treat Parkinson’s and diabetes.  The author demonstrated how they exposed skin cells to four “transcription factors”-naturally occurring chemicals that regulate genes.  They loaded them with viruses, and after they grew in the lab dish, the skin cells turned into ones that closely resembled embryonic stem cells.  This article was written in the New Scientist, so it was targeting audiences interested in biology.  However, by the use of language and the noted no author, it appears to be a casual article targeting anyone interested in this upcoming world phenomenon.  The author included this example in order to explain to the audience that these generated look alike “embryo cells” have the ability to turn into any tissue in the body.  This is a great resource for my paper because it actually has the steps they took to make this look a like “embryo cell” and how it has cured diseases.  This will help my argument.

Nelson, Erin. “Consent to embryo donation for human embryonic stem cell research.(Canada).” Law Review 16.2 (Spring 2008): 5(22). Expanded Academic ASAP. Gale. Texas Christian University. 10 Mar. 2009 <http://find.galegroup.com/itx/start.do?prodId=EAIM>

In “Consent to embryo donation for human embryonic stem cell research.(Canada),” Nelson discuses the legal issues upon embryonic research as well as the ethical issues.  Smith highlights the moral question of  is the embryo a human being from the moment of fertilization, or is it “too rudimentary in… development to yet have interests and be the subject of moral duties.  This article is located in the Law Review, and has extensive research within it.  This may mean that this article is presented for people doing extensive research over the subject, and who are very interested in science which we can infer by the sophisticated biological terms.  Nelsons purpose is to inform the readers of the moral issues and to inform the readers this embryonic research does not only effect women but men as well.  I can use this in my paper because it has plenty of research and gives more to an alternate side of the argument.

Condic, Maureen L. ”Getting stem cells right.(Opinion).” First Things: A Monthly Journal of Religion and Public Life 180 (Feb 2008): 10(3). Expanded Academic ASAP. Gale. Texas Christian University. 11 Mar. 2009 

<http://find.galegroup.com/itx/start.do?prodId=EAIM>  In “Getting stem cells right,” Condic argues that research should be unrestricted by all means. Condic states it is not unethical to destroy the human stem lines that we already have to compare with our new and advanced upcoming research on creating stem cells without embryos.  This article is displayed in a general magazine because it is an opinionated piece.  This means it is targeting all audiences and Condic wants everyone to know the argument at hand.  Smith’s purpose is to inform the readers it is okay to destroy the human embryo’s we already have in order to save the upcoming research.  This is a good source to use in my paper, because while it is an opinion, it has many things in the paper I could research as well as providing a valid point that it should be okay to destroy the embryos we already have donated if it is useful to science and reaching the goal of creating stem cells without the use of embryos.  

Stem Cell Research (Adult vs embryonic)

·      I have chosen to investigate among the argument whether or not to be able to test adult stem cells opposed to embryonic stem cells.   I do have an opinion formed about this argument.  I believe we should be able to test adult stem cells.  The reason I believe this is because empryonic stem cells are extremely limited because not many people are willing to donate.  This is because an embryonic cell is actually a sperm and an egg creating life.  This is contrasting with adult cells which could be cultured and not taken from an embryo, and we could get ahead in research as well as curing diseases etc.  I think this would be really interesting because I don’t know much about this and this could be something I want to study in my future.  I have a great interest for biology, and I think this would be in interesting topic to research. 

·      This is a rather large and a topic that is effecting and very interesting to the world right now.  It might be hard to narrow my topic down to a shorter one just because it is such a big deal. Maybe I could look into a certain field where using adult stem cells opposed to embryonic is better.  I could research maybe using it to cure a certain disease or how it is better effects more lives than embryonic.

·      What are the advantages for using adult stem cell research?

·      I believe on the internet there are a wide variety of viewpoints available.  I’ve even heard people in my small group in class have opposing viewpoints about the topic.  I think this will be a great topic to research because the internet is bound to have plenty of information on this topic available especially during this time.  I think medical websites would be especially welcoming to my topic, as well as journals and newspaper articles available on the TCU server.

·      This is a wide topic, but it could also be narrow.  There is an answer to my argument and its simple; testing of adult stem cells should be allowed.  It’s simple and clear and I can find support to support why I think that.  But my question would be, Should adult stem cell research be allowed opposed to the now used embryonic stem cell research? 

            My heart was pounding as the doors opened to my last sorority house of the day.  My head was beaming with sweat and I wondered if they would notice how nervous I was behind my smile.  The doors opened and I was completely blindsided by the sight of 180 girls jumping and screaming “Go Tri Delta be a Tri Delta” – and then I entered.

             Tri Delt captured me at once.  I was taken back by how loud they cheered for me as I entered the house.  All of the girls made me feel at home right away.  They walked me through the room and sat me down, making me feel at ease.  Instead of kneeling in front of me, as most other sororities had done, they sat next to me making me feel equal.  I was truly content, and excited to meet everyone surrounding me.

            I joined Tri Delt In August of 2008 as an incoming freshman.  Tri Delt is a national social organization, also known as a “sisterhood” that is offered on campus for girls that attend the college.  In order for me to be accepted into a sorority, I had to go through an incredibly turbulent road.  The steps I took were quite tedious.   It all began the summer before rush when composite pictures were taken to send to all of the sororities.  Along with the photograph, resume’s had to be created and recommendations were required to send to all of the sororities involved in TCU.  For each woman who gave me a recommendation, I had to give a resume and composite pictures. Luckily for me, I had many friends with mothers in all sorts of sororities so finding recommendations wasn’t too difficult.  After I had all of your recommendations sent in, I had to find appropriate outfits to wear each day. However, the hardest part was the steps involved during the week of rush. In the beginning, all the girls rushing would get into small groups, and go to different sorority houses each day in order to get to know the girls.  This made the experience much easier because we were in separate “rho gamma” groups, which were small groups with other PNM’s (potential new members).  These groups had non-biased leaders who led the girls through rush, and the same group of girls to gather with everyday.  These groups also gave girls the opportunity to meet new people.  Then each day we would have to lessen the amount of houses we wanted to go back to.  And by the last day PNM’s had to choose between three houses at max.  The experience itself was quite nerve-racking, but incredibly exciting at the same time.  In each of the houses the girls would perform skits, give us different drinks, and tell us all about their sorority life.   Tri Delt’s was the most exceptional to me because it made me extremely emotional.  I knew at that point I wanted to be a Tri Delt, but I  found myself in tears.  I had my hopes so high that this sorority was the one for me, that I suddenly had become afraid the sorority didn’t want me.  Shaken up, I left nervous for the final step which consisted of opening up a single letter from the chapter that had chosen you.   This single letter told it all.  And right when I opened mine, I knew I had made the right decision.  It read, “Delta Delta Delta cordially invites Becky Lyus to become a member of Phi Lambda Chapter, Texas Christian University.”  That was the “it” moment for me.  My mouth dropped, and all the girls around me were also newly found Tri Delt’s as well.   We hugged, and danced and sprinted out the door directly to the Tri Delt house.  All my fears were gone.

            The very first night of being involved with Tri Delt, I was beyond excited. I had a beaming smile on my face full of thrill to meet all the people that had been selected to be a part of my pledge class.   This was what I had been anticipating all summer; would I find a sorority that fit my mold, and would I have fun with them?  Tri Delt had planned activities to get to know one another and we were able to bond immediately. The first month we had so many events to get to know the girls, and to my surprise, I made close friends straight away.   Fraternity parties or Tri Delt Mixers were always a fun way to get to know many of the freshmen.  Date nights were by far the most exciting part of getting to know my pledge sisters and some guys on campus.  This is when the freshman in a certain fraternity asks our pledge class out on a date.    It was rather charming and made my pledge sisters and I nervous when they walked into our chapter room with roses asking us to dine with them.  At first I was baffled and confused on how this “date night” was going to work.  When really, it consisted generally of a fun dinner with dancing and going to mingle at the fraternity house or at the party of the night.   These were just a few of the traditions our Literacy group consisted of. 

            Clearly there are parts of a sorority that must remain secret, including initiation, and the talk amongst chapter.   The language is very private.  For instance, every chapter meeting we have an opening saying and a closing saying, which is only known within the members.  We have songs we sing while initiation.  Also during rush, each sorority makes up a routine, skit, and songs, which makes each of the sororities completely unique.

            Throughout the course in which I have been involved with Tri Delt, I have adopted many new and interesting values. While we have social events we also must take part in community service each semester.  We also do small things such as bring in books, staples, clothes, and trinkets for the needy.  Although I hate to admit it, I never really did these things in my hometown community.  Being required to do community service has opened my eyes to many new experiences. I value each and every one of my pledge sisters because these women are who push and encourage me everyday.  I feel more independent and capable of doing tasks with the help of my sorority.  Tri Delt offers bible study, and community service which have also improved my satisfaction with life.  I recently served as a volunteer for Kinderfrogs, which is located on TCU campus.  This is a school for the mentally disabled in particularly Down Syndrome children.  I got the lovely opportunity of working with the youngest, and they were adorable.  While it is an incredibly fun thing to do, it has also taught me more values and to get involved in more community service.   Going to Kinderfrogs has even made an impact of my choice of major – education.  I think this is one of the most wonderful things we as a sorority partake in.  

            Now, when I enter the doors to Tri Delta I no longer have fast heartbeats, and beads of sweats of nervousness.  I am truly at home.  Especially with my pledge class of 46 girls, in the Phi Lambda chapter; solely the best community I have ever been a part of.  Its diversity, excitement, service, and everlasting friendship makes it extremely important to me.  While I’ve only been involved for five months, I can only imagine the upcoming opportunities I will endure over the next three and a half years.