Final answer:
The costs associated with stem cell research are primarily invested in the development of therapies to replace dead or damaged cells, involving overcoming scientific and ethical challenges. Option (C) reflects this aspect of stem cell research, as it aims to harness the potential of these cells for regenerative medicine. Option C is correct answer.
Step-by-step explanation:
Costs of Stem Cell Research
The question concerns the costs associated with stem cell research, which is a significant area of study in medicine. Stem cell research involves the use of unspecialized cells that have the potential to differentiate into various specialized cells required by the body. This feature provides hope for the regeneration and repair of damaged tissues, which could be groundbreaking for treating diseases such as diabetes, heart disease, and nerve damage. Stem cells have been found in various parts of the body, such as different layers of the skin, where they aid in tissue repair.
Embryonic stem cells, while having almost unlimited potential, are often seen as foreign by a patient's immune system, leading to the risk of rejection. Additionally, the ethical and legal issues raised by the creation and destruction of embryos for obtaining these cells are significant. This is contrasted by adult stem cells, which may not face these concerns but have more limited differentiation abilities.
One important application of stem cell research is in the field of cell-based therapy. In this treatment, stem cells are induced to differentiate into specific cell types and are then injected into patients to repair damaged or destroyed tissues. However, stem cells also present challenges such as immunological rejection, ethical concerns, and the high costs of research and development, including the technology used for cloning and the necessity of rigorous trials to ensure safety and efficacy.
With this context in mind, it is clear that option (C) they may be able to replace dead or damaged cells is the correct choice as it directly explains the costs involved in stem cell research that aims to develop therapies to replace non-functioning or damaged cells with functioning ones. The research investments are targeted at overcoming the numerous scientific and ethical hurdles to make these therapies viable and safe for widespread use.