What are Stem Cells?

If by chance I am around my laptop long enough to entertain a conversation via AIM, it may just as well be universally known that it is with a college student or a person old enough to have similar expectations regarding their intelligence. I don’t mean that a 34 year old person on my buddy list is expected to find the antiderivative given a mixed set of variables and numbers; I mean that this 34 year old should be able to carry out a meaningful conversation. (ROFL ;P, right?) Everyone I associate myself with online is capable enough to have a casual and intellectual conversation (sometimes if they tried.)

It isn’t quite so astonishing to see people complacent on a subject so as not to delve further in the discussion. I know I do it a lot. Some people just don’t care. But mostly, I see that people don’t question things often enough.

I say, “…and I should have gone to the library to work on my senior thesis.”

Then said person(s) asks, “On what is your senior thesis?”

I would reply, “My stem cell research that I do on campus.”

And the only response I get is “Oh.” Nevermind that, if I was pathetic enough to feel offended, hardly any undergraduate students have the inspiration to take on this daunting task. Nevermind that stem cell research is the cutting edge medical research of today, or that it’s grossly controversial, or that I just might be using embryonic stem cells. Screw all of that, and dig down to a bigger foundation: Stem cells?

I wish people didn’t feel foolish and pass up a chance. I try my best to ask my stupid questions because then people wouldn’t have to think I know everything, but mostly so that I have my solid understanding. Why do some people want to prevent global warming? Why do people think global warming is a concern that wastes our time? Why do foreigners think Americans are stupid? Why do Americans think Americans are stupid? Why does Canada have a seemingly better sane grip on their gun control, and America doesn’t? Why are people still so racist? Why does the psychological factor influence a person’s feelings and reactions? Why do people find a product more appealing through an advertisement in a magazine?

God, what would I give to hear more from a smart, talented, sophisticated, artistic and respected student ask… “What are stem cells?” “What were you doing with them?” “Why?”

I merely use this scenario because it is a very recent example. In this case, there are only two types of people I encounter from inquisitive folks:

1. The people who really know what I’m talking about
2. The people who don’t know what a stem cell is to begin with
   I wish the future would change in our best interest all the time. So if you don’t know the meaning of some long-lettered word, ask or look it up! And if you don’t know what are stem cells, I’ll be waiting for your instant message.