Don't remember? Don't fret! First things first, let's brush up on your stem cell lingo. Click here for your quick reference guide to stem cells. Pay close attention to Embryonic Stem (ES) Cells and Induced Pluripotent Stem (iPS) Cells.
What are the similarities between these types of cells?
What are the differences?
Compare the ethical implications of using these types of cells. What does this imply about the future of stem cell research?
Do you think iPS cells could end the long-standing "Stem Cell Debate"?
Family Guy - "Why Are We Not Funding This Research?"
Watch this clip from the TV show "Family Guy". What is your initial reaction to this video? How does it portray stem cell research? What doesn't it portray about stem cell research?
Stem Cell Cartoon
Now, consider this political cartoon. What point is this author trying to make? How does this message differ from the "Family Guy" video clip?
What might the two sides of "The Stem Cell Debate" be arguing?
New Device to Improve the Collection of Stem Cells
This article discusses a new device that may improve the number of stem cells collected from a newborn's umbilical cord and placenta. How might such a device fuel the stem cell debate? Why might future research make such a device obsolete? What implications does this device have for the future of embryonic stem cells and their use?
Bartolo Colon: Did stem cells save his pitching career?
Yankee's pitcher Bartolo Colon received controversial stem cell therapy to heal a hurt shoulder. Read the article to get the details. While you read, consider these questions:
What kind of stem cells do you think they used in his surgery, ES or iPS?
Can a players own stem cells be considered a "performance enhancer"?
Do you consider this treatment to be an unfair advantage, similar to a player taking steroids?
Many players' careers ended due to injury. How will this research impact the future of any game?
Parents Going Gray?
The following is an article demonstrating one example of
the future of stem cell research.
Current research is making great strides in the use of stem cells.
What does this mean for your future?
Scientists believe they have cracked the code to restore hair to its original color. They have found a protein called wnt that is responsible for producing color in hair and also stimulates hair growth and produces new hair follicles. The lack of wnt activation in melanocyte stem cells leads to de-pigmented or grey hair. So far experiments have been performed on mice but it may be just a matter of time before hair products that raise wnt levels in humans appear on the market. This will be good news for those who are tired of frequent root touchups.
http://www.neatorama.com/2011/06/18/grey-hair-may-be-a-thing-of-the-past/
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