This 5.5 minute video segment adapted from NOVA scienceNOW examines the work of medical researchers who are developing new techniques to repair and replace failing human organs by growing them from a patient’s own cells, thus preventing organ rejection. Organs can be grown on both synthetic scaffolds and the nonliving protein skeleton of an existing organ. If perfected, the techniques could save the lives of thousands of people who die before donor organs become available.

Three discussion-based activities exploring the regulation of stem cell research. An extract from the BBSRC publication Stem cells - science and ethics (3rd edition).

Designed primarily for post-16 students to use themselves, the full booklet also contains classroom activities.

Each of the five units begins with a list of the learning standards that can be taught using the materials, including lesson plans, power points, videos, background information for teachers, interactive activities, assessment tools and separate glossaries for teachers and students.

 This presentation was made by the Stem Cell Education Outreach Program (SCEOP) at UC Berkeley. The Stem Cell Education Outreach Program is part of a movement in and by California (the California Stem Cell Education Initiative) to incorporate stem cell topics into high school science classes. This notated presentation covers stem cell and regenerative medicine learning standards of the Advanced Placement Biology syllabus. ( PowerPoint for AP Biology or advanced biology classes).

Stephen Cuff is only 39, but he suffers from Parkinson's Disease and it has turned his life upside down. He can no longer look after his two children and basic day-to-day activities like shaving, takes him a long time. Conventional drugs have not been successful for Stephen, leaving him no option but to undergo brain surgery. Stephen's operation is successful, but it doesn't cure him. One potential future cure is embryonic stem (ES) cell therapy. Professor Wilmut introduces us to the concept of stem cells and the science behind them, whilst presenting his opinion of the technology. Alison Davies, the chair of No Less Human, is a wheelchair user who would refuse ES cell therapy if it were available. She offers a different ethical perspective as to why the use of ES cells should not be permitted.

This activity adapted from the HHMI Outreach Program at Harvard University demonstrates the ways in which stem cells can be used to treat and help cure diseases in humans. The activity explains what stem cells are and how they're produced, and provides details on their existing or potential therapeutic role in diseases related to the pancreas, liver, lungs, and bone marrow.  This resource includes a background essay, video and dscussion questions.

Stem cells are the source, or “stem,” for all of the specialized cells that form our organs and tissues. There are many kinds of stem cells, but two types have made frequent appearances in the news: embryonic stem are present in very early—and very tiny—embryos, and produce the first cells of the heart, brain, and other organs. They have the potential to form just about any other cell in the body.

Humans may not look much like flatworms, but there’s a surprising overlap between our genome and that of a planarian due to our distant yet common past. At least one of the genes we share is expressed in both planarian and human stem cells and is likely to be involved in regeneration. 

This engaging web-based presentation explores regeneration in nature in planaria and why this is medically interesting for humans.

An overview of the human mammary gland with a focus on the role of breast stem cells during pregnancy. The primary function of the mammary gland is to produce milk to nourish young offspring. The mammary gland is comprised of three main cell types; alveolar, ductal and myoepithelial cells. During pregnancy, the mammary gland increases in size due to the action of breast stem cells, which can mature into any of the three mammary gland cell types.

In 2011, a Visual Science Award was given to the best short that depicts a science in a visually-engaging manner. This year’s winner was “Breast Stem Cells”

The embryonic stem cell debate generates strong and emotive knowledge issues, which is evidenced by the fact that the case was passed all the way up to the European Court of Justice.  With the ban on patenting methods based on the destruction of embryonic stem cells, we add the elements of patenting and intellectual ownership (and of course the knock-on effects to funding, progress and public perception).  After reading through, understanding and discussing several resources, what knowledge issues can be identified?