Stem cells have a lot of potential for medicine. Scientists are trying to understand how to persuade specialised cells to become stem cells again and genes like Ezh2 may hold the key to doing this.  This Virtual Lab experiment investigates the role of the gene Ezh2 in stem cell biology. Students look at microscopic images - comparing normal mouse stem cells with Ezh2 knockout cells. Teacher handbook, notated presentation and lesson plans included.

Our heart has a very important biological function within our body. The heart is responsible for pumping blood throughout our bodies, which allows other organs to function properly.  Learn about the heart:

• Biology of the Heart: What is the function of the heart? What does it do?
• Heart Injury: How can the heart become damaged? What factors can contribute to this?
• Modern Medicine for the Heart: How can scientists use modern medicine to heal damaged hearts?
• Regenerative Medicine for the Heart: How can regenerative medicine heal damaged hearts even more effectively than modern medicine?

This article puts forward the current theory that there are cancer stem cells in much the same way as there are other stem cells. The article could make a good basis for a general discussion of the topic of cancer, including cancer research and treatments, diagnosis and survival rates. Why are some cancers more treatable than others?

Introduction to cancer stem cells in a Q&A format. 

In this activity, students learn how cell specialization takes place in vertebrate embryos. They begin by exploring a gallery of different kinds of specialized cells. They also explore how white blood cells are specialized to fight viruses. They learn about the role of master control genes in cell development. Finally, they learn about the significance of -- and controversy surrounding -- stem cell research, and then analyze the different points of view in the stem cell debate.

Using a combination of directed case method and role-playing in which students learn about their roles using the jigsaw technique, this case study teaches about the main concepts of stem cell research and therapy and the political and ethical issues surrounding these subjects. The case begins by describing the riding accident that left actor Christopher Reeve paralyzed and ends by posing a final open-ended question that encourages student debate and discussion. The case can be used in a general biology class, an ethics class, or a public policy class.

The film In Vitro, set thirty years in the future, is about 3 generations of women and the effects that a maverick scientific experiment has on their lives. This resource includes an 18 minute film, lesson plans and additional resources to foster dialogue and discussion.

Students learn about new techniques scientists have devised to derive embryonic stem cells in mice. They then work in groups to explore and report on different types of stem cells used in research today, including embryonic, fetal, umbilical, and adult.