Four short videos about different aspects of stem cell science, stem cell ethics, cell culture and cloning.  Use the numbered links below to jump straight to the film you are interested in, read what other people thought in our feedback and reviews page, or take a look at details of film screenings.

You can also order the Stem Cell Stories 2-disc DVD set  online.  Order now

1. A stem cell story
2. Conversations: ethics, science, stem cells
3. Cell culture
4. Dolly and beyond

New film... Stem cells: a vision of the future

A new documentary by the same team of filmmakers is screening in various cities across the UK. Discover the history, evolution and 'real science' of stem cell research and discuss with a scientist. Check the film website, STEM CELL REVOLUTIONS: A Vision of the Future, for screening dates and more info. 

A stem cell story

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This 15-minute film provides an engaging, accessible and visually stunning introduction to the world of stem cell research. It uses innovative hand-drawn animation, beautiful cell photography and documentary interviews to capture the fascination and complexity of this cutting-edge area of science.

Why not also download our Quick Quiz on the key concepts described in A Stem Cell Story? Or try some of the other follow-up activities available on our Resources page.

Awards and festivals

Best TV/video production, Tromsø Science Media Festival
Best short film, Scinema (Australia)
In competition, Science Film Festival (Bangkok), BaKaFORUM 2007, Vedere la Scienza
**Read audience feedback and reviews**

Downloads

Download a video podcast of the film via iTunes (in English, French, German or Italian)
Download WMV or Quicktime version of the film (English only) from the website of European Commissioner for Science and Research, Janez Potočnik
Download a transcript (English) of the film in PDF format (118Kb)

 

Conversations: ethics, science, stem cells

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Human embryonic stem cell lines are generated from blastocysts - early human embryos. But what are blastocysts, and when does personhood begin? What justifies research? Doctors, scientists, ethicists, theologians and a patient bring their different points of view, in this thought-provoking exploration of the ethical issues surrounding stem cell research. This 19-minute film aims to encourage open debate about the ethical issues around stem cell research. It is structured in chapters, each addressing a key ethical question. Awards and festivals In competition, Science Film Festival (Bangkok) Further reading The two review articles below, by Kristina Hug, explore in more depth some of the issues raised in the "Conversations..." film. These articles were written as part of a project and workshop series on ethical and societal issues related to stem cell research for the original EuroStemCell. Therapeutic perspectives of human embryonic stem cell research versus the moral status of a human embryo – does one have to be compromised for the other? (PDF file, 393 KB) Sources of human embryos for stem cell research: ethical problems and their possible solutions (PDF file, 430KB)

Cell culture

	Watch online: Deutsch English Français   Nederlands Italiano Svensk
This six-minute film takes a closer look at how and why scientists grow stem cells in the lab. With the same visual style that makes A Stem Cell Story so appealing, this film's mix of timelapse photography, live action and hand-drawn animation transports viewers into the cell culture lab. Ideal for senior biology classes.

Dolly and beyond

Watch on YouTube How was Dolly the sheep made? Are there different kinds of cloning? What are their implications? Scientists, doctors and philosophers address these questions with particular emphasis on the ethics of cloning.