John R. Hoffman is a Professor of Biology, public speaker and a scientist examining the recovery of the nervous system after injury. Since 2006 he has written several unpublished manuscripts and he is currently working on the first Nathaniel Smythe novel and short story collection. He spends his spare time with his family and running.

24 Stem Cell Science

Objectives

By the end of this lecture, the student will be able to:

  1. Describe how stem cells can be used instead of organ or tissue transplants.
  2. Explain the difference between adult and embryonic stem cells.

Part 1. Stem Cell Science

This lecture begins to examine stem cell science by reviewing human embryonic development and an overview of adult stem cells. The handout for this presentation can be downloaded and printed.

Part 2. Stem Cell Science: Embryonic Stem Cells

This is the second half of the stem cell science lecture and examines in vitro fertilization and the creation of embryonic stem cell lines. The handout for this presentation can be downloaded and printed.

Readings:

Stem Cell Information: The official National Institutes of Health resource for stem cell research. National Institutes of Health. (retrieved January 29, 2008)

Irving, D.A. (1999). When do human beings begin? ‘Scientific’ myths and scientific facts. in “Abortion and Rights” special edition of International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy. 19(3/4).

Assignment: When does the embryo/fetus become an individual with protected status?

The discussion around embryonic stem cells is often approached as to when human life begins. The egg and sperm cells are human and alive, so life is present at all stages. A better way to examine this question is to consider when human beings begin. To help in considering this questions, please read “When do human beings begin? ‘Scientific’ mythes and scientific facts” at http://www.all.org/abac/dni003.htm

In your discussion group, consider the question: When does the embryo/fetus become an individual that has a protected status?

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