“CELLMATES”
STEM CELL & RELATED RESEARCH
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| This highly magnified image is of stem cells, which are undifferentiated cells that have the potential to regenerate tissue over a lifetime. Credit: Image from Nissim Benvenisty, Public Library of Science; courtesy of Wikipedia. |
Stem cells are fertilized embryonic cells that have not yet differentiated into specialized body cells (e.g. bone, muscle, heart, fat, tendon, brain). Recent research has indicated that these stem cells have great potential in the treatment and possible cure of a variety of human ailments such as Parkinson’s, Huntington’s, and Alzheimer’s Diseases. Stem cells can be directed to develop into specific types of body cells. There has been controversy associated with stem cell research, as some people have regarded these fertilized embryos as the beginnings of human life. Others argue that these stem cells are an invaluable tool for the benefit of humankind.
WHY SHOULD I CARE?
It is likely that as you grow older, you will contract or develop one or more ailments in which stem cell research may yield a treatment or a cure. People suffering from Parkinson’s disease or Huntington disease may have an effective stem cell therapy in the future.
WEB RESOURCES
This is an informational site for stem cell research, with a general overview of the advances in stem cell research.
https://stemcells.nih.gov/
Here are few links that provide a brief history of stem cell research.
– A timeline from Stem Cell History: https://www.stemcellhistory.com/stem-cell-research-timeline/
– A timeline from Nature: https://www.nature.com/gt/journal/v9/n11/full/3301744a.html
– A timeline from Boston Children’s Hospital: https://stemcell.childrenshospital.org/about-stem-cells/history/
This is the official site for the International Society for Stem Cell Research which is a not-for-profit organization devoted to the study and advancement in the technology of stem cell research.
https://www.isscr.org/
BOOK RESOURCES
For younger readers:
Belval, Brian (Ed.) Critical Perspectives on Stem Cell Research. New York: Rosen Publishing Group, Incorporated, 2006.
Forman, Lillian. Stem Cell Research. Edina MN: ABDO Publishing Company, 2008.
Moore, Pete. Stem Cell Research (Ethical Debates Series). New York: Rosen Publishing Group, Incorporated, 2012.
Skancke, Jennifer L. (Ed.) Stem Cell Research (Introducing Issues with Opposing Viewpoints Series). Farmington Hills MI: Greenhaven Press, 2009.
Viegas, Jennifer. Stem Cell Research (The Library of Future Medicine Series). New York: Rosen Publishing Group, Incorporated, 2003.
For older readers:
Kelly, Evelyn B. Stem Cells. Westport CT: Greenwood Press, 2007.
Greer, Erik V. Embryonic Stem Cell Research. Hauppauge, NY: Nova Science Publishers Incorporated, 2006.
Lanza, Robert; John Gaerhart; Brigid Hogan; Douglas Melton; Roger Pederson; E. Donnell Thomas; James Thomson; and Sir Ian Wilmut (Eds). Essentials of Stem Cell Biology (2nd Edition). San Diego CA: Academic Press, 2009.
Lynch, John. What Are Stem Cells? Definitions at the Intersection of Science and Politics. Tuscaloosa AL: The University of Alabama Press, 2011.
Mummery, Christine; I. Wilmut; A. van der Stolpe; and B.A.J. Roelen. Stem Cells: Scientific Facts and Fiction. London: Academic Press, 2011.
Panno, Joseph. Stem Cell Research: Medical Applications and Ethical Controversy. New York: Facts on File, Incorporated, 2005.
Scott, Christopher Thomas. Stem Cell Now: A Brief Introduction to the Coming Medical Revolution. New York: Plume (Penguin Group [USA] Incorporated), 2006.
Snow, Nancy E. (Ed). Stem Cell Research: New Frontiers in Science and Ethics. Notre Dame IN: University of Notre Dame Press, 2003.
For advanced reading:
Hug, Kristina and Goran Hermeren (Eds). Translational Stem Cell Research: Issues Beyond the Debate on the Moral Status of the Human Embryo. New York: Humana Press (Springer Science and Business Media, LLC). 2011.
Yildirim, Sibel. Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells. New York: Springer Science and Business Media, LLC. 2012.
