Below is an entry of mine from the stem cell discussion board. Students were asked to go to this website and respond to the following questions. This was the most interesting discussion board all year. I think that even though stem cells are controversial, it is important that student learn about them, because they hold such a valuable potential to help so many people.
1) What is a stem cell and what are the different types of stem cells? Stem cells are undifferentiated cells, which means that their role in the body is yet to be determined. They are important throughout our lives, stating from the time we are embryos until late adulthood. Differentiation of cells is when a cells function is determined. Embryonic stem cells have the most capabilities, due to the fact that they have the power to create any cell in the body. The somatic (adult) cells are more limited to skin, bone marrow (to produce blood cells), muscles, and other daily wear and tear areas. Unlike embryonic stem cells they are unable to reproduce all of the differentiated organs and tissues in our bodies.
2) What are the controversies over stem cells and what are the novel research or uses of stem cells? The excitement over these cells is that they have the potential to do anything, especially the embryonic ones. However the destruction of human embryos for these cells is very morally controversial. Some of the important questions is when does life really begin, and even if the embryo is used, because it in theory is still growing for a human use, is it really destroyed? Also, scientists in 2006 discovered how to reprogram cells to mimic those of the embryonic cells. This may address the issue of morals within the stem cell world.
3)Read the attached articles and discuss what you found interesting. Click here for the article I thought that it was really important that the scientists are figuring out new way to develop the stem cells. I think that creating a much less controversial antidote will give the researches much more capabilities in order to get someone health again. The one thing that bothered me however, was the fact that some of the scientist had to travel outside of the country due to some of the US regulations. A long as they are completing safe and ethical science based experiments, stem cells should be able to be researched in America.