Should Embryonic Stem Cell Research be Permitted to Continue? Over the past few years a debate has been going on over the moral implications of

Size: px
Start display at page:

Download "Should Embryonic Stem Cell Research be Permitted to Continue? Over the past few years a debate has been going on over the moral implications of"

Transcription

1 Courtesy of Christopher Waits. Used with permission. Waits 1 Should Embryonic Stem Cell Research be Permitted to Continue? Over the past few years a debate has been going on over the moral implications of embryonic stem cell research and the proper funding for that research. When considering a topic of this importance, it is essential that one take a step back and review its merits as well as the alternatives, and ask what it is that those promoting it are trying to accomplish. Is the cure worse than the disease? In the case of embryonic stem cell research, the answer is yes. Embryonic stem cell research is immoral and should be stopped, as there are other more ethical alternatives available that are being ignored by scientists that are solely focused on embryonic stem cell research. To begin a discussion of stem cells, it is important to address the basic definitions surrounding the research in order to understand its significance. The most important distinction is between totipotent, pluripotent, and multipotent stem cells. Each of these terms refers to the ability of the stem cell to create different kinds of cells. Totipotent stem cells are those that can grow into an entire organism (a blastomere is an example). Pluripotent stem cells aren t able to form a whole organism, but can become any cell in the body. Multipotent stem cells, however, can only become some types of cells, multipotent stem cells are often called unipotent as they usually only form one type of cell. Embryonic stem cells are pluripotent cells that are obtained from the inner mass cells of an embryo. Adult stem cells on the other hand are mostly multipotent, undifferentiated cells that are found among different differentiated cells of a certain tissue. Differentiability refers to the cell s ability to produce other kinds of cells.

2 Waits 2 Differentiated cells are those cells that can only produce one particular type of cell, while undifferentiated cells can produce more than one type of cell. Before discussing the controversy at hand, it is also important to understand how it is that embryonic stem cells are formed, and how they differ from adult stem cells. Embryonic stem cells are obtained by fusing a patient s cell with an enucleated egg cell forming an embryo. The embryo is then allowed to grow for approximately five days until it is anywhere from a few tens of cells to 150 cells. The stem cells can then be extracted from the inner mass cells of the embryo, resulting in the destruction of the embryo. The stem cells are cultured, and they will grow and divide indefinitely creating a stem cell line of offspring sharing its genetic characteristics. Adult stem cells, however, are present in many different tissues, most notably in bone marrow, and are responsible for the daily production of certain specialized cells such as red blood cells. These cells are extracted from the patient, grown in culture and then reinjected into the same patient with no destructive effects to the tissue or the patient. The main advantage that embryonic stem cells have over adult stem cells is that the embryonic cells are totipotent. They have the ability to differentiate into every cell in the body, thus making them more attractive because their potential is not limited by the kinds of cells that they can become. Recent evidence proves that some adult stem cells can transform into several different forms, but no human adult stem cells have been found that are pluripotent. Embryonic stem cells have far fewer problems associated with their use, but the moral issue surrounding the destruction of the embryo is the heart of the issue. Some believe that life begins as soon as the embryo is formed and that if the embryo has the

3 Waits 3 potential to become a human, destruction of that embryo for any reason is killing a human being. Furthermore, embryonic stem cell research is significantly behind adult stem cell research and has not yet proven its efficacy, which begs the question: Why invest in controversial research that isn t guaranteed to work as well as a solution that already exists? This is one of the major advantages of using adult stem cells: they are already being used effectively for over one hundred diseases, while embryonic stem cells are still untested. Adult stem cells also have two other very powerful advantages: they are obtained from the patient so there are no moral issues surrounding their use, as the stem cells, first, are obtained with consent from the patient, and, second, the procedure does not harm the donor. Adult stem cells research is yielding some intriguing results. As mentioned earlier, some adult stem cells have been found that can transform into several different forms; one example is bone marrow stem cells which are able to transform into liver, nerve, muscle and kidney cells depending on what the body needs. Researchers have also extracted stem cells from skin which are able to differentiate into neurons, smooth muscle cells, and fat-cells. More surprisingly, some adult stem cells have been discovered in mice which are claimed to be pluripotent. With time, it may be found that adult stem cells exist in humans that are pluripotent, thus negating one of the biggest advantages embryonic stem cells have over adult stem cells. Adult stem cell research is not without problems, however. Adult stem cells are generally multipotent (though exceptions to this have been proven to exist), and can t give rise to all cells. Unlike embryonic stem cells, adult stem cells are often found in

4 Waits 4 minute quantities which can be difficult to isolate and purify. Also, adult stem cells may not have the same capacity to multiply as embryonic stem cells. Lastly, due to the length of time that adult stem cells have been present in the body, there is a higher risk for DNA abnormalities due to sunlight, toxins, and errors in DNA replication over the course of a lifetime. These abnormalities could be magnified when the stem cells are cultured and may not present as pure a sample of stem cells as embryonic stem cells would. Steps have been taken to curb embryonic stem cell research. Most notable is President Bush s Executive Order of 2001 concerning the use of federal funds for the research of embryonic stem cells. The President halted federal funding for the creation of new embryonic stem cell lines, and placed stringent criteria on the funding of existing cell lines. In order to receive federal funding the criteria that must be met include: 1) informed consent of the donors, 2) the lines must be from excess embryos created solely for reproductive purposes (In Vitro Fertilization), 3) no financial inducements made to the donors. Of the 72 embryonic cell lines that meet these criteria, only 22 are available for distribution due to complications with cryopreservation. In addition, many lines are contaminated with mouse feeder cells, which may hinder the FDA approval of their use in humans. There are several problems with this policy. The president, and most proponents of embryonic stem cell research, argue that the extra embryos created during in vitro fertilization are destroyed, but could be put to good use. The problem with this thought process is a fundamental rule of ethics: the ends can never justify the means. The destruction of human embryos is wrong, as it is a human life (or the potential to become a human being) that is being destroyed; but to benefit from their destruction is also wrong.

5 Waits 5 The other problem with the policy is the first point of the funding criteria, informed consent of the donor. If it is assumed that the embryo is a human life, or the potential to become a human life, are we saying that a parent can donate a child to science? Where will this volunteered sacrifice end, and who s in charge? This can quickly spiral. Who knows where it will end? Is it so far fetched to imagine a future,based on this foundation, where we can give consent for the termination of the elderly as well? Preventing funding for the creation of new cell lines was a step in the right direction, but it did not go far enough in that the President should have denied all embryonic stem-cellresearch funding where the destruction of a human embryo was involved. Many people disagree with this stance, citing all of the ways that embryonic stem cells can improve our lives. It is true that they have the potential to help, but few people realize how many alternatives there are to embryonic stem cells. Perhaps these alternatives are not being considered because so many are focused on embryonic stem cells, and haven t considered that there could be another option that would work better. Some of these options include: umbilical cord blood stem cells, adult stem cells, the use of Reversine, and altered nuclear transfer. Blood from the umbilical cord and placenta is a source of adult stem cells. In order to use them, the umbilical cord is removed and blood is extracted. The blood is then analyzed for infectious diseases and the tissue type is determined. This blood is frozen and when it is needed, it is thawed and injected through a vein of the patient. Cord blood stem cells have been used since 1988 to treat Gunther s Disease, Hunter syndrome, Hurler syndrome, and Acute lymphocytic leukemia as well as many more problems occurring mostly in children.

6 Waits 6 Adult Stem cells are being used in a number of surprising ways; the more research that is done, the more is discovered that was never known. Adult stem cells have been used to treat paralysis due to spinal cord injuries, Parkinson s disease and other illnesses. Injecting adult stem cells into the brains of rats has be successful in treating cancerous tumors. Adult stem cells have been shown to repair muscle damaged after heart attacks by injecting bone-marrow stem cells into mice that had heart attacks, causing 33% improvement in function of the heart, and damaged tissue regrew by 68%. Researchers were able to harvest stem cells from the brains of cadavers and were then able to get them to divide into valuable neurons. Scientists at the University of Toronto were able to form neural stem cells by using skin cells, showing that adult stem cells are not as unipotent as originally believed. In fact, in time of emergency, multipotent stem cells in the bone marrow change to become almost any type of cell responding to the body s needs. Finally, adult-derived stem cells are endowed with additional developmental instructions, which may cause them to be better suited for therapeutic purposes. Another breakthrough alternative to embryonic stem cells is Reversine, a small molecule identified by researchers from Scripps Research Institute which causes a cell to undergo dedifferentiation back to its own precursor cell. This precursor cell has the potential to become different cell types, and presents a tool for generating an unlimited supply of precursors which can be converted to other cell types such as bone or cartilage. The last, and one of the most promising alternatives is altered nuclear transfer. Altered nuclear transfer engineers a human egg that generates cells with full potential of embryonic stem cells without ever forming an actual embryo. This is accomplished by

7 Waits 7 turning off a gene in the donor DNA before it is fused with the enucleated egg. The gene that is turned off directs the formation of the trophectoderm, a layer of cells crucial in the first stages of development. All cells in the mass will eventually die, but scientists can still harvest embryonic-type stem cells from it. The important part of this process is that the mass is not an embryo so it won t be killing it by harvesting the stem cells (though the mass is destroyed, it is not a human embryo). Some of these steps have been demonstrated in mice, but the challenge will be silencing the gene and then turning it back on in the stem cells so they aren t flawed. The last hurtle for altered nuclear transfer will be to gain a consensus that the mass of cells is not a human embryo we must be able to distinguish between a damaged embryo and something that can not be considered an embryo at all. A professor of jurisprudence at Princeton said that in order to be considered not to be an embryo, it should not have integrated organization, it must not have the self-directed active disposition to become the next mature stage, and crucially, the genetic alteration must be made ab initio or from the beginning so it cannot be argued that the procedure merely creates a disabled embryo, [Cook]. All three of these criteria are met by altered nuclear transfer. These options show that a number of alternatives to embryonic stem cell research currently exist. Embryonic stem cell research is immoral; it exploits a life that cannot give its consent. Therefore, all embryonic stem cell research must stop, including research utilizing those stem cell lines already created. Continuing research on these lines of cells may open Pandora s box. If it has been decided that it is wrong to make new lines, what happens if a miracle cure in the existing lines? Will we just ignore the fact that it is wrong and open new lines to exploit the wonder cure? Where will it end?

8 Waits 8 As Michael Crichton wrote of the scientists in Jurassic Park: they were so caught up in whether they could that they never stopped to think if they should. There are other solutions that can benefit humanity without relying on immoral means to do so. We must acknowledge our responsibility to conduct the exploration into these solutions in an ethical manner. We must look deeper for a solution that balances the needs of humanity and the requirements of ethics.

9 Waits 9 Cook, Gareth. New Technique Eyed in Stem-cell Debate Boston Globe. 21 Nov 2004 Fact Sheet: Embryonic Stem Cell Research August 9, Aug Nov Scientific Experts Agree: Embryonic Stem Cells are Unnecessary for Medical Progress. 7 Mar Nov 2004 Stem Cell. 1 Dec Nov 2004

Stem Cells. Part 1: What is a Stem Cell? STO Stem cells are unspecialized. What does this mean?

Stem Cells. Part 1: What is a Stem Cell? STO Stem cells are unspecialized. What does this mean? STO-120 Stem Cells Part 1: What is a Stem Cell? Stem cells differ from other kinds of cells in the body. When a stem cell divides by mitosis, each new cell has the potential to either remain a stem cell

More information

From Stem Cell to Any Cell

From Stem Cell to Any Cell sciencenewsforkids.org http://www.sciencenewsforkids.org/2005/10/from-stem-cell-to-any-cell-2/ From Stem Cell to Any Cell By Emily Sohn / October 11, 2005 For maybe a day, about 9 months before you were

More information

5.5. Multicellular Life. Multicellular organisms depend on interactions among different cell types.

5.5. Multicellular Life. Multicellular organisms depend on interactions among different cell types. 5.5 Multicellular Life VOCABULARY tissue organ organ system cell differentiation stem cell Key Concept Cells work together to carry out complex functions. MAIN IDEAS Multicellular organisms depend on interactions

More information

Stem cells and motor neurone disease

Stem cells and motor neurone disease Stem cells and motor neurone disease F Stem cell research has fuelled hope of a treatment for a variety of conditions. This information sheet explains what these cells are and includes details of the current

More information

Clip 1: Hip dysplasia Clip 2: Vet-Stem s Dr. Harman

Clip 1: Hip dysplasia Clip 2: Vet-Stem s Dr. Harman Stem Cells Many breeds of large dogs are affected by hip dysplasia. This degenerative disease affects their hind legs, hindering mobility. Watch as scientists at Vet-Stem explain how stem cells are used

More information

Cloning For Embryonic Stem Cells

Cloning For Embryonic Stem Cells Cloning For Embryonic Stem Cells Defining the Terms Types of cloning - There are three types of cloning: (1) reproductive cloning, (2) therapeutic cloning and (3) recombinant DNA technology or gene cloning.

More information

Introduction This is an exam style question on stem cells that might be useful towards the end of the topic.

Introduction This is an exam style question on stem cells that might be useful towards the end of the topic. Teacher Notes Introduction This is an exam style question on stem cells that might be useful towards the end of the topic. Suggested mark scheme (a) (i) a non-specialised cell any 1 for 1 a cell that can

More information

Stem Cell Principle -

Stem Cell Principle - Effective Date: 31.10.2017 Doc ID: 20290214 Version: 1.0 Status: Approved Planned Effective Date: 31-Oct-2017 00:00 CET (Server Date) Stem Cell Principle - Rationale Research on human stem cells and their

More information

Patient Handbook on Stem Cell Therapies

Patient Handbook on Stem Cell Therapies Patient Handbook on Stem Cell Therapies WWW.ISSCR.ORG WWW.CLOSERLOOKATSTEMCELLS.ORG Patient Handbook on Stem Cell Therapies Introduction We have all heard about the extraordinary promise that stem cell

More information

Des cellules-souches dans le poumon : pourquoi faire?

Des cellules-souches dans le poumon : pourquoi faire? Des cellules-souches dans le poumon : pourquoi faire? Karl-Heinz Krause Dept. of Pathology and Immunology, Medical Faculty Dept. of Genetic and Laboratory Medicine, University Hospitals Geneva, Switzerland

More information

Stem Cell Research and Kidney Disease

Stem Cell Research and Kidney Disease Stem Cell Research and Kidney Disease By Gordon Lore Stem cell research is one of the hottest, controversial, and ethical topics on the medical and political fronts. While research on adult stem cells

More information

Embryonic development, epigenics and somatic cell nuclear transfer - The science and its social implications -

Embryonic development, epigenics and somatic cell nuclear transfer - The science and its social implications - Embryonic development, epigenics and somatic cell nuclear transfer - The science and its social implications - Moshe Yaniv Unité d Expression Génétique et Maladies, Institut Pasteur, Paris, France September

More information

The Controversy Over Stem Cell Research

The Controversy Over Stem Cell Research The Controversy Over Stem Cell Research What Are Stem Cells and Why Are They Important? President Bush recently decided to allow the use of federal funds to research the therapeutic properties of privately

More information

STEM CELLS IN NEUROLOGY ISABELLE COCHRANE MERIT

STEM CELLS IN NEUROLOGY ISABELLE COCHRANE MERIT STEM CELLS IN NEUROLOGY BY ISABELLE COCHRANE MERIT RESEARCH PAPER BASED ON PATHOLOGY LECTURES AT MEDLINK 2011 1 Abstract Ever since their discovery, stem cells have been heralded as the ultimate cure to

More information

The New News in Stem Cell Research Andrés Bratt-Leal, PhD 12/1/2017

The New News in Stem Cell Research Andrés Bratt-Leal, PhD 12/1/2017 The New News in Stem Cell Research Andrés Bratt-Leal, PhD 12/1/2017 Cell Therapy and Parkinson s Disease Very specific neural degeneration >50% of DA neurons are gone by diagnosis 1 million in the USA,

More information

At the conclusion of this lesson you should be able to:

At the conclusion of this lesson you should be able to: Learning Objectives At the conclusion of this lesson you should be able to: Understand the key terms and definitions regarding stem cells Differentiate between the adult and embryonic stem cells Differentiate

More information

Was it supposedly the same process that was used to create Dolly, the cloned sheep?

Was it supposedly the same process that was used to create Dolly, the cloned sheep? Follow-up questions from Chairman Mark Souder to, Chair, NIH Stem Cell Task Force and Director, National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, following March 6, 2006, hearing of the

More information

Cell Growth and Reproduction

Cell Growth and Reproduction Cell Growth and Reproduction Robert Hooke was the first person to describe cells, in the year 1665. He was looking through his microscope at a piece of cork when he noticed a lot of repeating honeycomb

More information

Stem Cells: The Revolution of Blood Transfusion. By Srinand Sundaram. Grade awarded: Pass with Merit

Stem Cells: The Revolution of Blood Transfusion. By Srinand Sundaram. Grade awarded: Pass with Merit Stem Cells: The Revolution of Blood Transfusion By Srinand Sundaram Grade awarded: Pass with Merit Research Paper Based on Pathology Lectures At Medlink, December 2014 Abstract For people around the world

More information

DNA Structure and Replication. Higher Human Biology

DNA Structure and Replication. Higher Human Biology DNA Structure and Replication Higher Human Biology Learning Intention Describe the structure of DNA Explain the base pairing rule using adenine, thymine, cytosine and guanine 1 Division and differentiation

More information

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONSON STEM CELLS AND THEIR CLINICAL APPLICATIONS/THERAPY

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONSON STEM CELLS AND THEIR CLINICAL APPLICATIONS/THERAPY FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONSON STEM CELLS AND THEIR CLINICAL APPLICATIONS/THERAPY Basics of Stem Cells 1) What is a cell? Cell is the building block of our body. It is the smallest structural and functional

More information

STEM CELLS. An Interactive Qualifying Project Report. Submitted to the Faculty of WORCESTER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE

STEM CELLS. An Interactive Qualifying Project Report. Submitted to the Faculty of WORCESTER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE IQP-43-DSA-2135 IQP-43-DSA-8130 STEM CELLS An Interactive Qualifying Project Report Submitted to the Faculty of WORCESTER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE In partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree

More information

Historical Background and Scientific Foundations

Historical Background and Scientific Foundations Human Cloning Biotechnology: In Context, 2012 Introduction A clone is an exact genetic copy. Bacteria and plants can be cloned naturally, but animal cloning is much more difficult. When Dolly the sheep

More information

Genetic Engineering Challenge How can scientists develop a type of rice that could prevent vitamin A deficiency? 1

Genetic Engineering Challenge How can scientists develop a type of rice that could prevent vitamin A deficiency? 1 Genetic Engineering Challenge How can scientists develop a type of rice that could prevent vitamin A deficiency? 1 Vitamin A deficiency can result in blindness, severe infectious diseases, and even death,

More information

Part 1: Stem Cell Biology

Part 1: Stem Cell Biology Part 1: Stem Cell Biology It s a dark and stormy night, and Agent X and Agent Z are creeping up on an abandoned warehouse, preparing for a midnight raid. Agent X: What s in here anyhow? This is creepy

More information

2 Gene Technologies in Our Lives

2 Gene Technologies in Our Lives CHAPTER 15 2 Gene Technologies in Our Lives SECTION Gene Technologies and Human Applications KEY IDEAS As you read this section, keep these questions in mind: For what purposes are genes and proteins manipulated?

More information

The Cloning of Dolly

The Cloning of Dolly The Cloning of Dolly Dr Jamie Love 27 November 1997-2009 I've decided to make cloning one of the first topics in this first issue of Science Explained because the folks who created Dolly are acquaintances

More information

COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES COMMISSION STAFF WORKING PAPER REPORT ON HUMAN EMBRYONIC STEM CELL RESEARCH

COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES COMMISSION STAFF WORKING PAPER REPORT ON HUMAN EMBRYONIC STEM CELL RESEARCH COMMISSION OF THE EUROPEAN COMMUNITIES Brussels, 3.4.2003 SEC(2003) 441 COMMISSION STAFF WORKING PAPER REPORT ON HUMAN EMBRYONIC STEM CELL RESEARCH TABLE OF CONTENTS Executive summary...4 Introduction.

More information

STEM CELLS. An Interactive Qualifying Project Report. Submitted to the Faculty of WORCESTER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE

STEM CELLS. An Interactive Qualifying Project Report. Submitted to the Faculty of WORCESTER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE IQP-43-DSA-6874 IQP-43-DSA-4511 STEM CELLS An Interactive Qualifying Project Report Submitted to the Faculty of WORCESTER POLYTECHNIC INSTITUTE In partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Degree

More information

Genetic Engineering 1

Genetic Engineering 1 Genetic Engineering 1 1952 First animal cloned Northern Leapord Frog Robert Briggs and Thomas King 2 1996 Dolly The first sheep to be cloned from ADULT cells is born. 3 4 5 The possibility that through

More information

Active Learning Exercise 9. The Hereditary Material: DNA

Active Learning Exercise 9. The Hereditary Material: DNA Name Biol 211 - Group Number Active Learning Exercise 9. The Hereditary Material: DNA Reference: Chapter 16 (Biology by Campbell/Reece, 8 th ed.) 1. a.) What is a nucleotide? b.) What is a nitrogen base?

More information

What Are Stem Cells? Where Are These Stem Cells?

What Are Stem Cells? Where Are These Stem Cells? While stem cell therapies may seem to have appeared overnight, they have been practiced for some time prior to the recent burst in new applications and stem cell sources. The most recent developments in

More information

Human Embryonic Stem Cell and covered Human Pluripotent Stem Cell Research Operating Procedures

Human Embryonic Stem Cell and covered Human Pluripotent Stem Cell Research Operating Procedures Revised date 09/11/12 Human Embryonic Stem Cell and covered Human Pluripotent Stem Cell Research Operating Procedures Tutorial for NYULMC Researchers Tutorial Topics Impact of federal and state funding

More information

thebiotutor.com 5D Cloning Time: 54 minutes Total marks available: 54 Total marks achieved: Andy Todd

thebiotutor.com 5D Cloning Time: 54 minutes Total marks available: 54 Total marks achieved: Andy Todd thebiotutor.com 5D Cloning Time: 54 minutes Total marks available: 54 Total marks achieved: Q1. The photograph shows a Siberian tiger. Siberian tigers are very rare and are in danger of becoming extinct.

More information

3. The arrows in the diagram below indicate the movement materials into and out of a single-celled organism.

3. The arrows in the diagram below indicate the movement materials into and out of a single-celled organism. Part A Questions 1. In 1910, Thomas Morgan discovered a certain pattern of inheritance in fruit flies known as sex linkage. This discovery extended the ideas of inheritance that Gregor Mendel had discovered

More information

V4: cellular reprogramming

V4: cellular reprogramming V4: cellular reprogramming Embryonic development Stem cells Differentiation ips cells Oct4 Paper4 Model of a human cell, Spiegel Online 3D-Model of the human genome, Spiegel Online Some human cells Astrocyte

More information

Mystery microscope images

Mystery microscope images Mystery microscope images Equipment: 6X framed microscopy images 6X cards saying what each microscope image shows 6X cards with the different microscopy techniques written on them 6X cards with the different

More information

Immunotherapy in myeloma

Immunotherapy in myeloma Immunotherapy in myeloma This Horizons Infosheet contains information on immunotherapy, a type of treatment being investigated in myeloma. The Horizons Infosheet series provides information relating to

More information

Epigenetics, Environment and Human Health

Epigenetics, Environment and Human Health Epigenetics, Environment and Human Health A. Karim Ahmed National Council for Science and the Environment Washington, DC May, 2015 Epigenetics A New Biological Paradigm A Question about Cells: All cells

More information

DNA Technology. B. Using Bacteria to Clone Genes: Overview:

DNA Technology. B. Using Bacteria to Clone Genes: Overview: DNA Technology A. Basic Vocabulary: is DNA from 2 different sources that is combined. is the direct manipulation of genes for practical purposes. literally means or in a test tube or flask. is the manipulation

More information

Genetics - Problem Drill 19: Dissection of Gene Function: Mutational Analysis of Model Organisms

Genetics - Problem Drill 19: Dissection of Gene Function: Mutational Analysis of Model Organisms Genetics - Problem Drill 19: Dissection of Gene Function: Mutational Analysis of Model Organisms No. 1 of 10 1. The mouse gene knockout is based on. (A) Homologous recombination (B) Site-specific recombination

More information

Insight to Gene Techno Science Co.,Ltd

Insight to Gene Techno Science Co.,Ltd Unlimited drug discovery from the beginning Ticker symbol: 4584 Insight to Gene Techno Science Co.,Ltd November 2017 2 Corporate Overview Chief Executive Founded March 2001 Masaharu Tani, President Listed

More information

DNA Structure and Function. Chapter 13

DNA Structure and Function. Chapter 13 DNA Structure and Function Chapter 13 Impacts, Issues Here Kitty, Kitty, Kitty, Kitty, Kitty Clones made from adult cells have problems; the cell s DNA must be reprogrammed to function like the DNA of

More information

Chapter 7 Agricultural Biotechnology

Chapter 7 Agricultural Biotechnology Chapter 7 Agricultural Biotechnology Outline: 7.1 Introduction 7.2 Plant tissue culture 7.3 Genetically Modified Plant 7.4 Animal cloning 7.5 Genetically modified animal 2 Learning outcomes: Describe the

More information

Stem Cell Services. Driving Innovation for Stem Cell Researchers

Stem Cell Services. Driving Innovation for Stem Cell Researchers Driving Innovation for Stem Cell Researchers Stem Cell Services Partner with us and have access to the most advanced and comprehensive stem cell services available today. 675 W. Kendall St. Cambridge,

More information

Higher Human Biology Unit 1: Human Cells Pupils Learning Outcomes

Higher Human Biology Unit 1: Human Cells Pupils Learning Outcomes Higher Human Biology Unit 1: Human Cells Pupils Learning Outcomes 1.1 Division and Differentiation in Human Cells I can state that cellular differentiation is the process by which a cell develops more

More information

Ethical Challenges in Stem Cell Research and Treatment

Ethical Challenges in Stem Cell Research and Treatment Ethical Challenges in Stem Cell Research and Treatment Jeremy Sugarman, MD, MPH, MA Harvey M. Meyerhoff Professor of Bioethics & Medicine Department of Medicine Berman Institute of Bioethics Johns Hopkins

More information

Genetics and Gene Therapy

Genetics and Gene Therapy Genetics and Gene Therapy Optional Homework Instructions: Print and read this article. Answer the questions at the end to the best of your ability. Extra credit will be given based on quality of responses.

More information

Immunogenicity of Stem Cells in Therapeutic Applications. MDPB-Registry meeting nov 25th Stem cell immunogenicity in therapeutic applications

Immunogenicity of Stem Cells in Therapeutic Applications. MDPB-Registry meeting nov 25th Stem cell immunogenicity in therapeutic applications Immunogenicity of Stem Cells in Therapeutic Applications MDPB-Registry meeting nov 25th 2016 Stem cell immunogenicity in therapeutic applications Has it been underestimated? Transplantation of any type

More information

A Perspective on Human Genetics

A Perspective on Human Genetics Michael Cummings Chapter 1 A Perspective on Human Genetics David Reisman University of South Carolina 1.1 Genetics is the Key to Biology Genetics The scientific study of heredity Geneticists study how

More information

CLONING: THREAT OR OPPORTUNITY?

CLONING: THREAT OR OPPORTUNITY? Focus Words design feature impact potential transfer!! Join the national conversation! CLONING: THREAT OR OPPORTUNITY? Word Generation - Unit 1.04 Weekly Passage What makes you who you are? Both your genes

More information

CBA #4 Practice Exam Genetics. 1) (TEKS 5A) Which of the diagrams below shows the process of transcription:

CBA #4 Practice Exam Genetics. 1) (TEKS 5A) Which of the diagrams below shows the process of transcription: CBA #4 Practice Exam Genetics 1) (TEKS 5A) Which of the diagrams below shows the process of transcription: 2) (TEKS 5C) All of the following are true statements about cell differentiation EXCEPT A. Cell

More information

STEM CELLS. MRC research for lifelong health

STEM CELLS. MRC research for lifelong health STEM CELLS MRC research for lifelong health STEM CELLS 2 MRC research: stem cells Introduction Stem cells and your health Stem cell milestones How is stem cell research regulated? Supporting stem cell

More information

Chapter 20: Biotechnology

Chapter 20: Biotechnology Name Period The AP Biology exam has reached into this chapter for essay questions on a regular basis over the past 15 years. Student responses show that biotechnology is a difficult topic. This chapter

More information

The European Research Council. CRISPR-Cas9 research in ERCEA Ethics Process. Filipa Ferraz de Oliveira ERCEA Scientific Officer

The European Research Council. CRISPR-Cas9 research in ERCEA Ethics Process. Filipa Ferraz de Oliveira ERCEA Scientific Officer The European Research Council CRISPR-Cas9 research in ERCEA Ethics Process Filipa Ferraz de Oliveira ERCEA Scientific Officer Fostering Responsible Research With CRISPR-Cas9, Paris, March 2016 1 CRISPR-Cas9

More information

Discuss the ethical considerations that must be taken into account when using embryonic stem cells for research.

Discuss the ethical considerations that must be taken into account when using embryonic stem cells for research. Revised Higher Human Biology Unit 1 Revision Summary STEM CELLS, DIFFERENTATION & CANCER CELLS Stem cells are undifferentiated biological cells, that can differentiate into specialized cells and can divide

More information

UNDERSTANDING GENETIC RESEARCH AND ALTERNATING HEMIPLEGIA OF CHILDHOOD. IT ALL BEGINS WITH THE AHC PATIENT And The Scientific Process

UNDERSTANDING GENETIC RESEARCH AND ALTERNATING HEMIPLEGIA OF CHILDHOOD. IT ALL BEGINS WITH THE AHC PATIENT And The Scientific Process IT ALL BEGINS WITH THE AHC PATIENT And The Scientific Process Genetic discovery AHC Patients Need Help! Researchers collect data on AHC patients (observation) Researchers interpret and evaluate data AHC

More information

Chapter 8 Cell Diversity

Chapter 8 Cell Diversity Chapter 8 Cell Diversity Mr. C. Biology 1 Future? Chapter 8 Cell Diversity Cells, Tissues, Organs and Systems Cells have different shapes because they have different jobs to do. A nerve cell is very different

More information

HCT/P Regulation vs 361 Products

HCT/P Regulation vs 361 Products HCT/P Regulation - 351 vs 361 Products Presented by: Paul Gadiock February 15, 2017 Arent Fox LLP Washington, DC New York, NY Los Angeles, CA San Francisco, CA 1 Presentation Overview Introduction Public

More information

Stem cells: The secret to change

Stem cells: The secret to change Stem cells: The secret to change Science News for Kids http://www.sciencenewsforkids.org/2013/04/stem-cells-the-secret-to-change/ SNK E-Blast Sign-up Privacy Policy Contact Us ABOUT SNK Who We Are Our

More information

Chapter 15 Gene Technologies and Human Applications

Chapter 15 Gene Technologies and Human Applications Chapter Outline Chapter 15 Gene Technologies and Human Applications Section 1: The Human Genome KEY IDEAS > Why is the Human Genome Project so important? > How do genomics and gene technologies affect

More information

MARIO CAPECCHI, UNIVERSITY OF UTAH GENE TARGETING PIONEER, WINS 2007 NOBEL PRIZE IN PHYSIOLOGY OR MEDICINE

MARIO CAPECCHI, UNIVERSITY OF UTAH GENE TARGETING PIONEER, WINS 2007 NOBEL PRIZE IN PHYSIOLOGY OR MEDICINE For Immediate Release October 8, 2007 Contacts: Phil Sahm, 801-581-2517 801-581-7387 Additional Lines: 801-581-5717 801-581-5148 801-585-5185 801-581-5718 801-587-7212 News Conference with Dr. Capecchi

More information

Concepts and Methods in Developmental Biology

Concepts and Methods in Developmental Biology Biology 4361 Developmental Biology Concepts and Methods in Developmental Biology June 16, 2009 Conceptual and Methodological Tools Concepts Genomic equivalence Differential gene expression Differentiation/de-differentiation

More information

1500 Words on Human and Therapeutic Cloning. Germany in Armin Meiwes, a computer technician and all-around nice guy, posted an ad

1500 Words on Human and Therapeutic Cloning. Germany in Armin Meiwes, a computer technician and all-around nice guy, posted an ad De La Espriella 1 Luis De La Espriella Daniel Richards ENC 1102.003 28 July 2011 1500 Words on Human and Therapeutic Cloning The law not being clear on a subject can turn out to be quite interesting as

More information

STUDY GUIDE ARE GMOS GOOD OR BAD? KEY TERMS: genes DNA genetically-modified

STUDY GUIDE ARE GMOS GOOD OR BAD? KEY TERMS: genes DNA genetically-modified STUDY GUIDE ARE GMOS GOOD OR BAD? KEY TERMS: NOTE-TAKING COLUMN: Complete this section during the video. Include definitions and key terms. genes DNA genetically-modified seeds Monsanto How long have humans

More information

Stem cell dialogue: key findings, conclusions and recommendations. Dr Darren Bhattachary, Director BMRB

Stem cell dialogue: key findings, conclusions and recommendations. Dr Darren Bhattachary, Director BMRB Stem cell dialogue: key findings, conclusions and recommendations Dr Darren Bhattachary, Director BMRB Objectives Engage the public and stakeholders on stem cells: policy development Views and concerns

More information

7.012 Stem Cell review/cloning Section. If false, correct only one of the underlined words to make the statement true.

7.012 Stem Cell review/cloning Section. If false, correct only one of the underlined words to make the statement true. MIT Biology Department 7.012: Introductory Biology - Fall 2004 Instructors: Professor Eric Lander, Professor Robert A. Weinberg, Dr. Claudette Gardel 7.012 Stem Cell review/cloning Section A. True/False:

More information

New Hearts for Old The Story of Transplantation. Changes in view of human body

New Hearts for Old The Story of Transplantation. Changes in view of human body New Hearts for Old The Story of Transplantation Changes in view of human body 12th century anatomy manuscript Illustration for potential donors 1 History of Transplantation & Transfusion 1800 1900 1950

More information

Embryonic Stem Cell Research Oversight (ESCRO) Committee. Policies and Procedures

Embryonic Stem Cell Research Oversight (ESCRO) Committee. Policies and Procedures University of California, Los Angeles Embryonic Stem Cell Research Oversight (ESCRO) Committee TABLE OF CONTENTS Section Page 1.0 Purpose... 2 2.0 Authority... 2 3.0 Function... 2 4.0 Review... 2 4.1 Review

More information

A Level. A Level Biology. DNA Technology Questions. AQA, OCR, Edexcel. Name: Total Marks: Page 1

A Level. A Level Biology. DNA Technology Questions. AQA, OCR, Edexcel. Name: Total Marks: Page 1 AQA, OCR, Edexcel A Level A Level Biology DNA Technology Questions Name: Total Marks: Page 1 Q1.(a) (i) A mutation of a tumour suppressor gene can result in the formation of a tumour. Explain how.........(2)

More information

Produced by Chloe Williams

Produced by Chloe Williams Biological systems: stems: Biotechnology - Cloning ng Links to curriculum learning outcomes: Biotechnology Fourth (SCN 4-13c): o I can debate the moral and ethical issues associated with some controversial

More information

Pre-lab Homework Lab 1: Issues in Genetics

Pre-lab Homework Lab 1: Issues in Genetics Lab Section: Name: Pre-lab Homework Lab 1: Issues in Genetics 1. Briefly define/explain the following terms in your own words. You may use any resource you can find, textbook, website, instructor, etc.,

More information

Adult Stem Cells by David A. Prentice, Ph.D.

Adult Stem Cells by David A. Prentice, Ph.D. Adult Stem Cells by David A. Prentice, Ph.D. Within just a few years, the possibility that the human body contains cells that can repair and regenerate damaged and diseased tissue has gone from an unlikely

More information

Edited by contributors: Jan Barfoot, Donald Bruce, Graeme Laurie, Nina Bauer, Janet Paterson and Mary Bownes. Stem Cells. science and ethics

Edited by contributors: Jan Barfoot, Donald Bruce, Graeme Laurie, Nina Bauer, Janet Paterson and Mary Bownes. Stem Cells. science and ethics Edited by contributors: Jan Barfoot, Donald Bruce, Graeme Laurie, Nina Bauer, Janet Paterson and Mary Bownes Stem Cells science and ethics Stem Cells science and ethics Acknowledgements The Biotechnology

More information

Reporting Results and Incidental Findings to Research Participants

Reporting Results and Incidental Findings to Research Participants Reporting Results and Incidental Findings to Research Participants Jeffrey R Botkin, MD, MPH Professor of Pediatrics Chief, Division of Medical Ethics and Humanities Associate Vice President for Research

More information

Jaclyn Gault, Urban Studies Department

Jaclyn Gault, Urban Studies Department Jaclyn Gault, Urban Studies Department CRADLE TO CRADLE: REMAKING THE WAY WE MAKE THINGS By William McDonough & Michael Braungart North Point Press, 2002 Table of Contents Introduction: This Book Is Not

More information

Stem cells in regenerative medicine: introduction

Stem cells in regenerative medicine: introduction Published Online May 11, 2011 Stem cells in regenerative medicine: introduction Dusko Ilic 1, and Julia M. Polak 2* 1 Kings College London School of Medicine, Division of Women s Health, Assisted Conception

More information

F.D.A. Says Food From Cloned Animals Is Safe

F.D.A. Says Food From Cloned Animals Is Safe December 29, 2006 F.D.A. Says Food From Cloned Animals Is Safe By ANDREW POLLACK and ANDREW MARTIN Janet Hostetter for The New York Times Bob Schauf, with two of his cloned cows in Barron, Wis. Mr. Schauf

More information

National MS Society Information Sourcebook

National MS Society Information Sourcebook National MS Society Information Sourcebook www.nationalmssociety.org/sourcebook Interferons The interferons are a group of natural proteins that are produced by human cells in response to viral infection

More information

Clinical Trials: What You Need to Know

Clinical Trials: What You Need to Know Clinical Trials: What You Need to Know Knowing all you can about clinical trials can help you feel better when deciding whether or not to take part in one. This guide addresses many basic questions and

More information

Corporate Medical Policy Genetic Testing for Fanconi Anemia

Corporate Medical Policy Genetic Testing for Fanconi Anemia Corporate Medical Policy Genetic Testing for Fanconi Anemia File Name: Origination: Last CAP Review: Next CAP Review: Last Review: genetic_testing_for_fanconi_anemia 03/2015 3/2017 3/2018 12/2017 Description

More information

Reading. Lecture III. Nervous System Embryology. Biology. Brain Diseases. September 5, Bio 3411 Lecture III. Nervous System Embryology

Reading. Lecture III. Nervous System Embryology. Biology. Brain Diseases. September 5, Bio 3411 Lecture III. Nervous System Embryology Reading NEUROSCIENCE: 5 th ed, pp. 477-506 NEUROSCIENCE: 4 th ed, pp. 545-575 Bio 3411 Wednesday 2 Summary from Lecture II Biology Understanding the brain is THE major question in biology and science.

More information

Lecture III. Nervous System Embryology

Lecture III. Nervous System Embryology Bio 3411 Wednesday Reading NEUROSCIENCE: 5 th ed, pp. 477-506 NEUROSCIENCE: 4 th ed, pp. 545-575 2 1 Summary from Lecture II Biology Understanding the brain is THE major question in biology and science.

More information

A Life Sciences Crucible. Stem Cell Research and Innovation Done Responsibly and Ethically. Michael Rugnetta and Michael Peroski January 2009

A Life Sciences Crucible. Stem Cell Research and Innovation Done Responsibly and Ethically. Michael Rugnetta and Michael Peroski January 2009 AP Photo/Paul Sancya A Life Sciences Crucible Stem Cell Research and Innovation Done Responsibly and Ethically Michael Rugnetta and Michael Peroski January 2009 w w w.americanprogress.org A Life Sciences

More information

Stem Cell Models for Environmental Health

Stem Cell Models for Environmental Health Stem Cell Models for Environmental Health february 2011 Introduction On June 3 4, 2010, the National Research Council s Standing Committee on the Use of Emerging Science for Environmental Health Decisions

More information

Medicyte GmbH. Infinity Gets Cultured. European Business Development Conference, Dresden October 2014 Björn F. Lindemann, CEO

Medicyte GmbH. Infinity Gets Cultured. European Business Development Conference, Dresden October 2014 Björn F. Lindemann, CEO Medicyte GmbH Infinity Gets Cultured European Business Development Conference, Dresden October 2014 Björn F. Lindemann, CEO Medicyte GmbH Founded 2007, privately owned Unique IP protected technology ISO

More information

The 3Rs: are Human Stem Cells and Organs on Chip alternatives?

The 3Rs: are Human Stem Cells and Organs on Chip alternatives? The 3Rs: are Human Stem Cells and Organs on Chip alternatives? Towards precision medicine in future healthcare Christine Mummery Leiden University Medical Centre University Twente hdmt Three kinds of human

More information

Economics 102 Spring 2014 Answers to Homework #4 Due: April 9, 2014

Economics 102 Spring 2014 Answers to Homework #4 Due: April 9, 2014 Economics 102 Spring 2014 Answers to Homework #4 Due: April 9, 2014 Directions: The homework will be collected in a box before the lecture. Please place your name, TA name and section number on top of

More information

REPORT OF THE IBC WORKING GROUP ON HUMAN CLONING AND INTERNATIONAL GOVERNANCE

REPORT OF THE IBC WORKING GROUP ON HUMAN CLONING AND INTERNATIONAL GOVERNANCE Distribution: limited SHS/EST/CIB-17/10/CONF.501/4 REV Paris, 7 October 2010 Original: English REPORT OF THE IBC WORKING GROUP ON HUMAN CLONING AND INTERNATIONAL GOVERNANCE This report has been drawn up

More information

INTRODUCTION TO BIOTECHNOLOGY

INTRODUCTION TO BIOTECHNOLOGY INTRODUCTION TO BIOTECHNOLOGY Zahra Naz [1] [1] Institute of Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, Bahauddin Zakariya University, Multan, Pakistan Biotechnology, as the word suggests, is combination of

More information

Participant Copy. No. Participation is voluntary. Your decision will not affect your health care at Mayo Clinic in any way.

Participant Copy. No. Participation is voluntary. Your decision will not affect your health care at Mayo Clinic in any way. Name and Clinic Number IRB # 08-007049 00 Consent form approved July 16, 2015; This consent valid through July 15, 2016; 1. General Information About This Research Study Study Title: Mayo Clinic Biobank

More information

Ethics Procedures ETHICAL ISSUES

Ethics Procedures ETHICAL ISSUES ETHICAL ISSUES Ethics is central to scientific integrity, honesty and clarity of science. It is considered essential by the FCT in the research activities that it funds; this means that in any proposal

More information