The Controversy Behind Stem Cell Research

Tonya BlevinsToye Lowe

Sakinah AlstonJasonta NorrisKiva Browning

The History of Stem Cell Research and the Politics

that Follow

Sakinah Alston

Stem cell research has the potential of curing and treating diseases and injuries that have

been deemed incurable for many years.

Potential uses of Stem cells

Different Stem Cell Research Techniques

1868, 1981, 19981950, 1960, 1990’s2006, 2007

Embryonic

Stem Cells

Adult Stem Cells

Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells

Embryonic Stem Cells

1868 – Known as the fertilized egg that becomes an organism

1981 – Scientists discovered ways to derive embryonic stem cells from early mouse embryos

1998 – The isolation of the first batch of human embryonic stem cells

Adult Stem Cells

1950’s – Two types of stem cells discovered; Blood & Skeletal

1960’s – Two regions of the brain were discovered

1990’s – Discovered the brain contains three major cell types

Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells2006 – Created

from a mouse at Kyoto University in Japan

2007 – Created human induced pluripotent stem cells

The government against Stem Cell Research (comic

relief)

Federal Funding Ban

2001 – President Bush prohibited federal funding on cell lines derived after August 09, 2001

2007 – Executive order by the president supporting research for Adult stem cells

2009 – President Obama lifted the restrictions on embryonic stem cells research

State Funding

Federal Funding for Stem Cell Research before and after the 2001 compromise of embryonic stem cell research.

Voters Favor Expanding Funding for ESC Research

Strongly favor

Somewhat favor

Somwhat oppose

Strongly oppose

Not sure

Source: A Research! America poll of likely voters conducted in partnership with JZ Analytics in August 2012

Olijah McKinney - 3 year old boy received stem cell treatment last year for a rare cancer called Neuroblastoma, has been found cancer free as of June 11, 2013

Psychology & Sociology Impact

Jasonta Norris

Psychology & Sociology Impact on Research

Scientific Community• Believes stem cell brings greater

advancement

Prolife Activists• Believe that using an embryo for

research should be banned

Stem cell research Public Opinion stats

Source: Statistic Brain www.statisticbrain.com

In Favor of Stem Cell Research

People that live with certain medical conditions• Diabetes, Parkinson's, Spinal

cord injuries

Certain Religious Groups• Support research, don’t consider

embryos as human beings.

Groups not in Favor of Stem Cell Research

- Abortion Groups• Using embryos

from abortions• Using unused

embryos from fertility clinics

Religion & Sociology

Church Leaders & Religious Institutions• Human life is created by God

Social Impact• Potential to impact and treat diseases

in millions of Americans

Economics & Ethical Issue

Toye Lowe

Types of Stem Cells

Early Embryo

nic

Blastocyst

Fetal

Early Embryonic Stem Cells

Are derived from embryos. Most embryonic stem cells are derived from embryos that develop from eggs

Economics & Ethics

The structure formed in early development of vertebrates is called the blastocyst.

National Institutes of Health, Turning Discovery Into Health (2013), Embryonic Stem Cells, Blastocyst, retrieved

from:http://stemcells.nih.gov/info/pages/glossary.aspx

Fetal Stem CellsThis is the most controversial

At this stage the fetus has taken human form

Is the fetus life less important?

Umbilical Cord Stem Cells

Adult Stem Cells

Ethical Concerns

Religion

In Vitro Fertilization

Fetal Stem Cells

Religion

Human Embryonic Research is unethical and Immoral.

Jewish law forbids the taking of one life to save another

In Vitro Fertilization

Embryos are either abandoned or left in frozen storage

So why not use them for research?

What Influences You?

Pro Life vs. My Choice

Family & Friends

How far should researchers take stem cell technologies?

Should the government provide funding for embryonic stem cell research?

Should there be laws to regulate stem cell research?

Do embryonic stem cells represent a human life?

Changes in Federal Law

Results

Babies Saving Lives

Science & Environment

Tonya Blevins

Stem Cell Theory

Different from an other cell:– Ability to replicate

into other cells or tissues

– Ability to replace damaged or cells that have died

Focus– Replacing defective

cells/tissues – Gene therapy

(1900’s)– How to put stem

cells into patients

Types:– Adult Stem Cells– Cord Blood Stem

Cells– Embryonic Stem

Cells

http://www.stemcellscience.info/stem_cell_theory.htm

Why Are Stem Cells Important?

Stems are important to living organisms because:–3 to 5 day old embryos

(blastocyst) are cells to the entire body, and organs like the heart, lungs, bone marrow, skin, etc.

–Regenerative Abilities• Reparative Medicines

–Possible combat birth defects

Potential uses of Human Stem Cells

Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells

Therapeutic Cloning–(Somatic Cell Nuclear Transfer)

Somatic Stem Cells

3D Printing with Embryonic Stem Cells

Allows for creation of three dimensional tissues

Paves the way for artificial organs & tissues

Means of transplantation for various diseases

The Great Debate: Cloning

What is Cloning?How is cloning

done?– Artificial Embryo

Twinning– Somatic Cell

Nuclear Transfer Is cloning an

organism the same as cloning a gene? http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/content/tech/stemcell

s/quickref/

Why Clone?

Medical Purposes–Animals models of diseases–Stems cells for research–Pharming for drug production

Reviving Endangered SpeciesReproducing a deceased petCloning Humans

Obstacles & Risks to OvercomeAssociated Obstacles

Ethical Issues Legal Issues Social Issues

Associated Risks Mutation or gene

defects High failure rate Problems during later

development Telomeric differences

Stem cell Research through Media and Art

Kiva Browning

BEAUTY IN MICROSCOPIC IMAGES OF STEM CELLS

Art is a way to express ideas creatively whether socially or politically

http://www.stemcellnetwork.ca/index.php?page=gallery&hl=eng

Fine Art Contest

Art Galleries

Magazine Covers

Post Cards

Websites

McMaster Museum of Art

McMaster Museum of Art

World Wide Web

Internet communications medium

Reaches countless consumers/ uncontrollable

Businesses market and advertise from around the world

Social media

Online Stem Cell Clinics

F.D.A Prohibits

• advertising, testimonials or medical claims being made on websites regarding medical stem cell therapy

Beware Stem Cell Fraud!!!

Exploit vulnerable impressionable families

Guaranteeing cures

High cost for experimental treatments

Unlicensed Doctors performing treatments

Other countries may not require studies to test safety and effectiveness

Stem cell research shows great promise in the near future to prolong quality of

life for those with debilitating conditions.

http://www.stemcellnetwork.ca/index.php?page=gallery&hl=eng

Summary