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GENES & STEM CELLS
Radio Program | General
Resources | Ethics
Stem cells are the unlikely subject of raging public controversy. Some
say the tiny human cells could develop into a miraculous new kind of medical
treatment and unlock some of the major mysteries of life; others are deeply
concerned about the religious and ethical implications of using cells
taken from human embryos.
What exactly are stem cells? What is the basis for the science? The controversy?
What is meant by "therapeutic cloning"? These sources will help
get you started. If you are interested in stem cells you will want to
look at Genes & Cloning, Genes
& Medicine and DNA Marketplace.
Last updated: February 18, 2005
- Stem Cell
Information, National Institutes of Health
This frequently updated site contains a wealth of information on stem cells. You will find proposed federal guidelines, congressional testimony, and a White House fact sheet on embryonic stem cell research. Don't miss the excellent primer, "Stem Cell Basics," and the NIH report on stem cells, "Stem Cells: Scientific Progress and Future Research Directions." Read advisory and scientific papers on such topics as "Can Stem Cells Repair a Damaged Heart? and "Rebuilding the Nervous System With Stem Cells."
- Under the Microscope: Looking at Stem Cell Research. National Academy of Sciences (NAS)
You can read the entire NAS Report on Stem Cells and the Future of Regenerative
Medicine here. The site also has basic information on the basic science
of stem cells, the stem cell debate, and the question of public vs.
private funding of stem cell research.
- New
Scientist
To find articles summarizing recent developments in stem cell research, type "stem cells" into the search box.
- Stem
Cell Research: An NPR Special Report
Hear the NPR report. Listen to President Bush's announcement regarding
funding support for limited stem cell research.
- In-depth
special report on the stem cell debate. CNN.com
Sections on the news, the science, the politics and analysis. You can try the Flash explanation of embryonic stem cells, or explore the Video
Gallery.
- Stem Cell news on Science.Bio.Org
Frequently updated roundup of news on stem cell research. Brought to you by the Biotechnology Industry Organization.
- Bioethics.net
The American Journal of Bioethics (online) features frequently updated news about stem cell research, policy and regulation.
- Human Clone Produces Stem Cells. Wired Online, February, 2004
Wired reports on a Korean lab's 2004 announcement that it has produced stem cells from a cloned human embryo. See a video of the new extraction technique.
- The Stem Cell Challenge. Scientific American, June, 2004
What stands between the promise of human stem cell therapies and real treatments in clinics? An influential article by Nadia Rosenthal and Robert Lanza.
- Fair Access to Stem Cells (pdf file), Hastings Center Report, November-December, 2003
If stem cell "banks" don't reflect the genetic diversity of the population, will minority groups be denied emerging medical treatments? Download ethicist Suzanne Holland's
thoughtful analysis.
- Do No Harm: The Coalition of Americans for Research Ethics
This website supports the continuation of federal laws prohibiting federal funds for research using human embryonic stem cells. Coalition members include professors of ethics and medical doctors.
- Stem Cell Research Divides U.S.: Issue in 2004 National Election
In the United States, the 2004 presidential campaign was marked by conflict over stem cell research.
- Ron Reagan, son of the former Republican president, spoke at the Democratic National Convention in favor of stem cell research. Read the text of his address.
- President Bush’s wife Laura spoke against stem cell research. Read the text of her address.
- Several states have passed, or are considering legislation allowing stem cell research beyond the limits marked by the President. See the announcement by the former Governor of New Jersey.
- "California Stem Cell Research and Cures Act"
The complete text of California State Initiative 71, which was overwhelmingly passed by voters on November 2, 2004.
Also see articles in the San Francisco Chronicle on the practical implications of the California stem cell act: "Creating $3 Billion Stem Cell Agency No Small Feat" (12/7/04), and "Prop 71's Fine Print Contains Surprises: Tightly Written Law Leaves Little Room for Oversight or Changes" (12/8/04). For updates, search the San Francisco Chronicle online. (In the archives search field, enter "stem cells.")
A pre-election piece in The New Yorker magazine analyzes the politics behind the California initiative. "On the Ballot — Hollywood Science: Should a Ballot Initiative Determine the Fate of Stem-Cell Research?" by Connie Bruck, October 18, 2004, pp. 62-82.
 All Approved Stem Lines Found Contaminated
In January 2005, researchers at the University of California, San Diego School of Medicine and the Salk Institute in La Jolla, California reported that every human embryonic stem cell line approved by the U.S. government for research is contaminated and possibly unsuitable for many experimental uses. See the UCSD / Salk press release.
- StemCells.ca
Don't let the screaming yellow screen discourage you. This site is a
rich starting point for learning about the ethical debate. It includes
links to basic information on the science of stem cells, regulations
and ethical arguments.
- "Monitoring Stem Cell Research," The President's Council on Bioethics. Washington, D.C., January 2004
The complete report as well as commissioned papers and religious perspectives
on the subject are available here.
- Report
and recommendations on stem cell research. American Association
for the Advancement of Science (AAAS)/Institute for Civil Society, Law
and Ethics.
Books
- The Human Embryonic Stem Cell Debate (Basic Bioethics)
by Suzanne Holland, Karen LeBacqz and Laurie Zoloth, eds. MIT Press,
2001
Edited by three prominent bioethicists, this book contains contributions
by key biologists, theologians and researchers.
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