Stem Cell research &Ethics Workshop

An overview of Debating Science IssuesAn introduction to the Science of Stem CellsHope or Hype? You decide….

What is Debating Science Issues?

• All-Ireland Secondary School Debate competition

• Open to senior cycle students• All debates are on biomedical science• Sponsored by the Wellcome Trust

Why Debating Science Issues?

• Encourage you to take an active interest in biomedical science research and its ethical implications for all of society

• Encourage you to consider the many diverse career options available in science 

• Debate topics include: stem cell research, GM foods, vaccinations, nanotechnology and health and self-testing kits

Organization of DSI

• Small groups take part in round table ethical workshops to prepare for first round of debates

• Students work as a team under teacher supervision to prepare debates

• 3-4 provincial heats (if successful!) before Semi-final and Final

• Follow progress on the 2010- 2011 competition on Twitter @DebatingScience

• Independent research-funding charity• Largest charity in the U.K.• Established in 1936• Founder of company that

developed AZT and Rubella vaccines• Interests range from science to history

of medicine

Science Foundation Ireland

• REMEDI is one of ten centres of excellence in Ireland funded by the Science Foundation Ireland and dedicated to advancing Ireland’s smart economy through cutting-edge research and development.  Forging innovative partnerships with industry, government and academia, the centres add value to Ireland through job creation, inward investment and international excellence in science, engineering and technology. 

Stem Cell science-What are stem cells?

• Unspecialised cells lacking any tissue-specific structure

• Can give rise to specialised cells through the process of differentiation

Where are stem cells found?

• Embryonic stem cells (pre-birth)

• Adult stem cells (post-birth) Umbilical cord blood Brain Olfactory (nasal passages) tissue Bone marrow Adipose (fat) tissue Other sources are being discovered….

Why are stem cells unique?

stem cell

stem cell

SELF-RENEWAL

(copying)

specialized celle.g. muscle cell, nerve cell

DIFFERENTIATION

(specializing)

Sources of embryonic stem cells

• Spare or surplus embryos from in vitro fertilisation (IVF)

• Embryos created for scientific research using donated eggs and sperm

• Embryos created for scientific research using therapeutic cloning

Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells)

adult cell

‘genetic reprogramming’= add certain genes to the cell

induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cellbehaves like an embryonic stem cell

Advantage: no need for embryos!

all possible types ofspecialized cells

culture iPS cells in the lab

differentiation

THE DEBATE

-Currently there is no international consensus on embryo research or therapeutic cloning.

-European nations vary in their legislation. -In some countries, the debate over whether we

allow embryonic stem cell research is in its infancy.

-This requires mutual respect for opposing positions and continued dialogue.

-We need a proper understanding of the scientific facts about development of the embryo and what is involved in embryonic stem cell research.

-We must think through our ethical principles and their implications.

Thank You