Stem Cell research &
Ethics Workshop
An overview of Debating Science Issues
An introduction to the Science of Stem Cells
Hope or Hype? You decide…
What is Debating Science Issues?
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Secondary School Programme
Workshop Series & 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 2012 competition on Twitter
@DebatingScience
• Topic guides and reading lists available for download
www.debatingscienceissues.com
• 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 scienceWhat are stem cells?
• Unspecialised cells lacking any tissuespecific structure
• Can give rise to specialised cells
through the process of differentiation
Why are stem cells unique?
stem
cell
SELF-RENEWAL
(copying)
stem cell
DIFFERENTIATION
(specializing)
specialized cell
e.g. muscle cell, nerve cell
Where are stem cells found?
• Adult stem cells (post-birth)
Umbilical cord blood
Brain
Olfactory (nasal passages) tissue
Bone marrow
Adipose (fat) tissue
Intestinal lining
Skin
Surface of the eye
Muscles
Other sources are being discovered….
• Embryonic stem cells (pre-birth)
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)
‘genetic reprogramming’
= add certain genes to the cell
adult cell
induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells
behave like embryonic stem cells
differentiation
culture iPS cells
in the lab
all possible types of
specialized cells
Advantage: no need for embryos!
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