The Ethics of Stem Cell Research

1. The Ethics of Stem Cell Research Presented by Corey Gomes Bme 181 April 15, 2013

2. What are Stem Cells? • Undifferentiated cells • Potential to divide up into many other functioning cells • Known as “blank” cells • Start off as zygotes • Two types • Embryonic • Non-embryonic (Adult Cells)

3. Background • First started in the 1950’s • Bone marrow transplant • Large increase within the past 10 years • 2001 President Bush promotes funding • Restrictions lifted in 2009 • 2009 FDA approves phase-1 trials

4. Bioengineering aspects • Research to develop a new way to cure diseases and defects of cells in the body • Focused on embryonic cells • Medical laboratory work • Harvesting of stem cells • 5-14 days • In-vitro fertilization • Raises ethical issues • Trying to limit risks and rejection of the stem cells in the body

5. Research and Therapy with Stem Cells • Cure many diseases • Cancer, multiple sclerosis, brain damage, spinal cord injuries, diabetes, HIV/AIDS, broken bones • Phase-1 clinics • Can last up to a year • Prices range from $8,000-30,000 • Not effective • Only have been in use for a few years

6. Ethics regarding Stem Cell research • Destruction of Embryo • An embryo is a living human after the first 5 days of fertilization • Federal funding provided due to regulations • Consent of patient • Embryo was created for reproductive purposes and is not needed for a functioning purpose • The embryonic cell is discarded after in-vitro fertilization

7. References • http://ask.healthline.com/health/stem-cell-research • http://www.ehow.com/about_6671593_cost-cell-treatment-multiple-sclerosis.html • http://www.emcell.com/ • http://www.biotechlearn.org.nz/themes/biotech_therapies/timeline_for_stem_cell_research