Over the years, I have been leading a discussion about the ethical and social issues of stem cells research in my class and have used a few useful videos on various aspects. You may find them useful too.
I. Introduction to the topic
- “A Stem Cell Story” – a great introduction of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) and their research by EuroStemCell.
- “Stem Cells Breakthrough” – a great introduction about a potential alternative technology, induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), that does not require destroying human embryos.
References
Here are two recent scientific references that give the current status of iPSCs research and compared that with hESCs, as well as the challenges ahead in research and ethical issues.
- Robinton DA, Daley GQ. The promise of induced pluripotent stem cells in research and therapy. Nature. 2012 Jan 18;481(7381):295-305. PubMed PMID: 22258608.
- Hug K, Hermerén G. Do we still need human embryonic stem cells for stem cell-based therapies? Epistemic and ethical aspects. Stem Cell Rev. 2011 Nov;7(4):761-74. PubMed PMID: 21461713.
This reference is a general scientific review on various ways that one can reprogramming cells that may potentially be used for therapeutic purposes.
- Gurdon JB, Melton DA. Nuclear reprogramming in cells. Science. 2008 Dec 19;322(5909):1811-5. Review. PubMed PMID: 19095934.