Stem Cell Ethics: Future of Research and Funding
Topic:
Stem cell research has been exploding in the 21st century as a new medium to understand and manipulate the human body for therapy and development. In the field of regenerative medicine, there are a number of ethical limitations that prevent the onset of future research. In the past, there was a high focus on the use of embryonic stem cells. However, we are at a period of large scientific growth privately, which has caused a new set of developments in human-animal chimera. These technologies are designed specifically to assist in the large organ shortage issue, but can have major implications and unintended consequences due to the experimental nature of the work.
Readings:
Primary Video: Stem Cell Overview (Good background): Link to Reading
Primary Reading: Washington Post article on new developments (Feb. 2017) on human-animal chimera (Biggest topic of discussion currently): Link to Reading
Primary Reading: NIH funding on human-animal chimera (discussions from Aug. 2016): Link to Reading
Secondary Reading: NIH requesting public opinions on chimera research (Aug. 2016):Link to Reading
OPTIONAL: Stem cell funding executive order (skim through if you want- this is kind of just interesting to look at): Link to Reading
OPTIONAL: Editorial on the benefits of stem cell work (npr special edition set of stories): Link to Reading
OPTIONAL: Editorial on the problems of stem cell work (npr special edition set of stories): Link to Reading
OPTIONAL: Interesting ted talk on stem cell benefits in the future: Link to Reading
Discussion Questions:
Are there any questions about the science / clarification before we start the discussion on the ethical implications?
What are the implications of the fact that the researchers did not control where the human cells ended up in the developing pig embryo - with potential of cells to migrate to the brain?
Since 2015, the NIH has had a moratorium on funding for certain human-animal chimera research (this new WaPo study was performed in California at the Salk Institute without federal funds). How does this relate to the present study?
Pros/Cons of NIH moratorium?
How could this be misapplied - what are some unintended consequences of chimera research?
How does the debate on abortion restrictions parallel this discussion?
