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

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)

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 FDA approves phase-1 trials

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

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

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

References research st-cell-treatment-multiple-sclerosis.html tech_therapies/timeline_for_stem_cell_re search