Some great clips from the "Lines That Divide" documentary.
Chuck Colson, Founder of Prison Fellowship:
"Lines that Divide is a much needed tool for equipping concerned citizens with a comprehensive view of the science and ethics shaping the stem-cell debate today. The film spotlights the breakthroughs being made by adult stem-cell therapy — breakthroughs which are not receiving equal funding or equal media coverage. All of us who believe in supporting life should see this film and recommend it to others."
Leading experts, William Hurlbut (Stanford University), Philip Schwartz, Wesley J. Smith, and Samuel Wood on the use of human embryos for research.
Christopher Reeve on Charlie Rose discussing human cloning. William Hurlbut on arguments made from suffering and the "greatest good for the greatest number".
Showing posts with label stem cells. Show all posts
Showing posts with label stem cells. Show all posts
Friday, June 19, 2009
Monday, June 15, 2009
"Lines That Divide": A Documentary on the Stem Cell Debate
The "Lines That Divide" website is up, so that you can get a preview of the documentary and considering purchasing the DVD.
About the Film
Stem cell research: A potential miracle cure for diseases or a form of biological colonialism? The debate still rages over this controversial science. Supporters argue that it is our moral duty to pursue scientific progress that provides healing hope for humanity. Detractors argue that the ends don't justify the means in harvesting some human life to save others. This documentary seeks to educate the public on the scientific basics of stem cell research and the moral issues surrounding it as we enter the 21st century.
First, the viewer is introduced to the basic science of stem cells and how they are gathered for medical use. Embryonic stem cells and adult stem cells are both explained along with their similarities, differences and methods of procurement. Scientific issues are examined, such as the benefits, drawbacks, and scientific and medical results of both.
The documentary also introduces the moral issues being argued in the public square ñ issues of human life and the medical utilization of embryos, as well as womenís health issues that arise from the procurement of eggs used in much of the research. Scientists, doctors and ethicists on both sides weigh in with their views.
One of the solutions to achieving the mass amount of stem cell lines needed for this burgeoning stem cell industry is cloning. The documentary examines cloning, what it is, what it isnít, as well as the current scientific, moral and political issues surrounding this volatile issue in the debate.
Lastly, the film looks at the horizon of scientific and medical research in stem cells. New and alternate forms of creating or accumulating stem cells seem to be making breakthroughs monthly around the world as scientists explore the vistas of possibilities, while seeking to address the ethical issues surrounding the lines that divide.
About the Film
Stem cell research: A potential miracle cure for diseases or a form of biological colonialism? The debate still rages over this controversial science. Supporters argue that it is our moral duty to pursue scientific progress that provides healing hope for humanity. Detractors argue that the ends don't justify the means in harvesting some human life to save others. This documentary seeks to educate the public on the scientific basics of stem cell research and the moral issues surrounding it as we enter the 21st century.
First, the viewer is introduced to the basic science of stem cells and how they are gathered for medical use. Embryonic stem cells and adult stem cells are both explained along with their similarities, differences and methods of procurement. Scientific issues are examined, such as the benefits, drawbacks, and scientific and medical results of both.
The documentary also introduces the moral issues being argued in the public square ñ issues of human life and the medical utilization of embryos, as well as womenís health issues that arise from the procurement of eggs used in much of the research. Scientists, doctors and ethicists on both sides weigh in with their views.
One of the solutions to achieving the mass amount of stem cell lines needed for this burgeoning stem cell industry is cloning. The documentary examines cloning, what it is, what it isnít, as well as the current scientific, moral and political issues surrounding this volatile issue in the debate.
Lastly, the film looks at the horizon of scientific and medical research in stem cells. New and alternate forms of creating or accumulating stem cells seem to be making breakthroughs monthly around the world as scientists explore the vistas of possibilities, while seeking to address the ethical issues surrounding the lines that divide.
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Banking On Life Conference (Cord Blood Stem Cell Research) May 2, 2009
The Center for Bioethics & Culture is hosting a conference that brings the major leaders, thinkers and experts in the field of cord blood stem cell research and regenerative medicine. Definitely a highly academic and engaging event! More from the event website here:
Cutting edge leaders from around the world, in the field of umbilical cord blood stem cell research and regenerative medicine, will join us to promote, inform and educate attendees on up to the minute successes and advances in cord blood research. These key voices will convene to share information that will shape the future direction of progress in cord blood banking and advances in patient treatments.
Some of the world experts are:
Dr. Colin McGuckin
After finishing his PhD (DPhil) on leukaemia research in 1991 (Biomedical Sciences Research Centre, University of Ulster – a 5* RAE department), Colin completed a postdoctoral position at St George’s Hospital Medical School Dept of Haematology. There he worked on Chronic Anaemia’s & Stem Cell Disorders. In 1996 he became Senior Lecturer in Biomedical Sciences at Kingston University, and ‘Reader’ in 2001. In 1999, he founded and became Director of the Stem Cell Therapy Laboratory specialising in Stem Cell Research, Tissue Engineering and regenerative medicine. His research collaborates internationally and with industry. Colin is also a freelance journalist working with TV, radio and print media and believes in promoting medical and scientific research understanding to the public. He is a UK Millennium Fellow & Media Fellow promoting science and medicine to the public. In 2005 he was appointed the first Professor of Regenerative Medicine at the University of Newcastle upon Tyne, UK, leading a clinical research programme to take adult stem cells through to patients. We strongly believe in international cooperation and collaboration
Banking Umbilical Cord Blood: The Future of Regenerative Medicine
Abstract: It is 20 years since the first successful cord blood stem cell transplant, and this field of regenerative medicine, is moving forwards at an incredible pace, as more and more countries realise the potential of the stem cells which are present in umbilical cord blood at birth. World expert, Prof Colin McGuckin, will present his own work and progress to date in this exciting sphere. His team have been successful in discovering a unique group of cells from cord blood called ‘cord-blood-derived embryonic-like stem cells’ or CBEs which can give rise to any tissue type of the body. They combine qualities of the embryonic and the adult stem cell, whilst bypassing the ethical or technical limitations of these two types of stem cells. In his laboratory they use a microgravity technology originally developed for NASA, to grow cells in 3-dimensional free-floating conditions, greatly increasing the number of cells which can be produced, and they have successfully grown liver cells from CBEs
Dr. David T. Harris
Dr. Harris is a graduate of Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, North Carolina where he obtained Bachelor of Science degrees (cum laude) in Biology, Mathematics and Psychology in 1978. He earned a Masters of Medical Sciences (summa cum laude) from Bowman Gray Medical School in 1980 and his Doctorate in Microbiology and Immunology (magna cum laude) from Bowman Gray Medical School in 1982. From 1982-1985 Dr. Harris was a Postdoctorate Fellow at the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research in Lausanne, Switzerland. In 1985 he joined the faculty at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill as a Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Medicine. In 1989 Dr. Harris joined the faculty at the University of Arizona in Tucson as an Associate Professor in the Department of Microbiology & Immunology. In 1996 Dr. Harris was promoted to Professor of Immunology. Dr. Harris established the first cord blood bank in the USA in 1992. He currently serves as Director of the Cord Blood Stem Cell Bank, is a member of the Arizona Cancer Center, a member of the Children’s Research Center, a member of the Arizona Arthritis Center, and Head of the Gene Therapy Group. Dr. Harris’s research interests include stem cells and regenerative medicine, cancer research/stem cell transplantation and gene therapy. He has published more than 300 articles (papers, book chapters and abstracts), given more than 100 talks on stem cells over the past 7 years, and has served as a consultant to the governments of China, Hong Kong, Singapore and South Korea. Dr. Harris has also founded 3 companies while at the University of Arizona; Cord Blood Registry, Inc.; ImmuneRegen BioSciences, Inc.; and QuReGen, Inc.
Cord Blood Cells and Regenerative Medicine: Clinical Applications
Abstract: The use of stem cells from umbilical cord blood has grown significantly over the last 10 years. More than 12,000 cord blood transplants have now been performed worldwide for a variety of cancers, blood disorders, and genetic diseases. However, recent discoveries in regenerative medicine suggest that stem cells, like those found in newborn cord blood, can differentiate into bone, brain, nerve, skin, or other cell types. While these areas of research are in their infancy, the value and power of stem cells and the potential they possess for medical treatment and cures is creating a new paradigm for the future.
The objective of this presentation is to provide updated information regarding clinical experience with umbilical cord blood banking and transplantation and a summary of expert opinion concerning the current and potential future applications of cord blood stem cells.
Other speakers here and register here.
Visit the Facebook Event page here.
Cutting edge leaders from around the world, in the field of umbilical cord blood stem cell research and regenerative medicine, will join us to promote, inform and educate attendees on up to the minute successes and advances in cord blood research. These key voices will convene to share information that will shape the future direction of progress in cord blood banking and advances in patient treatments.
Some of the world experts are:
Dr. Colin McGuckin
After finishing his PhD (DPhil) on leukaemia research in 1991 (Biomedical Sciences Research Centre, University of Ulster – a 5* RAE department), Colin completed a postdoctoral position at St George’s Hospital Medical School Dept of Haematology. There he worked on Chronic Anaemia’s & Stem Cell Disorders. In 1996 he became Senior Lecturer in Biomedical Sciences at Kingston University, and ‘Reader’ in 2001. In 1999, he founded and became Director of the Stem Cell Therapy Laboratory specialising in Stem Cell Research, Tissue Engineering and regenerative medicine. His research collaborates internationally and with industry. Colin is also a freelance journalist working with TV, radio and print media and believes in promoting medical and scientific research understanding to the public. He is a UK Millennium Fellow & Media Fellow promoting science and medicine to the public. In 2005 he was appointed the first Professor of Regenerative Medicine at the University of Newcastle upon Tyne, UK, leading a clinical research programme to take adult stem cells through to patients. We strongly believe in international cooperation and collaboration
Banking Umbilical Cord Blood: The Future of Regenerative Medicine
Abstract: It is 20 years since the first successful cord blood stem cell transplant, and this field of regenerative medicine, is moving forwards at an incredible pace, as more and more countries realise the potential of the stem cells which are present in umbilical cord blood at birth. World expert, Prof Colin McGuckin, will present his own work and progress to date in this exciting sphere. His team have been successful in discovering a unique group of cells from cord blood called ‘cord-blood-derived embryonic-like stem cells’ or CBEs which can give rise to any tissue type of the body. They combine qualities of the embryonic and the adult stem cell, whilst bypassing the ethical or technical limitations of these two types of stem cells. In his laboratory they use a microgravity technology originally developed for NASA, to grow cells in 3-dimensional free-floating conditions, greatly increasing the number of cells which can be produced, and they have successfully grown liver cells from CBEs
Dr. David T. Harris
Dr. Harris is a graduate of Wake Forest University in Winston-Salem, North Carolina where he obtained Bachelor of Science degrees (cum laude) in Biology, Mathematics and Psychology in 1978. He earned a Masters of Medical Sciences (summa cum laude) from Bowman Gray Medical School in 1980 and his Doctorate in Microbiology and Immunology (magna cum laude) from Bowman Gray Medical School in 1982. From 1982-1985 Dr. Harris was a Postdoctorate Fellow at the Ludwig Institute for Cancer Research in Lausanne, Switzerland. In 1985 he joined the faculty at the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill as a Research Assistant Professor in the Department of Medicine. In 1989 Dr. Harris joined the faculty at the University of Arizona in Tucson as an Associate Professor in the Department of Microbiology & Immunology. In 1996 Dr. Harris was promoted to Professor of Immunology. Dr. Harris established the first cord blood bank in the USA in 1992. He currently serves as Director of the Cord Blood Stem Cell Bank, is a member of the Arizona Cancer Center, a member of the Children’s Research Center, a member of the Arizona Arthritis Center, and Head of the Gene Therapy Group. Dr. Harris’s research interests include stem cells and regenerative medicine, cancer research/stem cell transplantation and gene therapy. He has published more than 300 articles (papers, book chapters and abstracts), given more than 100 talks on stem cells over the past 7 years, and has served as a consultant to the governments of China, Hong Kong, Singapore and South Korea. Dr. Harris has also founded 3 companies while at the University of Arizona; Cord Blood Registry, Inc.; ImmuneRegen BioSciences, Inc.; and QuReGen, Inc.
Cord Blood Cells and Regenerative Medicine: Clinical Applications
Abstract: The use of stem cells from umbilical cord blood has grown significantly over the last 10 years. More than 12,000 cord blood transplants have now been performed worldwide for a variety of cancers, blood disorders, and genetic diseases. However, recent discoveries in regenerative medicine suggest that stem cells, like those found in newborn cord blood, can differentiate into bone, brain, nerve, skin, or other cell types. While these areas of research are in their infancy, the value and power of stem cells and the potential they possess for medical treatment and cures is creating a new paradigm for the future.
The objective of this presentation is to provide updated information regarding clinical experience with umbilical cord blood banking and transplantation and a summary of expert opinion concerning the current and potential future applications of cord blood stem cells.
Other speakers here and register here.
Visit the Facebook Event page here.
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Joining The Center for Bioethics & Culture's Board of Directors
As I mentioned before, one of the benefits of my downtime has been meeting good people (yes, i'm from chicago and not the south). One of them was Jennifer Lahl, Founder & National Director of The Center for Bioethics & Culture. I've read her articles at AlwaysOn over the past couple years, but we had a chance to meet up about a month ago. She was passionate about her work, energetic and a good-hearted person. So when she asked if I was interested in joining their board of directors, it was something that I really looked forward to researching and deliberating on. It didn't take long for me to accept Jennifer's gracious invitation. I'm looking forward to serving on their board. Very cool and exciting topics and issues that I will learn about in the coming years.
I know most of the readers of this blog primarily visit for my tech related posts, and deal with my political slants but I hope you will check out The Center for Bioethic & Culture's website or their blog, "the Human Future." More about the CBC:
CBC is about shedding light on the bioethics issues within our culture that most profoundly affect our humanity -- especially among the most vulnerable. We are increasingly aware that to accomplish this we need to challenge those who influence our culture to advance a morally responsible science that respects the inherent value of humanity and that celebrates its beauty and complexity.
The CBC Challenges:
- Science and medicine do not always apply a human-life-affirming set of standards to their work.
- The public at large is generally blind to the long-term risks of this lack of moral anchor in biotechnical fields.
- The strong trend in science and medicine is toward the utilitarian commoditization of life which undermines the dignity of all human life.
- Not all scientific progress is truly human progress.
Scientific progress is too often presented as truly human progress, without question. Clearly this is no longer the case as it once was; CBC seeks to define truly human progress.
The CBC Mission:
The CBC exists to collaborate in providing resources and a public forum to: educate our culture about the impact of biotechnologies, engage in dialogue about what it means to be human, and to challenge those who influence our culture to use science that is grounded in moral responsibility.
Advancing a culture where biotechnology truly serves a human future.
Also a great post from their blog here...
"Dr. Shinya Yamanaka on Embryos and Little Girls"
Dr. Yamanaka said this, “When I saw the embryo, I suddenly realized there was such a small difference between it and my daughters.”
I know most of the readers of this blog primarily visit for my tech related posts, and deal with my political slants but I hope you will check out The Center for Bioethic & Culture's website or their blog, "the Human Future." More about the CBC:
CBC is about shedding light on the bioethics issues within our culture that most profoundly affect our humanity -- especially among the most vulnerable. We are increasingly aware that to accomplish this we need to challenge those who influence our culture to advance a morally responsible science that respects the inherent value of humanity and that celebrates its beauty and complexity.
The CBC Challenges:
- Science and medicine do not always apply a human-life-affirming set of standards to their work.
- The public at large is generally blind to the long-term risks of this lack of moral anchor in biotechnical fields.
- The strong trend in science and medicine is toward the utilitarian commoditization of life which undermines the dignity of all human life.
- Not all scientific progress is truly human progress.
Scientific progress is too often presented as truly human progress, without question. Clearly this is no longer the case as it once was; CBC seeks to define truly human progress.
The CBC Mission:
The CBC exists to collaborate in providing resources and a public forum to: educate our culture about the impact of biotechnologies, engage in dialogue about what it means to be human, and to challenge those who influence our culture to use science that is grounded in moral responsibility.
Advancing a culture where biotechnology truly serves a human future.
Also a great post from their blog here...
"Dr. Shinya Yamanaka on Embryos and Little Girls"
Dr. Yamanaka said this, “When I saw the embryo, I suddenly realized there was such a small difference between it and my daughters.”
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