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Stem Cell research & Ethics Workshop
An overview of Debating Science IssuesAn introduction to the Science of Stem CellsHope or Hype? You decide….
What is Debating Science Issues?
•
All‐Ireland Secondary School Debate competition
•
Open to senior cycle students•
All debates are on biomedical science
•
Sponsored by the Wellcome Trust
Why Debating Science Issues?
•
Encourage you to take an active interest in biomedical science
research occuring in Ireland and its ethical implications for all of
society•
Encourage you to consider the
many diverse career options available in science in Ireland
DSI topics
•
Stem cell research•
Nanotechnology
•
Genetically modified foods•
Health & Self‐testing kits
•
Vaccinations•
Animal testing
Organization of DSI•
Small groups take part in round table
ethical workshops to prepare for first round of debates
•
Students work as a team under teacher supervision to prepare
debates•
3‐4 provincial heats (if successful!)
before All‐Ireland Semi‐final and Final at The Science Gallery in Trinity
College in April 2010
•
Independent research‐funding charity
•
Largest charity in the U.K.•
Established in 1936
•
Founder of company that developed AZT and Rubella
vaccines•
Interests range from science to
history of medicine
Science Foundation Ireland•
REMEDI is one of ten centres of excellence
in Ireland funded by the Science Foundation Ireland and dedicated to advancing
Ireland’s smart economy through cutting‐ edge research and development.
Forging
innovative partnerships with industry, government and academia, the centres add
value to Ireland through job creation, inward investment and international excellence in science, engineering and technology.
Stem Cell science‐ What are stem cells?
•
Unspecialised cells lacking any tissue‐specific structure
•
Can give rise to specialised cells through the process of
differentiation
Where are stem cells found?
•
Embryonic stem cells (pre‐birth)
•
Adult stem cells (post‐birth)Umbilical cord bloodBrainOlfactory (nasal passages) tissueBone marrowAdipose (fat) tissueOther sources are being discovered….
Sources of embryonic stem cells
•
Spare or surplus embryos from in vitro
fertilisation (IVF)
•
Embryos created for scientific research using donated eggs and
sperm •
Embryos created for scientific
research using therapeutic cloning
THE DEBATE
In Ireland, the debate over whether we allow embryonic stem cell research is in its infancy.
This requires mutual respect for opposing positions and continued dialogue.
We need a proper understanding of the scientific facts about development of the embryo and what is involved in embryonic
stem cell research.We must think through our ethical principles
and their implications.
Thank You