Useful Resources
Stem Cell Research: Controversies Abound
November 11, 2009
Unique among structures in the body, embryonic stem cells can be converted to almost any type of cell, carrying the promise of a cure for diabetes, Parkinson's disease and shattered spines, among other conditions. A considerable number of Americans, however, think that conducting research with stem cells derived from human embryos is immoral.
In early 2008, a new twist was added to the controversy when scientists reported having found a way to safely remove cells without destroying embryos. This discovery may let the disputed technique become more widely accepted within the medical research field. Updated March 2010
Resource Links
Blogs
Hosted by Nature magazine, this blog reports on the latest developments in stem cell research.
Blog addresses the science, ethics, business and politics of stem cells in medicine.
A news and views blog about the latest information on the potentials of stem cell research by someone who has lost family members and friends from treatable diseases.
Guidance for Consumers
This site offers an overview of the disease, as well as a wide variety of treatments.
Advocacy
International consortium on stem cells, ethics and law.
Survey from Virginia Commonwealth University showing increased support for research not involving human embryos.
The Center for Bioethics and Human Dignity, backed by Christian leaders, opposes the destruction of human embryos in stem cell research.
Organization established with the passage of Proposition 71 in California to make grants and provide loans for stem cell research.
Testimony by Story C. Landis, director of the National Institute of Neurological Disorders, on the promise and challenge of stem cell research.
American Association for Advancement of Science's policy brief on stem cell research..
This political action campaign supports the use of embryonic stem cells in research and federal laws that ease current restrictions on federally-funded stem cell research.
The ADA supports the use of stem cell research in biomedical research, with the promise of a cure or better treatment of diabetes.
Catholic Church-backed advocacy group opposes the use of embryonic stem cells in medical research.
Public Policy
Debate concerning embryonic stem cell research from the International Society for Stem Cell Research.
Consideration of ethics in stem cell research, from an initiative funded by the Australian government.
Legal perspective on stem cell research and where it stands in Congress.
Information on the current government policy on stem cell research and funding.
Statistics, Trends and Research
Article from the Mayo Clinic on stem cell transplants, also known as bone marrow or umbilical cord blood transplants, depending on the source of the stem cells.
Basic outline of potential of stem cells in medicine.
The Food and Drug Administration stance on stem cell research on treatments for heart disease.
Understanding Stem Cell Research
This coalition of funders of stem cell research, including the U.S. National Institutes of Health and government health organizations worldwide, seeks to advance ethical and scientifically valid practices in stem cell research.
The National Academies of Science explains the basics of stem cells and associated topics.
Independent, nonprofit organization of scientists and biotechnology firms promotes the exchange of research and other information on stem cells.
What stem cells are, where researchers get them, and what's important to know about them at the molecular level.
