Ex-vivo expansion of Embryonic Stem Cell-derived Neural Stem Cells
Embryonic Stem Cells = Immortality?
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Transcript of Embryonic Stem Cells = Immortality?
Embryonic Stem Cells = Immortality?
• Medical benefits are almost unlimited
• Cell replacement therapies
• Design better medications
• and produce organs, limbs
• Human achievement
Thesis
• We should increase funding for and remove restrictions on embryonic stem cell research.
Experience• Learned about stem cells
and cell development through courses including
• Genetics• Cell Biology• Neurobiology• and Developmental Biology• Pursuing career in
medicine/medical research.
• Do you have diabetes or a family history of cancer or heart disease?
• Do you have family or friends who are sick?
• Do you engage in behavior that has long term negative consequences?
• This encompasses almost everybody
How would it work?
• Using stem cells one could replace dysfunctional or dead cells.
• e.g. Heart attack
• e.g. Diabetes
• Drug development
• Regrow organs, limbs
It could cure• 25 million Americans w/ heart disease• 21 million Americans w/ diabetes• 10.8 million Americans w/ cancer• Countless other people suffering from more than
70 other diseases and injuries.
Seems so obvious…
Current funding is insufficient
• ONLY $40 million
• California’s attempt
• If we had underfunded NASA
Restrictions on ES research• In 2001 President Bush restricted ES
research to 80 lines.
• Only 20 of the lines are useful.
• All lines may be contaminated.
• This current research may fail
Consequences of Bush’s restrictions
• Dr. Irv Weissman says that these restrictions have severely affected research.
• Director of NIH Elias A. Zerhouni agreed that research is being hindered
• According to Martin Rees, US laws have global implications
Embryonic stem cells show promise for cures
• SHORT TERM• Skin grafts• Blood producing factories• And drug testing• LONG TERM• Cures for numerous diseases• New organs• And new limbs
What will it take?
• National priority
• In 1961 Kennedy issued a challenge
• We have the money…
• 275 million a day in Iraq
• Where do you think the money should go?
• The more we invest, the faster the benefits could be realized
Conclusion
• People are dying every day
• If you had a terminal illness
• Lobby your government representatives.
• I challenge you to make a difference
• Help make the promise of embryonic stem cell research a reality.
Questions?
Bibliography• Nicholas Wade, New York Times Staff Writer, May 9, 2003.
“Clinics hold more embryos than had been thought,” (Viewed Feb. 20, 2008)http://eebweb.arizona.edu/courses/ecol223/Clinics%20Hold%20More%20Embryos%20Than%20Had%20Been%20Thought%20-%20New%20York%20Times.pdf
• Bill Frist, Senator, July 13, 2006. “Time to lift federal restrictions on stem cell research,” (Viewed Feb. 20, 2008)http://www.sfgate.com/cgi-bin/article.cgi?file=/chronicle/archive/2006/07/13/EDGOBIPUT61.DTL
• Ed Bradley, CBS News Reporter. Feb. 26, 2006. “Scientist hopes for stem cell success,” (Viewed Feb 20, 2008)http://www.cbsnews.com/stories/2006/02/23/60minutes/main1341635.shtml#
• CDC, Oct. 26, 2005 “Number of Americans with diabetes continues to increase,” (Viewed Feb 20, 2008)http://www.cdc.gov/od/oc/media/pressrel/fs051026.htm
• CDC, December 31, 2007. “Heart Disease,” (Viewed Feb 20, 2008) http://www.cdc.gov/nchs/fastats/heart.htm
• American Cancer Society, Cancer Facts & Figures 2008, (Viewed Feb. 20, 2008) http://www.cancer.org/downloads/STT/2008CAFFfinalsecured.pdf
• Cosmos Magazine, July 20, 2006. “Scientists denounce Bush veto of stem-cell research bill,” (Viewed Feb. 20, 2008) http://www.cosmosmagazine.com/node/433
• American Association for Cancer Research, March 20, 2007. “NIH director breaks with Bush policy, wants limits eased on stem cell research,” (Viewed Feb. 20, 2008) http://www.aacr.org/home/public--media/public-policy--legislative-affairs/legislative-news.aspx?d=724
• NIH, Feb 5, 2008. “Estimates of funding for various research areas,” (Viewed Feb. 20, 2008)http://www.nih.gov/news/fundingresearchareas.htm