04.10.11
Posted in Uncategorized at 10:53 pm by Jean
Blogging was roughly what I imagined: once I learned the basics behind the formating (which are rather self explanatory) all of the assignments became a breeze. From adding pictures with correct citations to correctly inserting quotes, every action can be done by way of a button just above the text box. The bar of buttons was all I needed to complete all of my assignments with ease. I did not come across any complications whatsoever; which was personally a shocker being I have never blogged before.
I preferred the lessons that were more specified instead of too far open ended because then I had a goal to shoot for instead of completely abstract. However, I am glad that we were able to choose our own topics. That aspect alone made the whole assignment very enjoyable. I was able to learn more in depth about something I desire to instead of assigned topics which can be strenuous and boring. Thank you, Mrs. Trang!! Also, referring to the lessons, even being absent one day, I did not fall behind because they were posted online. In fact, I actually got ahead, not minding one bit to complete another blog assignment because I did not think they were considered a burden at all.
One thing that really surprised me was that a blogger outside any relation to the school attempted to contact me. Simply wondering more about my topic and asking if my URL could be used on their own blog, this blogger appeared to be very interested in my topic. I found this actually somewhat flattering due to the credibility my blog must have represented in order to attract a seemingly intelligent person.
When I chose my topic, I only thought I was very knowledgeable over the subject. Soon I figured out I had only been informed of the little and very basic aspect of Embryonic Stem Cells Research. This was partly due to the fact that my topic is both scientific and medical. Both subjects obtain new information on a daily basis. Many articles that were utilized throughout my blogs were very, very recent. Some only a month or so ago. This really made the acquisition of accurate facts easy because everything was so up to date; all I had to do was find credible sources. Finding these sources were rather easy as well; the majority of the articles were written by doctors or researchers themselves. They seem to be the very few who are intelligible about the whole topic thoroughly.
I preferred doing the blog assignments over the research paper primarily because, honestly, it is more difficult to stare at a three thousand word essay knowing you need to write more than firing off a blog every few days. I believe I still completed the same amount of research I would have doing the paper; however, I believe I read more in depth for each source because they were spaced out. The annotated part of the annotated bibliographies assigned parallel with blog posts were very easy to finish due to the simple fact: I had already summarized my sources in the post.
Good idea and good luck next year with this blogging assignment!
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04.05.11
Posted in Uncategorized at 10:25 pm by Jean
stem cell ther-a-py : noun : 1) the use of stem cells to treat a disorder; 2) the process of injecting into a person or organism to repair specific tissues or repair organs
Geron Corporation has developed therapeutics based on Embryonic Stem Cells. Through the use of telomerase inhibitors the company has developed an anti cancerous therapy. With the use of these inhibitors Geron Corporations has also improved the life of many with chronic diseases and major injuries. With these opportunities now running rampant through the medical community, many patients inflicted with previously incurable illnesses are now presented with hope!
What is happening today…
Cellerant Therapeutics, after a very generous contract from the government of $153 million over five years is perfecting the use of stem cells which can be used to boost the immune system for people who have been overexposed to radiation. This research has been put in the spotlight due to the tragic radiation accident in Japan.
Osiris Therapeutics has also been provided with a contract of even more: $224 million. This will be put to the use of research involving the use of stem cells to eliminate gastrointestinal illnesses. The theory behind this medication is that it will be provided for healthy people to prevent many of the uncomfortable ailments that are brought on my overexposure of radiation.
These therapies are designed and planned to help us with current catastrophes as well as set us up for success in the future. With the advancement in technology we are grateful to have about us today, we can only guess what new, helpful medicine will be here tomorrow.
With just a peek at accomplishments today: from diminishing cancer, to boosting our immune system; where do you think we will be in 10 years? 20? What diseases will soon be a thing of the past and cleared of everyone’s worries?
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04.04.11
Posted in Uncategorized at 11:26 pm by Jean
On my post, “Accomplishments”, from March 23, 2011, I posted a picture of a poll taken in New Zealand over the acceptance of Embryonic Stem Cell Research; chart to the left. This inspired me to do my own poll at my high school; the results are to the right. 
I had several problems while conducting my poll ranging from dishonesty to utter confusion of recipients. As you can see, I had to add another section other than the one through five due to the sheer number of people asking what Embryonic Stem Cell Research was even about, titled – “I Don’t Know”. I also found many students listening to the classmate before them and after some “contemplation”, they would say the same answer. I was sure to keep the answers out of eye shot of the students I was interviewing in order not to sway their opinion; however, I think that didn’t help too much.
I did find out that the differences between polls were surprisingly different except one aspect: majority are for the research of Embryonic Stem Cells. The next most popular acceptance rating was 3, straight down the middle. I believe this section mainly comprised of 50% “I Don’t Knows” and 50% “truthfuls”. If you subtract my presumed 50% “I Don’t Knows” from the 3 category, the two graphs resemble each other much more closely. I think it would have been very interesting if the conductors of the poll from New Zealand added an “I Don’t Know” section. Or did they even have this problem?
If I redo this poll, I would cover all of my bases. First, I would describe my poll to a group of roughly 200 Grapevine High School Students. With assistance, I would have each student go into a voting type booth and cast their decision. I would be sure to confirm the anonymity of their answers and request no discussions of the topic.
These are high school students, am I asking too much?
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03.31.11
Posted in Uncategorized at 10:16 pm by Jean
I am well aware of the vastly different sides of the debate relating to Embryonic Stem Cell Research and feel the need to address those now.
According to the well renowned Cellular and Molecular Medicine Professor from the University of California, Dr. Lawrence S. B. Goldstein, government funding of the research related to Stem Cells should be encouraged. He understands the possibilities that Embryonic Stem Cells provide and believes that there are many undiscovered medical and technological advances with Adult Stem Cells. We need to explore these; and government funding would provide the adequate means of doing so.
The article* goes on to inform the reader of the political troubles that the President goes through when deciding the destination of taxpayer money. The aspects which need to be addressed are “scientific data, medical need, diverse ethical values and the public interest.” Very few know all the facts, which results in unknowledgeable debates and very upset people.
The opposing side* to this very controversial topic is primarily due to the lack of knowledge of all the facts. The oposition claims that scientist utilize the “argument that sacrificing a few embryos to use their stem cells for research is justified because the medical applicaitons will help many”. The simple knowledge that many lack is the fact that not all Stem Cells are taken from embryos still within the mother or from embryos that are still desired to be used. The most popular way of obtaining these cells is from IVF clinics where the parents who produced the embryos no longer desire to have more children. The important reminder: Embryonic Stem Cell Research does not require aborting a pregnancy.
In the end, we all must come to the understanding that everyone cannot be pleased with the outcome. The goal is to find a way to please as many as possible and that is what scientist will obtain with further research involving Adult Stem Cells.
*Links to both articles found on the top right of this page.
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03.30.11
Posted in Uncategorized at 12:33 am by Jean
In an attempt to get others’ opinions and stances on the Embryonic Stem Cell Research, I interviewed three of my teachers: Mr. Murray (PAP Physics), Ms. Richardson (Psychology), and one who wished to remain anonymous.
Questions:
1) What is the greatest benefit Stem Cell Research provides, in your opinion?
2) What is the biggest negative Stem Cell Research poses, in your opinion?
3) Do you believe Embryonic Stem Cell Research should be part of the standard science curriculum in public schools?
4) Ten years from now, what do you think Stem Cell Researchers will be capable of?
The transcription from the recorded interview with Mr. Murray is as follows:
1. “I would say hope. I am not attuned to that like a biology teacher would be or a genetic researcher. But then again if it gives people hope, that’s something.”
2. “Let me see, maybe politically. Like for instance, there are some people saying that Stem Cell Research is just about killing fetuses and so forth to get the stem cells…but its just another thing they want to get into a fight about. And so, that’s dangerous for research – losing funding and so forth. But, you know its okay for people to have questions about research, but researchers should not think they can research anything and there’s no moral backlash. So, I guess its part of the fight that goes on with research. Even Galileo got in trouble for saying the Earth revolved around the Sun.”
3. “Oh, absolutely. Whether you agree or disagree with it, you need to be informed of what it is. I can’t see why you wouldn’t. Because science is about knowledge, it is not about moral judgements.”
4. “No idea. I mean, what could you. The amazing thing about research is things happen all of a sudden that you never expected. Things that we think are happening now may be complete dead ends, and things that we haven’t even thought about right now might open up. So to think about what are we going to do in 10 years…I don’t know.”
As written by Ms. Richardson:
1. “In my opinion, Stem Cell Research greatest benefit is the potential for stem cell usage to save lives. It appears from the research available, that the use of stem cells can help aid in the improvement and/or cure of many life-threatening disorders.”
2. “I believe the negative side of stem cell research is a moral/ethical one. Stem Cells can be acquired through the normal donation of umbilical cord tissue. I think that many people would be concerned what the use if these stem cells, increasing the acceptance of abortion as a means for cell acquisition.”
3. “Yes. It is innovation research and thus should be studied.”
4. “I believe that in 10 years, many disorders will be cured and many lives saved because of stem Cell Research. I also believe that we will look back on the whole concept and think it silly that we had so many concerns. It will be common place?”
Written by Anonymous via e-mail:
1. “I think the real and consistent benefits of stem cell research are still to be had. Some of the things I look forward to are the ability to grow new organs from a person’s own stem cells – so organ transplant waiting lists become a thing of the past. Also, there will not be problems with rejection of the donor organ. Basically, stem cell research gives us hope that we can make any body part or tissue that is needed – this can be used to help people will all kinds of injuries or diseases.”
2. “There are, of course, ethical concerns about embryonic stem cell research. Other than the ethical concerns, I don’t think that there are any negatives to learning more about what these cells can do and how we can manipulate them to do what we want them to do.”
3. “Sure, why not? It is interesting and relevant to our society. I don’t see why kids should not learn about something just because there are people who don’t like it or don’t understand what it is. Also, students (and people in general) should really be informed about what something is before they decide that they are against it.”
4. “No idea. Hopefully some really cool, useful stuff. It will be interesting to find out! I am hoping that we will get to the point where we can take a body cell from an individual and induce it to revert back to a stem cell. Then, we could take that stem cell and turn it into any kind of cell/tissue/organ, etc.”
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03.23.11
Posted in Uncategorized at 11:12 pm by Jean
Embryonic Stem Cells are gathered during the blastocyst-stage, a stage so early on in the development process, the cells are undifferentiated, meaning the future function of the cell has yet to be determined. Scientists obtain these cells at this stage to increase the number of types of cells researchers are able to create. Knowing this information, provided by the American Heart Association, many accomplishments have been made, and many more are foreseeable in the near future.
Parkinson’s Disease
Before you can understand how Embryonic Stem Cells can help a Parkinson’s patient, you must first understand the debilitating disease. Primarily Parkinson’s is caused by a lack of neurons that produce dopamine, a neurotransmitter which is associated with movement and emotional responses, similar to adrenaline. Scientists are able to take undifferentiated stem cells and place them in the brain; these cells have been reported to “spontaneously acquire” the properties of neurons that produce dopamine. Through studies, this procedure has proven to decrease many of the symptoms related to Parkinson’s Disease.
Cancer
Cells on the molecular level programed to kill cancerous cells. This is now possible and reality according to a recent study done by researchers at the University of Minnesota. Just as our own natural immune system fights back against attacking agents, researchers found a way to use undifferentiated stem cells from embryos to form into a blood cell (in image). This, in essence, creates a larger army to fight against, and potentially kill cancerous cells. This has only been accomplished on laboratory levels; however now that we have found a way, the procedure on a human is soon to be.
Alzheimer’s Disease
Alzheimer’s, a disease known to corrode the brain cells resulting in primarily memory loss. Researchers are now on the brink of a cure to this unfortunate disease. With the use of undifferentiated ESC, brain cells can be created. Now the question remains: can scientists improve the depletion of memory, yet not recovering memory? Or can they halt this disease altogether? 117 New Zealand residents were asked their views of the use of ESC for the improvement of Alzheimer’s; results of the poll are shown to the left.
With our current technology, researchers and scientists are only on the brink of the numerous accomplishments Embryonic Stem Cells can provide. Parkinson’s, Cancer, and Alzheimer’s are only a few of the illnesses that scientists have studied with ESCs. The possibilities are endless. It is only a matter of time.
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03.20.11
Posted in Uncategorized at 7:09 pm by Jean
Politics have been and continue to be a major research-altering aspect of studies associated with Stem Cells. Federal funding has proven to be the primary issue Congress addressed relating to the topic, as told by the recent article in The New York Times:
The most important legislation relating to stem cell research is known as the Dickey-Wicker amendment, which first became law in 1996, and has been renewed by Congress every year since. It specifically bans the use of tax dollars to create human embryos – a practice that is routine in private fertility clinics – or for research in which embryos are destroyed, discarded or knowingly subjected to risk of injury. (Stem Cells: September 10, 2010)
The Dickey-Wicker amendment caused an abrupt halt on embryonic stem cell research; the door to the studies was opened ever so slightly by President George W. Bush in 2001. Through President Bush’s alteration, tax dollars were utilized by federal researchers; yet, only under certain conditions: only small “lines” or “colonies” were used and only if “federal researchers did not do the extraction themselves.” After an attempt to expand the research, President Bush vetoed the bill (2006). Next, a Democratic – controlled Congress tried again to pass a similar bill which was vetoed by Bush a year later (2007).
The tables turned drastically, and for the better for stem cell researchers, when President Obama was elected into office. President Obama was very clear on the support the government provided stem cell research as heard nationwide from “President Obama’s Speech on Stem Cell Executive Order”:
Today, with the Executive Order I am about to sign, we will bring the change that so many scientists and researchers; doctors and innovators; patients and loved ones have hoped for, and fought for, these past eight years: we will lift the ban on federal funding for promising embryonic stem cell research. We will vigorously support scientists who pursue with research. And we will aim for America to lead the world in the discoveries it one day may yield. (Obama’s March 9, 2009 Speech)
Obama’s Stem Cell Speech caused an uproar of applause throughout the audience, providing proof of the support; yet, with support comes opposition. This executive order was blocked by Judge Royce C. Lamberth who claimed “it violated a ban on federal money being used to destroy embryos.” While the Federal District Court still contemplates the subject, President Obama’s Order will continue.
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03.09.11
Posted in Uncategorized at 9:50 pm by Jean
According to a recent TIME magazine article discussing The Great Debate Over Stem Cell Research, the research over stem cells has blossomed throughout the scientific society; yet, the same topic introduces a problem yielding zero “correct” solutions according to the political aspect. The Great Debate refers to the fight between Science and Politics.
Saving lives is now a solid possibility due to the research pertaining to stem cells. “Recent studies suggest these cells may hold the secret to treatment — even cures — for some of our most baffling diseases, including Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s.” As the TIME article also mentions, scientists are now able to stimulate a stem cell to become, say, a heart cell or liver cell, or et cetera. The possibilities are limitless.
When politics are taken into account, the topic of abortion arises. Like TIME states, certain religions believe an embryo is considered life. Therefore pro-life advocates, knowing the possibility of harming the embryo, oppose the research whatsoever. The vast number of people who tend to share this belief not only add to the difficulty in obtaining rights to complete research but limit the amount of donations to perform this very expensive processing.
How are these cells obtained? Originally, parents going through the in-vitro fertilization process would be asked if they desired to have additional children in the future. If not, researchers would, with parental consent, utilize the embryos for medical research that would have previously been simply discarded. The method that introduces the most controversy: using the embryos from fetuses that have been aborted. (As TIME clarifies, the mother would, independently, have previously chosen to abort the pregnancy.)
Adults are able to donate stem cells from organs or blood; however, the growth rate of the cells in comparison to the embryonic cells is very low. Due to this fact, adult stem cells are considered only “marginally helpful to scientists”. There are other ways of obtaining these cells, but scientists and researchers are hesitant to announce them publicly due to the unknown reaction pro-life advocates will demonstrate.
Science or Politics? Which side are you on?
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03.07.11
Posted in Uncategorized at 9:20 pm by Jean
Many children are diagnosed with life threatening illnesses, ending their lives as early as two. The possibility to save this life, although still unborn is able to be accomplished with today’s technology; yet, this solution may posses a fatal consequence. Would you follow through with the option, even if it involves someone you love? Would you want more information? Well I am here to do just that…the second at least!
I have always had an interest in the scientific aspect of medicine, especially with infants and earlier in their short life. I have yet to meet someone who has gone through the process of Embryonic Testing or Treatment; yet, I know of one very well informed individual who actually instigated my interest in, specifically, Embryonic Stem Cell Research. This person is my Advanced Placement Biology teacher. I enjoy not only her presence, but her teachings as well, to the extent that I have chosen to double up on classes and sign up for extra hours just to help with any and all labs. A future in the lab with goggles, gloves, and a stained apron is rather appealing to me, add in saving lives and you can definitely count me in! With the rapidly developing technology, I feel as if my time has come to help society in some way. As of now, with my current education, I will inform my readers of a topic I personally find very interesting, Embryonic Stem Cell Research.
I understand the tension that is invited when this topic is simply introduced; however, I am not encouraging a debate through comments, I am here just to inform and discuss a topic that intrigues me. This is just my opinion, not medical advice whatsoever. I hope everyone enjoys reading this, and is not only informed of this topic but finds the interest in it that I have.
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