By Amanda DeRosa, Mary Fairbanks, Hembly Rivas, and Melissa Teixeira

Stem Cell Possibilities Stem Cell Possibilities and Alternativesand Alternatives

Is there an alternative way to acquire stem cells without causing political,

moral, or religious controversy? Or be able to get similar results without using

any stem cells at all?

Family Guy Clip• http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AXjLhYDZGys

The possibilities stem cell research provides medicine today are bountiful. Methods in which we could access those possibilities without the moral complications from using human fetal stem cells would allow us to harness a powerful new weapon against disease.

Extracellular Matrix• Made up of structural proteins,

specialized proteins, and proteoglycans• ACell, MatriStem• ACell Video• Lee Spievak

Regeneration

• Process of using diseased cells within the body to grow new, non-diseased cells outside the body

• Ear Mold

• Scaffolds

Cellular Reprogramming

• What is it?• Four Factors

i. Oct4ii. Sox2iii. Klf4iv. Cmy-c

• Neurons, diabetes, etc.

Negatives

• Skepticism about cell regeneration and ECM

• Possibility of cells going wrong• How efficient is this process

Additional Questions• Is it possible to go beyond manipulating the cell, and mutating ourselves

as individuals, and reprogram our own genetic composition? And if we do, will it be taking it one step too far, introducing "artificial evolution" within our own species?

• If the above were true, what effect will this have on pathogens, disease-causing agents?

• Will the development of this, "miracle cure", cause overpopulation due to the dramatic reduction of diseases? Is it a blessing, or a curse?