Stem cells

Welcome to the Stem Cells Study Project.

Content summary

Stem cells are undifferenciated cells that can be found in bone marrow, aborted fetuses, menstrual blood, exc. They have shown potential to replace damaged body tissue and repair spinal cord injuries. Parkinson's Disease is also a subject in stem cell research and has show some progress.
Some countries have banned stem cell research since the embryonic stem cell type involves the disposal of fertilized female embryo (Zygote) in order to retrieve a mass of 30 stem cells the eighth day of life.

Scientists have recently developed a method to transform normal human somatic cells into pluripotent cells via the introduction of four different factors. The converted cells are called induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs).

Goals

Help Wikiversity participants understand what stem cells are and how they can be used in medical treatments. This interdisciplinary project also investigates why and how some governments regulate stem cell research.

Learning materials

Learning materials and learning projects are located in the main Wikiversity namespace. Simply make a link to the name of the lesson (lessons are independent pages in the main namespace) and start writing!

You should also read about the Wikiversity:Learning model. Lessons should center on learning activities for Wikiversity participants. Learning materials and learning projects can be used by multiple projects. Cooperate with other departments that use the same learning resource.

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Readings

Each activity has a suggested associated background reading selection.

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Wikipedia article: Stem Cells

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References

Additional helpful readings include:

whaaz, a general science wiki site, have recent updates on stem cells.
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Active participants

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Learning Project Summary

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External links

September 2008 Important new step toward producing stem cells for human treatment
June 2008 Stem-cell treatment helps restore eye-sight