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Other Online Resources
The Internet sites included here are examples of additional stem cell-related resources. Some of these sites are not supported by NIH. NIH is not responsible for the availability or content of other sites. Permission to reproduce information at other sites may be required. NIH does not endorse, warrant, or guarantee the information, services, or products described or offered at these other sites.
Annotated Bibliography
- Beyond Therapy: Biotechnology and the Pursuit of Happiness, Report from Former President Bush 's Council on Bioethics, 2003.
Can biotechnology satisfy our human desires—for better children, superior performance, ageless bodies, and happy souls? This report from the President's Council on Bioethics says these possibilities present us with profound ethical challenges and choices. Not declaring "findings," but holding an inquiry—inviting us all to think and debate—the President's Council sought the ideas of dozens of celebrated scientists, thinkers and writers, including such Council members as Francis Fukuyama, Charles Krauthammer, Michael Sandel, and James Q. Wilson, as well as witnesses Steven Pinker, Daniel Schacter, Lawrence Diller, Steven Austad, and S. Jay Olshansky.
- Reaping the Benefits of Genomic and Proteomic Research: Intellectual Property Rights, Innovation, and Public Health, Committee on Intellectual Property Rights in Genomic and Protein Research and Innovation, National Research Council, 2005.
The National Academy of Sciences reports on the granting and licensing of intellectual property rights on discoveries relating to genetics and proteomics and the effects of these practices on research and innovation.
- Stem Cells and the Future of Regenerative Medicine , by Commission on Life Sciences, 2002.
Stem Cells and the Future of Regenerative Medicine summarizes what we know about adult and embryonic stem cells. It also provides an overview of the moral and ethical problems that arise from the use of embryonic stem cells, compares the likely impact of public and private research funding on progress in the field, and discusses approaches to appropriate research oversight. Based on the insights of leading scientists, ethicists, and other authorities, the authors make recommendations regarding the use of existing stem cell lines versus new lines in research, the important role of the federal Related Federal Government Sites in this field of research, and other fundamental issues impacting potential stem cell-based therapies.
- Stem Cell Therapy for Heart Patients, National Public Radio Talk of the Nation Audio, April 2004.
This one-hour audio program discusses injecting stem cells into heart patients to improve blood flow. This new treatment for heart disease uses the patient's own bone marrow to restore heart function.
- Unlocking the Promise of Stem Cells, Harvard Stem Cell Institute, March 2004.
View an interactive videoconference in which University researchers discuss the Harvard Stem Cell Institute, created to move cutting-edge research on embryonic stem cells from the lab to the clinic.
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Directories and Databases
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Disease-Specific Organizations and Advocacy Groups
- Adult Stem Cell Research Network An internet-based project of The Cell Therapy Foundation designed to be a well-maintained and reliable source of information for the public regarding adult stem cell research, as well as to be a community of practice and collaboration among fellow researchers.
- Alliance for Aging Research This citizen advocacy organization works to improve the health and independence of Americans as they age.
- ALS Association (ALSA) Dedicated to the fight against Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (also known as Lou Gehrig's Disease), ALSA offers this primer on stem cells.
- American Cancer Society Offers information on stem cell transplantation for children with leukemia.
- Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation Funds research on treatments for central nervous system disorders and works to improve the lives of people with disabilities through a grants program, paralysis resource center, and advocacy efforts.
- Coalition for the Advancement of Medical Research Advocates the advancement of breakthrough research and technologies in regenerative medicine, including stem cell research and somatic cell nuclear transfer.
- Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Using stem cells to restore normal blood sugar, plus information on recent research and policy.
- Lymphoma Information Network A page on bone marrow and stem cell transplants.
- March of Dimes Aims to give babies a fighting chance against such threats to their health as prematurity, birth defects, and low birthweight.
- Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research Dedicated to ensuring the development of a cure for Parkinson's disease through an aggressively funded research agenda.
- National Health Council (NHC) Works to promote the health of all people by advancing the voluntary health movement.
- National Marrow Donor Program® (NMDP) Maintains an international registry of donors for all sources of blood stem cells used in transplantation: bone marrow, peripheral blood, and umbilical cord blood.
- Research!America Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) on stem cell research.
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Educational Resources
- NIH-Supported Science Education Partnership Award (SEPA) Projects
- Cellular Universe: The Promise of Stem Cells Educates visitors about advances in cell biology and stem cells so they can make more informed health-related decisions, explore new career options, and better understand the role of scientific research in healthcare.
- Life Science Learning Center The University of Rochester educational program provide a general overview of stem cell biology and an introduction to stem cell research. Extended Version Stem Cell Biology module features a series of 10 short lessons on stem cells with hands-on lab activities and animated slide show. The Short Version” of the Stem Cell Biology module can be completed in two 40-minute class periods. Instructions for setting up the lab activity are included in the teacher guide.
- NWABR Stem Cell Curriculum This 6-lesson unit explores the scientific and ethical issues involved in stem cell research. It features hands-on, engaging classroom activities that have been showcased in the journal American Biology Teacher.
- Regenerative Medicine Partnership in Education Duquesne University's SEPA project offers planetarium shows, movies, and educational Web tools.
- Tissues of Life: Stem Cells An interactive comic explaining where stem cells are found in the body and how they are gathered.
- Stem Cells in the Spotlight and Cloning In Focus The Genetic Science Learning Center at the University of Utah presents these outreach education programs for high school and undergraduate students and teachers.
- A Stem Cell Story This 15-minute movie from EuroStemCell introduces the world of stem cell research and is available as a video podcast.
- ExploreStemCells A UK resource for the general public that discusses the use of stem cells in medical treatments and therapies.
- How Embryonic Stem Cell Lines Are Made An online animation from the Dolan DNA Learning Center, Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory. (Requires Adobe Flash Player)
- Human Embryonic Stem Cells An animated tutorial for the general public. (Requires Adobe Flash Player)
- The National Academies Publications on stem cells, including Understanding Stem Cells: An Overview of the Science and Issues from the National Academies (2006), Guidelines for Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research (2005, and updated in 2007, 2008, and 2010), Stem Cells and the Future of Regenerative Medicine (2002), and Scientific and Medical Aspects of Human Reproductive Cloning (2002).
- StemBook A collection of invited, original, peer-reviewed chapters on stem cell biology written by top researchers in the field at the Harvard Stem Cell Institute and worldwide. StemBook is aimed at stem cell and non-specialist researchers.
- Stem Cells: Cells with Potential Part of the San Francisco Exploratorium's Microscope Imaging Station.
- Stem Cell ResourcesSM A resource for the educational community on stem cells.
- Tissue Engineering Planetarium Show Online movies about the body's ability to heal itself.
- World Stem Cell Map Reflects national policy and whether public funds may be used to pursue stem cell research using IVF embryos donated from fertility clinics.
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International Research
- The International Stem Cell Forum (ISCF) is made up of 14 leading funders of stem cell research from around the world. It was founded in January 2003 to encourage international collaboration and funding support for stem cell research, with the overall aim of promoting global good practice and accelerating progress in this vitally important area of biomedical science.
- The International Society for Stem Cell Research is an independent, nonprofit organization established to promote and foster the exchange and dissemination of information and ideas relating to stem cells, to encourage the general field of research involving stem cells and to promote professional and public education in all areas of stem cell research and application.
- Australia
- Australian Stem Cell Centre Unites leading Australian academic researchers with the biotechnology industry to develop innovative therapeutic products.
- Canada
- Europe
- EuroStemCell Europe's stem cell hub: information, education, and conversation. Their stem cell toolkit contains downloadable resources and activities for a variety of educational settings and resources directory is a directory of educational, interactive and multimedia resources about stem cell research and regenerative medicine.
- Finland
- Israel
- Japan
- Singapore
- United Kingdom
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News Sources
- Biotechnology Industry Organization Up-to-date news on stem cells, cloning, and regenerative medicine.
- EurekAlert! A science news site provided by the American Association for the Advancement of Sciences.
- Forum on Science Ethics & Policy Links to informational, legislative, editorial, and other sites discussing stem cell research.
- National Geographic: The Power to Divide Feature story on the science and politics of stem cell research.
- Nature: Focus on Stem Cells A selection of articles and features on stem cells, including the specially commissioned Stem Cells Insight.
- NewScientist: Cloning and Stem Cells A monthly update on stem cell technology.
- The New York Times: Stem Cells A free collection of articles about stem cells published in The New York Times.
- NOVA scienceNOW: Stem Cells Update From the PBS series (originally aired April 19, 2005). Includes dispatches on the politics of stem cells, the cloning process, and related science news.
- PBS: Miracle Cell This episode of the series Innovation explores the use of stem cells for regenerative therapies. (Originally aired April 13, 2004)
- Scientific American Provides news coverage on stem cell research. See The Stem Cell Challenge, a feature article from the June 2004 issue.
- SciTech Daily Review Offers a range of news articles, features, and commentaries about science and technology topics.
- Stem Cell Research News An online newsletter that features stories about stem cells of all types.
- Stem Cells The International Journal of Cell Differentiation and Proliferation.
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News Web Logs
- The Stem Cell Blog Discussion on the science, ethics, business, and politics of stem cell research.
- Stem Cell News Abstracts of current news articles regarding stem cells, with links to sources.
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Professional Associations
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Related Federal Government Sites
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Research Programs at Universities and Institutions
- Harvard Stem Cell Institute Supports research into all aspects of stem cell biology, with special emphasis on those areas with the greatest potential for improving human health.
- McGowan Institute for Regenerative Medicine Established for University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine and University of Pittsburgh Medical Center scientists and clinical faculty working to develop tissue engineering, cellular therapies, biosurgery, and artificial and biohybrid organ devices.
- National Human Neural Stem Cell Resource Provides neural stem cells harvested from the post-natal, post-mortem, human brain to the research community for stem cell research.
- The New York Stem Cell Foundation (NYSCF) Offers grants, fellowships, and symposia for stem cell researchers; educates the public about stem cells; and establishes collaborative stem cell research facilities.
- Pittsburgh Development Center of Magee-Womens Research Institute Explores the molecular biology of cell function, including the potential of stem cells for treating human disease.
- Sloan-Kettering Institute Part of the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, the world's oldest and largest private institution devoted to patient care, education, and research into cancer.
- Stanford University School of Medicine/Institute for Cancer/Stem Cell Biology and Medicine Explains Stanford's involvement and perspective on stem cell issues, with links to related sites.
- Texas A&M University Mesenchymal Stem Cell Distribution Prepares and distributes well-characterized marrow stromal cells (MSCs) derived from adult human and rodent bone marrow using standardized protocols.
- Texas Heart Institute Stem Cell Center Dedicated to the study of adult stem cells and their role in treating cardiovascular disease, including clinical trials (in human patients), as well as many preclinical studies (in the laboratory) using stem cells.
- University of California, San Francisco/Developmental and Stem Cell Biology Program Highlights of UCSF human embryonic stem cell research.
- University of Massachusetts: International Stem Cell Registry The Potential of Human Pluripotent Stem Cells
- University of Michigan/A. Alfred Taubman Medical Research Institute Consortium for Stem Cell Therapies The University of Michigan has been a long-time leader in the study of adult stem cells, has bolstered its human embryonic stem cell program, and added a complementary iPS cell research effort. m Cell Institute Works to enhance understanding of stem cells' potential to improve human and animal health.
- University of Minnesota: Stem Cell Institute Works to enhance understanding of stem cells' potential to improve human and animal health.
- University of Pennsylvania: Institute for Regenerative Medicine IRM was created to promote basic discoveries in stem cell biology and regeneration, and to translate those discoveries into new therapies that may alleviate suffering and disease. Additionally, education and outreach at the IRM aims to ensure students from kindergarten through graduate school are exposed to exciting and accurate education about regenerative biology and stem cell research.
- University of Wisconsin/Embryonic Stem Cell Research Scientists at UW-Madison were the first to successfully isolate and culture human embryonic stem cells.
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State Initiatives for Stem Cell Research
- California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM) Makes grants and provides loans for stem cell research, research facilities, and other research opportunities at California universities and research institutions.
- Connecticut Stem Cell Research Program Provides grants-in-aid for conducting embryonic or human adult stem cell research.
- Interstate Alliance on Stem Cell Research (IASCR) Fosters effective interstate collaboration, helps states develop research programs, and promotes efficient and responsible use of public funds.
- Maryland Technology Development Corporation (TEDCO) Provides emerging technology companies and university researchers with funding and specialized technical assistance.
- New York Stem Cell Science (NYSTEM) Supports basic, applied, translational or other research and development activities that will advance scientific discoveries in fields related to stem cell biology.
- Ohio Center for Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine A multi-institutional center (Case Western Reserve University, University Hospitals Case Medical Center, the Cleveland Clinic, Athersys, Inc., and Ohio State University). Provides basic and clinical research programs, biomedical and tissue engineering programs, and the development and administration of new therapies.
- Stem Cell Research State Laws The National Conference of State Legislatures provides an overview of the state laws and pending legislation on stem cell research.
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