Stem Cell Research and Cloning

Problems/Case Studies "Eyes Without a Face: Stem Cell Research and Corneal Implants" Kari Mergenhagen, University at Buffalo. State University of New York at Buffalo's National Center for Case Study Teaching.
Although blind since childhood as the result of an accident, Lucy has never given up hope that one day she might see again. So, when her ophthalmologist tells her about a study being conducted at the University Medical Center that might help her regain some sight, Lucy is eager to sign on. This case explores the use of adult stem cells and amniotic membranes to restore vision after traditional transplants have failed.
This case is appropriate for students of biology, physiology, and health related fields.

"Should Dinosaurs be "Cloned" from Ancient DNA?". Constance M. Soja and Deborah Huerta, Colgate University. State University of New York at Buffalo's National Center for Case Study Teaching.
Using cooperative learning and role-playing, students explore the scientific, technical, environmental, and ethical issues related to the possibility of "cloning" dinosaurs from DNA extracted from fossilized dinosaur remains.

"The Raelians: Visionary Science or Quackery? A Case Study Exploring the Scientific Method and Human Cloning" Scott D. Zimmerman, University of Wisconsin. State University of New York at Buffalo's National Center for Case Study Teaching.
The topics of human cloning and pseudoscience are introduced in this case through the story of Claude Vorilhon, a French auto racing journalist who makes some unusual claims regarding the influence of extraterrestrials on human history and purpose. The case describes Vorilhon's establishment of a company, Clonaid, whose goal is to produce the first human clone. Students read about the company's claims of success and consider the evidence as well as the ethics involved.
This case is appropriate for high school general biology classes, and college undergraduate biology courses.

"The Case of Eric, Lou Gehrig's Disease, and Stem Cell Research", Elizabeth R. McCain, Muhlenberg College. State University of New York at Buffalo's National Center for Case Study Teaching.
Thirty-one-year-old Eric has begun to show signs of the debilitating and fatal neuromuscular disease, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease. Students follow Eric as he is examined by his physician and then a specialist, undergoes a series of tests, and eventually is given the devastating prognosis. He is also given the news that a group of prominent scientists has begun human trials with embryonic stem cell therapy, which may offer a possible cure for his condition, and that he can participate in the experiment if he wishes. Students research and then prepare oral presentations on the perspectives of a variety of experts Eric might wish to consult as he weighs the science and ethics of his decision.
This case is appropriate for high school biology classes, and college undergraduate cell biology and biotechnology courses.

"Stem Cells: Promises to Keep?". Lauren E. Yaich, University of Pittsburgh at Bradford. State University of New York at Buffalo's National Center for Case Study Teaching.
Samantha and her husband Brad have two children, conceived with the help of in vitro fertilization (IVF) treatments. After viewing a TV program on stem cells and their potential medical uses, Samantha is convinced that they should donate the remaining frozen embryos they have to medical research, an idea Brad strongly objects to. The case teaches about stem cells and their medical applications as well as the ethical dilemmas posed by their use.
This case is appropriate for college undergraduate cell biology and biotechnology courses.

"Selecting the Perfect Baby: The Ethics of 'Embryo Design'". Julia Omarzu, Loras College. State University of New York at Buffalo's National Center for Case Study Teaching.
This dilemma case, originally developed for a course in developmental psychology, is based on the true story of Jack and Lisa Nash, whose daughter Molly was born with a rare genetic disorder, Fanconi anemia. By having another child with specific genetic markers, the Nashes hoped to cure Molly using stem cells from the new baby's umbilical cord blood. Students learn about developmental disorders and consider the ethical issues of genetic manipulation and fertility treatments.
This case is appropriate for high school and college undergraduate psychology, biology, and genetics/heredity courses.

"Salamander Superpowers: A Question of Regeneration" Sarah Stonefoot, University at Buffalo. State University of New York at Buffalo's National Center for Case Study Teaching.
This case, developed for a course in human biology, provides students with a context for discussing stem cells and cloning by exploring regeneration in salamanders and the ethical as well as scientific and health-related issues of applying what scientists know about that natural process to humans. Students read the case and then answer questions about cell differentiation and regeneration as they explore the pros and cons of providing natural regeneration in humans versus stem cell transplants for wound and organ repair.
This case is appropriate for high school and college undergraduate general biology courses.

"Saving Superman: A Look into Stem Cell Research" Lisa M. Rubin, University at Buffalo. State University of New York at Buffalo's National Center for Case Study Teaching.
Using a combination of directed case method and role-playing in which students learn about their roles using the jigsaw technique, this case study teaches about the main concepts of stem cell research and therapy and the political and ethical issues surrounding these subjects. The case begins by describing the riding accident that left actor Christopher Reeve paralyzed from the shoulders down and ends by posing a final open-ended question that encourages student debate and discussion.

"Cloning Man's Best Friend" Eric Przykuta, Lancaster Middle School. State University of New York at Buffalo's National Center for Case Study Teaching.
The Cleaver family of television fame faces a dilemma whether or not to clone their recently deceased dog Spot. Written for a high school introductory biology class, the case provides students with an opportunity to discuss animal cloning and its ethical implications. Students role-play the viewpoints of the father and mother, Jack and Grace Cleaver, and their son Ralphy as well as the dog Spot and debate the various positions on cloning.
This case is appropriate for middle school and high school general biology classes.

"Bringing Back Baby Jason: To Clone or Not to Clone" Jennifer Hayes-Klosteridis, University of Maryland, College Park. State University of New York at Buffalo's National Center for Case Study Teaching.
This dilemma case, designed for use in an undergraduate genetics course, explores the basic genetic concepts underlying the cloning process as well as the ethical, medical, political, economic, and religious issues surrounding human cloning. While the case presents a fictitious scenario, it is based on the story of Charleston attorney and former state delegate Mark Hunt and his wife Tracey, who privately funded human cloning after the death of their infant son Andrew.
This case is appropriate for high school or college undergraduate genetics, cell biology, and molecular biology courses.

CNN Video Clips - in resource cabinet outside Rm. 207 SCIC

Topic:  "Cloning Controversy": Biology 5th Ed. CNN Ed 2001 (2:53)
At least two teams say they plan to attempt to clone a human.  However, many scientists say that the problems with animal cloning should raise a red flag.  Veterinarian Jonathan Hill describes the problems encountered in cloning cattle.  The case of the mouse clone that suddenly became obese is described.  Rudolf Jaenisch notes that even Dolly, who appears healthy at age 4, could have mental defects and argues that it is not right to use humans as guinea pigs. (Student worksheet provided on CD)

Topic:  "Embryo Testing": Biology 5th Ed. CNN Ed 2001 (2:19)
The Nashes, a couple who used pre-implantation diagnosis to choose an embryo, are interviewed.  Their first child, a now six-year-old daughter, suffers from a genetic anemia.  When the Nashes decided to have a second child, they turned to in-vitro fertilization and embryo screening, both to ensure that their next child would not suffer the same defect and also to provide a closely matched source of umbilical cord stem cells for transplantation.  The ethical questions raised by embryo selection are discussed briefly.  The worksheet includes the URL of the CNN web site, where students can search for more information about the Nashes’ decision and its outcome. (Student worksheet provided on CD)

Topic:  "Fat Stem Cells": Biology 7th Ed. CNN Ed 2003 (2:03)
A company called StemSource allows patients who have liposuction to freeze and store fat they have had removed.  The company claims that the fat can be used as a source of stem cells and might one day be used to restore or replace damaged tissues.  The utility of stem cells derived from fat is debatable.  According to the National Institutes of Health, adult stem cells are of limited use.  They state the best source of stem cells is embryonic tissue. (Student worksheet provided on CD)

Topic:  "Stem Cells and Paralysis": Biology 5th Ed. CNN Ed 2001 (2:34)
A physician who treats paralyzed actor, Christopher Reeve, describes recent stem cell research in rats.  After rats were injured in a manner similar to Reeve, stem cells were used to successfully restore their mobility.  In theory, human embryonic stem cells might be induced to form myelin making cells to repair Reeve’s spinal cord.  However, this approach has not been tested in humans because it cannot be carried out without using stem cells derived from human embryos.  Reeve is interviewed and expresses his frustration at being unable to pursue this potential road to recovery.  The worksheet includes the URL for the National Institute of Health’s Stem Cell Information web page.  (Student worksheet provided on CD)

Topic:  "Cloning and aging":  Biology 1st Ed. CNN Ed 2003 (0:00)

Topic:  "Human therapeutic cloning":  Biology 1st Ed. CNN ED 2003 (0:00)

Articles

"Stem Cells and Cloning" Prentice, David A. The Benjamin Cummings Special Topics in Biology Series. Pearson Education, Inc. 2003. The booklet begins by explaining what stem cells are, explaining why cloning is used, bioethics in general, and the politics of cloning in the U.S. and other states, and future ideas.

"Pandora's Baby" Henig, Robin Marantz. Current Issues in Biology. Scientific American, Inc. June 2003. 13-19.  This article compares society's views of in vitro fertilization in the 1970s to that of society's current views on cloning. It is followed by a short quiz and critical thinking questions.

"Whose Blood is it Anyway?" Kline, Ronald M. Current Issues in Biology. Scientific American, Inc. April 2001. 20-29. Valuable stem cells can be harvested from placentas and umbilical cords after birth and used to rebuild the blood of people with leukemia and other disorders. This article addresses some of the challenges and rewards of harvesting this blood. It is followed by a short quiz and critical thinking questions.

“British embryo screening raises issues”.  Maria Cheng.  Post and Courier, August 10, 2006
Great Britian now allows couples ot test for a fetus’s susceptibility to cancer via preimplantation genetic diagnosis.  The issue tackles biomedical ethics and the pace at which technology is increases versus how society is regulating it.  The article calls for an international concensus on screening regulation.

"Scientists Question cloning Research". Paul Elias.  Post and Courier, Wed. Dec. 14, 2005 
Hwang Woo-suk’s pioneering stem cell research is being questioned as questions of ethical compliance and data reporting errors surface.  The article reviews Hwang’s claim to have created 11 separate cloned embryos and the scientific community’s questioning of the validity of the claim. 

"Heart valves created from amniotic fluid stem cells".  Tanner, Lindsey.  Post and Courier. 
Scientists have grown human heart valves using stem cells from amniotic fluid.  This is used to implant the valves in a baby's heart by the time the baby is born.  Scientists are hopful that replacement heart parts may one day be grown for adults.  This offers a new therapy for congenital defects.

"BBC Question and Answer:  What is cloning?"June 24, 1999. 
The webpage addresses questions about cloning, why Dolly was important, and what the possibilities are for the future.

"Commentary on human cloning".  Byrne, J. and Gurdon, J.  Differentiation 2002:  69:  154-157. 
The article offers a definition of cloning, an overview of human cloning and therapy; this is helpful background information with an introduction to useful terminology.

Stem-cell advances stoke debate on cloning.  Spotts, P.  June 21, 2002.  Christian Science Monitor
The article gives both sides to the stem cell debate, introducing progenitor cells.  One group asserts that stem cells should not be destroyed, being both immoral and unnecessary.  However, scientists have found great possiblities for treatment of diseases such as Parkinson's disease which would be halted by not allowing research on stem cells that may entail destroying them at an early stage.

Articles in "Taking Sides"

"Should the Federal Government Fund Human Stem Cell Research?" Levine, Carol. Taking Sides: Bioethical Issues, eleventh edition.
Issue Summary: 

"Is It Ethically Permissible to Clone Human Beings?" Easton, Thomas. Taking Sides: Science, Technology, and Society, sixth edition.
Issue Summary: