Episode 41 - Stem Cells

We’d love to hear from you (feedback@breakingbadscience.com)Look us up on social media Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/groups/385282925919540Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/breakingbadsciencepodcast/Website: http://www.breakingbadscience.com/Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/breakingbadscienceStem cells are a mysterious cellular construct with some pretty unique properties. Properties which have led to intense discussions about life, aging, cancer, the nature of disease itself, and even religion.  But what are they? Why was the discovery of these cells so important? Why are they so controversial and how has that controversy affected research in the last few decades? Join hosts Shanti and Danny as we discuss stem cells, the confusion surrounding them, and why the controversy is not only important but necessary in this episode of Breaking Bad Science. ReferencesPlatt, A.; A Brief History of U.S. Stem Cell Policy. Research America. 2020. https://www.researchamerica.org/advocacy-action/issues-researchamerica-advocates/stem-cell-research/brief-history-us-stem-cellHwang, N., et. al.; Controlled Differentiation of Stem Cells. Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews. 11-Oct-2007. 60:2 (199 - 214). Doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.addr.2007.08.036Robinton, D., Daley, G.; The Promise of Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells in Research and Therapy. Nature. 18-Jan-2012. 481 (295 - 305). Doi: https://doi.org/10.1038/nature10761Chin, M., et. al.; Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells and Embryonic Stem Cells are Distinguished by Gene Expression Signatures. Cell - Stem Cell. 2-Jul-2009. 5:1 (111 - 123). Doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.stem.2009.06.008Biehl, J., Russell, B.; Introduction to Stem Cell Therapy. Journal of Cardiovascular Nursing. Mar/Apr-2009. 24:2 (98 - 105). Doi: https://doi.org/10.1097/JCN.0b013e318197a6a5Ayala, F.; Cloning Humans? Biological, Ethical, and Social Considerations. PNAS. 21-Jul-2015. 112:29 (8879 - 8886). Doi: https://doi.org/10.1073/pnas.1501798112Hernandez, D.; 500 Years Later, da Vinci’s Mechanical Lion is Brought to Life. Popular Mechanic. 19-Sep-2019. https://www.popularmechanics.com/technology/a29020685/leonardo-da-vinci-mechanical-lion-display/Ayob, A., Ramasamy, T.; Cancer Stem Cells as Key Drivers of Tumour Progression. Journal of Biomedical Science. 06-Mar-2018. 25:20. Doi: https://doi.org/10.1186/s12929-018-0426-4Kim, K.S.; Converting Human Skin Cells to Neurons: A New Tool to Study and Treat Brain Disorders? Cell - Stem Cell. 2-Sep-2011. 9:3 (179 - 181). Doi: https://doi.org/10.1016/j.stem.2011.08.004Support the Show.