With Japanese scientists discovering a way to make stem cells in half an hour, we've rounded up some of the top resources on the subject
A new quick way of making stem cells has been hailed as a major scientific discovery this week. In a series of experiments, Japanese researchers have been able to show that cells plucked from animals can be turned into master cells simply by immersing them in a mildly acidic solution for half an hour.
Haruko Obokata at the Riken lab in Kobe, Japan, said that several dozen mice had been able to grow tissues from these cells. If the process can be repeated in human tissue, it could lead to cheap and simple procedures for making patient-matched stem cells that can repair damaged organs.
If you'd like to teach your students about stem cells and explore some of the issues surrounding the research in class, have a look at our collection of interactives, news articles and teaching resources on the subject.
*From the Guardian*
First hamburger made from lab-grown meat
In August last year the world's first hamburger was grown in a lab. Starting with stem cells extracted from the biopsy of a cow, a team of scientists grew 20,000 muscle fibres over the course of three months. You can find out how they then turned these fibres into a hamburger in this news article, which includes a video on the process.
Scientists use stem cells to grow human livers in mice – video
Last July the first functional organ was generated from stem cells by Japanese scientists. This video shows how it was achieved.
Stem cell research highs and lows – interactive timeline
In 1996 the future of stem cell research looked bright, but since then its development has been fraught with troubles. This interactive timeline picks out the highs and lows.
How to clone a mammoth
Although currently unlikely, in the future it may be possible to clone a mammoth. This article looks at the role stem cells could play in this.
*Resources from the Guardian Teacher Network*
Understanding stem cells
This lesson introduces students to the key concepts in stem cell science. It's made up of a set of short modules, mixing group activities with teacher-led discussion.
Role play scenario
This role play is based on a public hearing of a research ethics committee, which needs to decide whether to grant a licence for a clinical trial using human embryonic stem cells to treat spinal cord injuries.
Activities to spark debate
A collection of activities to help students explore issues surrounding stem cells, including a quiz. The resource also gives information on good websites for students to look at to find out about stem cells.
Issues surrounding stem cell research
This lesson plan from the Wellcome Trust looks at implications of stem cell research and considers how it's likely to develop in the future.
*The best of the web*
The history of a medical sensation – timeline
This timeline from the New Scientist documents how stem cell research has developed over time. From being identified in mice in 1981 to a trial to see if it can treat age-related blindness this year.
Debating stem cells
The political and scientific arguments surrounding stem cells are considered in this article from Time magazine, which also discusses alternatives to the method.
The stem cell story – video
What are stem cells? Where do they come from? And what do we really know about them? All of these questions are explored in this YouTube video.
EuroStemCell
There are a whole host of teaching resources on stem cells on the EuroStemCell website, which brings together the research of more than 90 research labs across Europe.
*This content is brought to you by Guardian Professional. Looking for your next role? Take a look at Guardian jobs for schools for thousands of the latest teaching, leadership and support jobs.* Reported by guardian.co.uk 16 hours ago.
A new quick way of making stem cells has been hailed as a major scientific discovery this week. In a series of experiments, Japanese researchers have been able to show that cells plucked from animals can be turned into master cells simply by immersing them in a mildly acidic solution for half an hour.
Haruko Obokata at the Riken lab in Kobe, Japan, said that several dozen mice had been able to grow tissues from these cells. If the process can be repeated in human tissue, it could lead to cheap and simple procedures for making patient-matched stem cells that can repair damaged organs.
If you'd like to teach your students about stem cells and explore some of the issues surrounding the research in class, have a look at our collection of interactives, news articles and teaching resources on the subject.
*From the Guardian*
First hamburger made from lab-grown meat
In August last year the world's first hamburger was grown in a lab. Starting with stem cells extracted from the biopsy of a cow, a team of scientists grew 20,000 muscle fibres over the course of three months. You can find out how they then turned these fibres into a hamburger in this news article, which includes a video on the process.
Scientists use stem cells to grow human livers in mice – video
Last July the first functional organ was generated from stem cells by Japanese scientists. This video shows how it was achieved.
Stem cell research highs and lows – interactive timeline
In 1996 the future of stem cell research looked bright, but since then its development has been fraught with troubles. This interactive timeline picks out the highs and lows.
How to clone a mammoth
Although currently unlikely, in the future it may be possible to clone a mammoth. This article looks at the role stem cells could play in this.
*Resources from the Guardian Teacher Network*
Understanding stem cells
This lesson introduces students to the key concepts in stem cell science. It's made up of a set of short modules, mixing group activities with teacher-led discussion.
Role play scenario
This role play is based on a public hearing of a research ethics committee, which needs to decide whether to grant a licence for a clinical trial using human embryonic stem cells to treat spinal cord injuries.
Activities to spark debate
A collection of activities to help students explore issues surrounding stem cells, including a quiz. The resource also gives information on good websites for students to look at to find out about stem cells.
Issues surrounding stem cell research
This lesson plan from the Wellcome Trust looks at implications of stem cell research and considers how it's likely to develop in the future.
*The best of the web*
The history of a medical sensation – timeline
This timeline from the New Scientist documents how stem cell research has developed over time. From being identified in mice in 1981 to a trial to see if it can treat age-related blindness this year.
Debating stem cells
The political and scientific arguments surrounding stem cells are considered in this article from Time magazine, which also discusses alternatives to the method.
The stem cell story – video
What are stem cells? Where do they come from? And what do we really know about them? All of these questions are explored in this YouTube video.
EuroStemCell
There are a whole host of teaching resources on stem cells on the EuroStemCell website, which brings together the research of more than 90 research labs across Europe.
*This content is brought to you by Guardian Professional. Looking for your next role? Take a look at Guardian jobs for schools for thousands of the latest teaching, leadership and support jobs.* Reported by guardian.co.uk 16 hours ago.