Stem+Cell+Assignment

__**INDIVIDUAL**__ Choose a recent advance in esc, hESC, iPS or asc research from your News Alerts. Add your subject to the Stem Cell Presentations page

Research your choice, investigating the techniques used, future applications and any other relevant information.

Design a one page summary of your findings to be combined with others from the class in a Recent Research Findings Brochure that will be published on Yudu.com Create your summary and then copy and paste your summary to Period 1 - Google Docs 1 Period 4 - Google Docs __DUE__ Tuesday February 1st

Period 1 Booklet media type="custom" key="8288422"

Period 4 Booklet media type="custom" key="8307804"

Prepare a 10/20 presentation (ten slides, 20 seconds each) of your findings that will be given in front of a group of your peers. Extra points given for presentations that can be embedded on the class wiki and are accompanied by a voice over that explains the slides. __DUE__ Thursday February 3rd

10/20 Presentation on use of iPS cells to cure sickle cell anemia in mice media type="custom" key="8087972"

__**PAIRS/THREES**__ Read about the recent events in the case of DR. JAMES L. SHERLEY, et al., (Plaintiffs, ) v. KATHLEEN SEBELIUS, et al., (Defendants) that was first ruled on by Judge Royce C. Lamberth, Chief Judge, on August 23, 2010.

Dr. James Sherley of Boston Biomedical Research Institute and Theresa Deisher of Washington-based AVM Biotechnology, (Plaintiffs) who both work with adult stem cells, filed the suit. They argue that hESC research violates the Dickey Wickler Law and also stating that NIH guidelines for funding of hESC research harms their work by increasing competition for limited federal funding. The government (Defendents) has appealed the ruling.

For a series of articles by the //Science Insider// that include all the proceedings from August onwards click here Dickey- Wicker Amendment Judge Lamberth's original ruling Government's position - on page 2 an interesting description of where we are at with esc research NYTimes Editorial Obligate Scientist Blog

Prepare a short summary (400 – 500 words for each) of the position of both the Plantiffs and the Defendents. In your summary include detail on the arguments used by each side.

Include a final paragraph explaining where the ruling now stands including any recent developments. __DUE__ Monday February 7th

__**INDIVIDUAL**__ There is a possibility that Congress may act to pass legislation enabling hESC funding and thus making the case null and void. Prepare notes for a letter you will write to your congressperson indicating your support for either the Plaintiffs or the Defendents side in this legal matter. Your letter should show a good understanding of the present situation and use a variety of points to argue your position. __NOTES DUE__: Wednesday February 9th, Letter written in class February 10th Rubric [|Persuasive Writing Rubric reg.doc]