Ask MetaFilter questions tagged with stemcells

How do you know if you have a stem cell?

mpls2 — Wed, 19 Nov 2008 15:06:49 -0800

How do you know if you have a stem cell? I'm reading about scientists turning adult cells into stem cells. How do they know that they have a stem cell?

Questions about Missouri Amendment 2?

MarvinTheCat — Wed, 25 Oct 2006 17:30:16 -0800

Missouri Amendment 2: Why an amendment? Why not a statute? (more questions inside) I've read the amendment, but all the analysis I've read is incredibly biased, I'd like to actually discuss it's merits and pitfalls with some rational individuals. The full text of the amendment is here.

I am pro stem-cell-research but my questions are these:

-Why an amendment? Why not a statute? I'm uncomfortable with writing something so specific into the constitution of the state

-A big criticism voiced by opponents is that it will give tax-payer money to corporations doing this research. How? I can't find any direct evidence of this. Unless they mean that research departments that receive federal grants will use that grant money for this research. I think that argument is equally valid against any sort of research, or the NEA for that matter.

I do understand that the amendment does redefine to an extent "cloning" by allowing somatic cell nuclear transfer and beginning of the existence of the clone at implantation in a uterus as opposed to when the DNA is transferred and the cell begins to divide—that strikes me as somewhat slippery and makes me ask again, why an amendment and not a law, subject to legislative discussion prior to approval. As much as I'm pro-science this amendment angle makes me suspicious of . . . something.

What's the deal with cord blood and farming your own stem cells?

mathowie — Fri, 25 Feb 2005 13:07:40 -0800

I've been reading up a bit lately on cord blood. It's kind of a cool idea, to capture stem cells your child may need someday -- kinda like always having "spare parts" available if anything goes wrong and technology continues to innovate. But I get the feeling that it costs a grand or so to start, and hundreds per year. I also hear that it may only help in childhood leukemia instances, so I'm on the fence. Is it worth the money? Are the applications for it real and tangible? Is it a smart insurance policy at this point or a silly thing worrisome parents are being bilked over?

Stem Cell Research

gwint — Wed, 10 Nov 2004 11:26:18 -0800

Stem Cells. I'm looking for a recent, thorough, non-partisan (read: scientific) book or long article about the subject in general. I'm more interested in the science than the ethical aspects, but I'd be happy to read about those issues as well.