Stem Cells

Ethical debates can bring about some very emotional responses. Discussing a bioethical dilemma from the perspective of a stakeholder "de-personalizes" the process to an extent, making it less likely that a student will feel personally attacked by dissenting opinions. Also, having a role to play prompts students without a personal opinion to consider the issue and join the discussion.

1. Have students read the short Stem Cell Therapies Background Article.
2. Choose one of the following bioethical questions to work with:
   • Should scientists use results from experimental overseas stem cell therapies to advance their own work when the therapies don't meet their own country's scientific or ethical guidelines?
   • Some biotech companies are forming partnerships with overseas stem cell clinics and using them to conduct studies that would be illegal for these companies to conduct in their own countries. Should companies be allowed to use the results of these studies to gain approval in their own countries?
3. As a class, brainstorm stakeholders in this issue. (Sample groups include: Patients awaiting stem cell therapy, Researchers, Patients who have had an unsuccessful stem cell therapy, Private clinics, Medical professionals, Biotech companies, etc.)
4. Divide the class into 5 or 6 stakeholder groups from the list you generate. Instruct the stakeholder groups to first "get in to character" by filling out items 1–3 on the Discussion Organizer. (Either do this as a group, or as individuals first, then compile responses into group consensus.)
   • Why use a Discussion Organizer? Organizers give students a place to begin when considering a bioethical dilemma and keep the conversation focused.
5. Next, have the students complete the discussion organizer from the perspective of their stakeholder group.
6. Option 1: Have each group report out on their discussion and thoughts.
   
   Option 2 (this option takes more time): Jigsaw-have students recombine in to mixed-stakeholder groups (one representative from each stakeholder group). Have each stakeholder present their perspective to the group (you may want to place a time limit on this). Once all stakeholders have presented, the group must then discuss and make a recommendation.

• Close the activity by taking a class vote.
• Have students stand along a continuum from "absolutely yes" to "absolutely no" share their reasoning.
• Have students write a short essay about their personal beliefs about the issue.
• Look up the regulatory agencies and policies for these and other countries: United States (Food and Drug Administration), Japan (Pharmaceutical and Medical Safety Bureau) United Kingdom (Medicines and Healthcare Products Regulatory Authority).

Hunt

Planaria thrive in clean, freshwater streams and lakes. They are photo-negative, so look in dark places such as under rocks and logs.

Fish

Tie a piece of liver (or other protein source) to a string, then immerse it in a dark area of a clean freshwater stream or lake. In half an hour or so enough planaria should be feeding on liver for you to collect in a jar.

Order

Most biologic supply companies such as Carolina, or Ward's Natural Science, sell planaria at low cost.

1. Keep them in an open container of dechlorinated or spring water at room temperature. 1–2 mL of water per worm is adequate, use more for larger worms. Change the water, wiping any mucus off of the inside of the container once per week, especially after feeding.
2. Planaria are photo-negative, they prefer a dark place such as inside a cabinet or drawer.
3. Feed planaria small, thin slices of liver or other protein-rich food sources such as raw fish, peanut butter, or hot dogs at least once per week. Remove any excess food after 2–3 hours. Change the water after feeding.
   • You can dye the liver you feed them with food coloring. As the planaria feed on the liver, the coloring will stain their gut, providing an enhanced view of their anatomy.
4. If the planaria are looking sluggish and unhealthy, resist the urge to clean their container and change the water, this may stress them more. Instead, leave them in a dark place at room temperature without food for a few weeks and they will likely recover.

• Planaria move slowly when cold. Placing them in a small amount of chilled spring water and/or a chilled petri dish just prior to cutting makes it easier to keep up with them to make your cuts.
• Use plastic transfer pipets or eyedroppers to transfer planaria from one dish to another.
• Use microscope slide cover slips or sharp razors to make your cuts.
• Planaria will regenerate after being cut in a number of ways.
• Most species of planaria will regenerate completely within 1–2 weeks. Do not feed your planaria while they are regenerating.