Stem Cells

A straightforward discussion of the subject, Stem Cells defines a stem cell, illustrates how they are cultured, points out the differences between embryonic and adult stem cells, and explores the medical implications of the blank wonder-cells. In addition to the scientific overview, the program also touches on the morality of embryonic stem cell research. Reminding viewers that the question of defining human life has been around for centuries and is unlikely to be solved in our lifetimes, ethicist Dr. Alta Charo wonders whether scientific inquiry meant to benefit people suffering from Parkinson's, diabetes, Alzheimer's, multiple sclerosis, HIV and other diseases will be kept from advancing due to popular political will. Disappointingly, the tape does not effectively deal with this question (for now, President Bush is only allowing federally-funded research to go forward with the sixty stem cell lines already in use--even if people wish to donate their unwanted/unneeded IVF embryos voluntarily for science). Although hampered from not tackling the essential political issue head-on, this program would still be useful in the hands of a knowledgeable instructor and is therefore a strong optional purchase. Aud: H, C. (R. Reagan)