Activity 3: Communications in the Stem Cell Research Community

This activity explores the recent advances made in stem cell research using embryonic and adult stem cell sources. As in Activity 2, students will read primary literature, but now the reading is more difficult and more expansive. The readings in this activity concern cellular processes that are not completely worked out, thus requiring a greater command of scientific experimentation. The following assignments place students in the midst of an evolving process of discovery, involving work conducted by multiple research groups who do not always agree with one another. Assignment 1 aims for students to develop a command of this ongoing research and mimics the activities of a journal club meeting. Assignment 2 extends the activity by asking students to write a review article based on their survey of the field.

To gain a better appreciation of the importance of scientific communication and collaboration, students will read several articles written by scientists interested in understanding the cellular and molecular processes of cell differentiation and address a set of questions that place the readings in broader context. These questions ask students to analyze different pieces of data from the primary literature and to weigh the evidence that supports one theory or another with respect to stem cell capabilities. Given the controversies concerning federal funding for embryonic stem cell research, this field has attracted more interest. Understanding the process of stem cell differentiation will lead the way for development of treatments and preventions of disease as well as cell lines that can measure the efficacy of novel drugs and the harmful effects of environmental toxins.

By the completion of this activity students should be able to:

• Synthesize their own understanding of this field by analyzing primary literature and evaluating the premise, approach, value, and limitations of various research studies.
  
• Critically analyze data, propose models, and make predictions about future directions of research.
  
• Appreciate the difference between studies conducted in vitro and those conducted in vivo, and the merits and limitations of each.
  
• Comprehend experimental techniques such as DNA fingerprinting, FACs analysis, immunocytochemistry, RDA analysis, PCR, biochemical assays, karyotyping, and rDNA reporter assays.
  
• Appreciate that science is often both a collaborative and a competitive process.
  
• Recognize that new data and advanced technologies present opportunities for scientists to re-examine and modify theories or hypotheses.
  
• Identify different forms of scientific communication and the variety of purposes they serve.
  
• Communicate their ideas in a clear and cogent manner

This Activity has two Assignments for instructors to choose between or combine. The Teaching Notes outline the strategy for implementation and include an Answer Key (for instructors only) summarizes the work, experimental methods, and impact of each scientific article. There is also a grading rubric for student-written review articles.

Assignment 1: Journal Club Meeting
Assignment 2: Writing a Review Article
Teaching Notes

For a downloadable/printable version in PDF format of these pages visit Core Materials

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