The Science of Stem Cells
American Museum of Natural History
Acerca de este Curso
What promise do stem cells hold for the treatment of medical conditions? In this five-part online course you will explore the history and basic biology of stem cells, learn about new research techniques, and find out how stem cells could lead to cures for diseases and to individualized medicine. You will hear from Museum scientists, medical researchers at the frontiers of the field, and a panel of bioethics experts who will address the ethical implications of stem cell research and therapy. Learn what has already been accomplished, what challenges remain, and what medical breakthroughs may lie ahead.
Syllabus - What you will learn from this course
1
Section
Introduction to Stem Cells
Welcome to The Science of Stem Cells! You will begin with a basic overview of stem cells--what they are, the history of stem cell research, and the potential for stem cell therapies. You will also learn from AMNH biologist Julia Zichello that stem cells are found throughout the tree of life.
6 videos (Total 34 min), 3 readings, 2 quizzes
6 videos
Introduction to the Course3m
How Stem Cells Differentiate3m
History of Stem Cells14m
Why are Stem Cells Important?5m
Stem Cells in Other Organisms4m
3 readings
Syllabus10m
Related Resources10m
Stem Cell Glossary10m
2 practice exercises
Module One: What do you know?10m
Module One: What have you learned?20m
2
Section
How Do Stem Cells Work?
This week, New York University’s Dr. Esteban Mazzoni will discuss how scientists can coax stem cells to differentiate into particular cell types. Dr. Mazzoni will also talk about new stem cell-assisted technologies such as mitochondrial replacement therapy and generating chimeras for organ transplantation. You will also get some background information on the science and ethics of cloning.
3 videos (Total 53 min), 1 reading, 2 quizzes
3 videos
Cell differentiation, Therapeutic Cloning & Chimeras: Part One21m
Cell differentiation, Therapeutic Cloning & Chimeras: Part Two30m
1 readings
Cloning and Genetic Engineering: How and Why?10m
2 practice exercises
Module Two: What do you know?10m
Module Two: What have you learned?20m
3
Section
Using Stem Cells to Study Disease
We have covered the process by which scientists can differentiate cells in a culture dish. Now you will look at how scientists can use these cell to model diseases in a culture dish. Dr. Andrew Sproul from Columbia University explains how cultured cells can be used to understand the cause of diseases and to look for drugs that will potentially cure them. His research is on Alzheimer’s disease. You will also explore how how stem cells have the potential to help with the study of diabetes.
3 videos (Total 46 min), 1 reading, 2 quizzes
3 videos
Reprogramming and Genome Editing for Disease Modeling37m
Stem Cells: Developing New Cures6m
1 readings
Diabetes in a Dish: Using Stem Cells to Study Disease10m
2 practice exercises
Module Three: What do you know?10m
Module Three: What have you learned?20m
4
Section
Using Stem Cells to Treat Disease
In addition to the great potential of stem cells to be used in the study of disease, stem cells can also be used to actually treat disease. Neural stem cell pioneer Dr. Sally Temple will explain the potential for using stem cells in our own bodies (adult stem cells) to treat age-related macular degeneration, an increasingly common and debilitating disease. Dr. Temple will also give you some tools for evaluating potential stem cell treatments.
3 videos (Total 34 min), 1 reading, 2 quizzes
3 videos
Stem Cells in the Adult Human Retinal Pigment Epithelium and Their Therapeutic Potential27m
Myths About Adult (Somatic) Stem Cells5m
1 readings
Developmental Neuroscientist Dr. Sally Temple Wants to Help Prevent Blindness—and Looks to the Future10m
2 practice exercises
Module Four: What do you know?10m
Module Four: What have you learned?20m
5
Section
The Bioethics of Stem Cell Research and Therapy
To complete the course, a panel of bioethics experts will discuss some of the controversies surrounding human embryonic stem cells and the legal, policy, and ethical challenges associated with the use of stem cells in basic and clinical research. You will have an opportunity to discuss and ask questions about the future of reproductive technology and stem cell research.
3 videos (Total 96 min), 2 quizzes
3 videos
The Bioethics of Stem Cell Research and Therapy: Part One4m
The Bioethics of Stem Cell Research and Therapy: Part Two28m
2 practice exercises
Module Five: What do you know?10m
Module Five: What have you learned?20m
Instructor
Dr. Zehra Dincer
Course InstructorAbout American Museum of Natural History
The American Museum of Natural History is one of the world’s preeminent scientific, educational and cultural institutions. Since its founding in 1869, the Museum has advanced its global mission to discover, interpret, and disseminate information about human cultures, the natural world, and the universe through a wide-ranging program of scientific research, education, and exhibition.
Frequently Asked Questions
When will I have access to the lectures and assignments?
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What will I get if I pay for this course?
If you pay for this course, you will have access to all of the features and content you need to earn a Course Certificate. If you complete the course successfully, your electronic Certificate will be added to your Accomplishments page - from there, you can print your Certificate or add it to your LinkedIn profile. Note that the Course Certificate does not represent official academic credit from the partner institution offering the course.
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