Washington Week: Student Voices (O)

Scientists gather at U. Missouri for stem-cell symposium
By Kristy Totten
The Maneater (U. Missouri)
03/10/2006

(U-WIRE) COLUMBIA, Mo. — Professors and doctors from across the country met at the University of Missouri this week to discuss the cultural implications of stem-cell research. The symposium was held at the Life Sciences Center on Wednesday and Thursday.

Leonie Marks, director of the symposium and the Life Sciences and Society Program, said the controversial topic of stem-cell research was chosen to teach the public, faculty and students about the moral and ethical aspects of the research.

"We wanted something that would be incredibly timely," Marks said. "We wanted something that would be provocative."

Several MU faculty members participated in the two days of discussions, and Life Sciences Center Director Michael Roberts delivered a lecture, "The Down Side and the Up Side of Human Embryonic Stem Cells."

In his lecture, Roberts discussed the possible future of stem-cell research and milestones and controversies related to the research.

Roberts began by giving definitions to lay groundwork for the topic. He explained the difference between adult stem cells and embryonic stem cells. The latter form of stem cells are more controversial because they are derived from embryos in early developmental stages.

Roberts then highlighted the potential uses of stem-cell research and the ethical concerns resulting from the research's progress.

Roberts used the development of in vitro fertilization in the 1970s as an example of changing standards.

When Bob Edwards and Patrick Steptoe created the world's first "test tube baby" in 1978 they initially faced opposition. Roberts said now thousands of infertile couples have used the process to conceive.

"These people were vilified and treated as pariahs," Roberts said. "But now (Edwards) has a decent chance of winning the Nobel Prize."

Roberts said bone marrow stem cells could be used to produce identical cells to cure patients who otherwise might have die.

"If I may argue, this will be achieved very shortly," Roberts said.

Roberts addressed the scandal surrounding researcher Hwang Woo Suk's work. The Korean scientist falsely claimed in 2005 to have cloned cells from human embryos.

Roberts said an imperfect peer-review system was partially to blame for scientists' failure to recognize the fraud.

The scandal has increased distrust of the research community, emboldened opponents of embryonic stem-cell research and undermined the community's ethics, Roberts said.

Roberts said he is confident researchers will regain the public's trust.

"I still believe science can be a noble profession," Roberts said.

Marks said she expects a consensus about stem-cell research to be reached when its benefits outweigh risks.

[ Back to Student Voices ]