American Museum of Natural History

The Science of Stem Cells

Taught in English

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56,405 already enrolled

Course

Gain insight into a topic and learn the fundamentals

Dr. Zehra Dincer

Instructor: Dr. Zehra Dincer

4.7

(2,796 reviews)

Intermediate level
Some related experience required
10 hours to complete
3 weeks at 3 hours a week
Flexible schedule
Learn at your own pace

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10 quizzes

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There are 5 modules in this course

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.

What's included

6 videos3 readings2 quizzes

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.

What's included

3 videos1 reading2 quizzes

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.

What's included

3 videos1 reading2 quizzes

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.

What's included

3 videos1 reading2 quizzes

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.

What's included

3 videos2 quizzes

Instructor

Instructor ratings
4.7 (1,033 ratings)
Dr. Zehra Dincer
American Museum of Natural History
1 Course56,405 learners

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