About the Modules
SCAC exists as four modules that utilize a social justice framework to address fractious problems: HeLa Cells & HPV Genes: Immortality & Cancer reviews basic cell biology, tissue culture, and human subjects research in the context of privacy, ownership, and access to the goods and products of research while addressing the challenges that emerge at the intersection of race, class and gender; Eggs & Blood: Gifts & Commodities reviews reproductive biology, cell differentiation, and embryogenesis while tracing the history of compensation and the sacred value placed on some bodies/tissues/ cells and not others using a feminist perspective; Disease, Disability, & Immortality: Hope & Hype introduces cellular reprogramming, immunology, and cell death, while exploring how "cure" narratives shadow the natural physical and cognitive variability in the human population and infuence guidelines and regulations regarding the safety and efficacy of stem cell transplant therapy and enhancements; and Stem Cells & Policy: Values & Religion reviews the process of cloning as it relates to embryonic stem cell research and analyzes how policy is shaped in pluralistic societies in ways that can promote tolerance of different points of view. We invite you to read our Pedagogies & Philosophies before using our materials, and welcome feedback. Contact: Katayoun Chamany (chamanyk@newschool.edu)
| Curricular Module | Biological Concepts | Ethical, Legal and Social Concepts |
|---|---|---|
| HeLa Cells & HPV Genes: Immortality & Cancer | cell structure, cell cycle, mitosis, cancer, cell line registry, cell differentiation, viral integration, telomerase, and cell signaling | history of cell culture, bodily goods, privacy, ownership, compensation, human subjects research |
| Eggs & Blood: Gifts & Commodities | reproductive biology, meiosis, fertilization, IVF, immunology, embryogenesis, PGD, ESCs, fetal, cord, ovarian, and menstrual blood SCs, adipose-derived stem cells | history of gamete payment, bodily goods, IRB, FDA, OHSS, eugenics, saviour siblings, bioethnicity, public v. private banking, clones, cybrids |
| Disease, Disability & Immortality: Hope & Hype | neurodegenerative disease pathways, extracellular matrix, stem cell niches, nuclear reprogramming factors, iPSCs, immunology, scientific method | stem cell fraud, therapeutic misconception, cure vs. care, disability rights and justice, social model of health |
|
Stem
Cells & Policy: Values & Religion |
cybrids, SCNT, gastrulation, primitive streak, microarray gene expression technology, nuclear reprogramming factors, ESC, ASC, iPSC | religious pluralism, moral status of the embryo, ethics committee composition, stem cell registries, social justice, international/ national/local policies, injunctions, lawsuits |
