The Cloning of Cells
Figure 1. Mouse embryonic stem cells stained with a fluorescent marker.Copyright National Science Foundation, Office of Legislative and Public Affairs http://www.nsf.gov/od/lpa/news/03/pr03142_images.htm
Students continue their education on cells in the human body. They discuss stem cells and how engineers are involved in the research of stem cell behavior. Using the associated activity they learn about possible applications of stem cell research and associated technologies, such as fluorescent dyes for tracking the replication of specific cells.
From engineering tools for observation on the molecular level to chemical and bioengineering of natural fluorescent dyes to the examination of cell replication in an organism, engineering developments and design have helped advance research of all types of cells. Engineering influences science and medical research by facilitating the understanding of how cells are influenced in all directions by their environment and how they behave in our bodies.
After this lesson, students should be able to:
- Define stem cells.
- List several applications of stem cells research.
- Describe engineering designs that are advancing stem cell research.