Research on stem cell capabilities includes their ability to renew through the cells’ mitotic cell division. Controversial embryonic stem cell research is particularly important because of the cells’ ability to differentiate into any specialized tissue. In light of this, stem cell biotherapy has become very promising and it is hoped the research may eventually lead to advancements in curing certain human illnesses and medical concerns. There are a number of industries invested in the field of stem cell research, including government, law, science and news.

Stem cell research education and training often relies heavily upon a formal education. Others may simply wish to become better-educated about stem cell research to make an informed decision regarding the support or opposition of this field. Human embryonic stem cell research opportunities include:

1. Various stem cell research seminars, including those discussing stem cell research pros and cons, stem cell research ethics and pertinent stem cell research news.

2. Training courses to supplement formal educations about stem cell research.

3. A college degree for anyone wanting to turn stem cell research into a career involving medicine or law.

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Attend stem cell research seminars, webseminars and meetings to gather stem cell research info

Seminars are primarily going to focus on stem cell research ethics and the stem cell research debate, in addition to other stem cell research information. It is important for interested parties to stay educated when it comes to these areas because it may allow them to work in a capacity in which they feel comfortable and justified.

I recommend: Wheaton College offers a number of seminar audio recordings from their Stem Cell Research series in 2006. Stanford.edu has a listing of their offered stem cell research seminars and academic courses, while Burnham.org discusses their Southern California Stem Cell Consortium.

Learn from various stem cell research training sessions, workshops and classes

While a formal education is beneficial, because there are so many consistent scientific advancements in the field of human embryonic stem cell research, many individuals may also consider occasional training sessions with respect to the field. Training sessions with regard to adult stem cell research and human embryonic stem cell research may assist in educating interested parties as to new scientific methods and procedures which may make advancements or scientific tests and procedures more convenient and efficient, as well as perspectives and opinions with regard to the moral implications and ethics surrounding the industry.

I recommend: The California Institute for Regenerative Medicine offers a training program with respect to stem cell research. Meanwhile, the National Institutes of Health offers a listing of a number of training sessions, including specifically Essentials of Human Embryonic Stem Cell Culture Techniques, Human Embryonic Stem Cell Workshop and Methods in Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research.

Obtain a stem cell research-relevant degree at a college or university

A college or university degree opens up the majority of the opportunities available in the field of stem cell research. Not only is there a heavy emphasis on the sciences and research methods involved in the industry, but there are also many courses which can help inform individuals as to the stem cell biotherapy options available and stem cell research ethics, which is a point of contention among many who follow the stem cell research debate.

I recommend: Emory.edu offers a stem cell research degree program for those who are interested in the science. Meanwhile, WorldWideLearn discusses the possibility of entering into the field of stem cell research with a degree in biology. A medical or law degree may also be beneficial to individuals interested in the topic, as illustrated at Missouri.edu and Education-Portal.com.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Individuals interested in stem cell research may also benefit from staying current on stem cell research news. This may include a subscription to relevant scientific journals, complete with stem cell research article or finding publications, subscriptions to stem cell business and research news and RSS feeds or information published with respect to the ongoing stem cell research ethics debate.

Human embryonic stem cell research is a pursuit of new knowledge in a controversial arena. Some say it will improve life; others question that idea. Research is a systematic and methodical process, as well as creative, investigative and even intuitive. Stem cell research faces ethical questions at every turn, however, which may makes it a little different from other research.

The stem cell business, as in all research fields, uses science and math techniques in a systematic manner to find improvements in business, new applications and services. Most companies spend about 5% of their revenue on research and development. However, the embryonic and adult stem cell research industry usually spends a lot more. Consider the following when looking at stem cell research information:

1. Learn about stem cell research pros and cons from institutions already doing basic research in this field.

2. Look at companies already doing applied stem cell research.

3. Find out more about the stem cell research debate with forums and resource sites.

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Look at institutions involved in basic embryonic stem cell research

Basic research is the kind of research often pursued by government, education and larger businesses. This research will help many people in many ways over the long term.

I recommend: The Mayo Clinic works in every area of medicine and disease solving imaginable, and they do stem cell research. The National Institute of Health (NIH) does basic stem cell lab work as well.

Talk about stem cell research with applied science companies

Applied research is the kind of research that companies do to improve the bottom line. By doing so, companies grow and progress as they discover and implement improved products.

I recommend: HemoGenix makes products related to stem cell research such as assay kits and lab work products. They also offer news and research updates on stem cell research. WaferGen is in business related to stem cell work also. They've manufactured a "smart chip" to assist in research related to genotyping and gene expression.

Join forums and resource groups talking about embryonic stem cell research

The research process involves investigation and listening to different ideas. The stem cell research debate is an active arena with different points of view and ideas. Forums, newsletters and information groups give businesses the opportunity to learn more and hear the concerns and ideas of all people concerned.

I recommend: Do No Harm is a coalition of stem cell researchers offering resources, news, commentary and an interactive platform. AAAS offers information, resources, findings, recommendations, reports, laws, dialogues, science editorials and about the pros and cons of stem cell research.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Governmental, educational and big business institutions will have funds for basic research. Smaller companies generally do applied research, but the budget is more limited. If you are a smaller bio-company, talk to a business consultant about how much money you should apply to research on stem cell topics. You will need to look at stem cell research ethics, stem cell biotherapy and other issues, and you will probably need to spend more than the 5% most companies spend on R&D.

When working with other researchers it's important to know and understand stem cell research key terms so you can focus on the research rather than basic communication. This shows your dedication to your field and indicates that you put in the time necessary to learn the nuances of the research language.

Understanding stem cell research key terms also aids you in understanding the processes behind various techniques and terms. It gives you greater knowledge of stem cell structure and behaviors, as well as testing methods.

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Blastocyst

Stem cell researchers studying a blastocyst, study an embryo before it implants into the wall of the uterus. After fertilization, stem cell division of approximately 150 cells make up the embryo. The sphere making up the blastocyst contains the trophoblast, or the outer layer; blastocoel, a cavity filled with fluid; and the inner cell mass, a group of cells clustered together on the interior.

I recommend: The Advanced Fertility Center of Chicago describes the blastocyst in great detail and offers clear, high-resolution images of blastocysts at various stages of growth.

Directed differentiation

Directed differentiation refers to manipulating conditions of the culture of stem cells in order to induce differentiation into a certain type of cell.

I recommend: The Department of Health & Human Services offers an abstract for a system dealing with directed differentiation of a human embryonic stem cell(HES) into a myeloid dendritic cell (Dc).

In vitro

This is the name for a fake environment. Its Latin definition is 'in glass.' Researchers and scientists use test tubes and laboratory dishes to create the artificial environments.

I recommend: HemoGenix performs stem cell hemotoxicity testing, specializing in its in vitro testing methods. Its website thoroughly details the process.

Microenvironment

Researchers use the term microenvironment to refer to the compounds and molecules that exist in the fluid around an organism's cell, which helps determine cell characteristics.

I recommend: Sasha Bakhru offers information on microenvironments for stem cell research.

Passage

A passage is a process where disassociated cells seed into a new culture vessel after a washing. This happens after proliferation and growth. The number of passages a cultured cell goes through indicates its stability and age.

I recommend: Reason Magazine discusses the affect of passage on stem cells in research. It offers an in-depth definition of the passage process.

Subculturing

Researchers refer to the transfer of cultured cells from one culture vessel to a different culture vessel as subculturing.

I recommend: Olympus takes a look at subculturing in stem cell research and provides details for transferring the cells in tact.