Some definitions to help you when answering the questions:

• Adult Stem Cell: A stem cell from organs and tissues, usually after birth (including umbilical cord and placenta), that can renew itself and transform into other specialized cell types.
• Embryo: The earliest stage of human development, from the single cell zygote up to about 8 weeks.
• Fetus: The human being from 8 weeks after conception to birth.
• Blastocyst: Early stage of embryo, approximately 5-7 days after conception (50-250 cells.)
• Embryonic stem cell: A cell from the inner mass of cells of a blastocyst, with the potential to become most or all of the body tissues.

1. With what type of stem cells was a boy who has a rare genetic disease treated 8 years ago in Russia?

2. What problems did the boy develop from this treatment? Be specific.

3. In addition to causing tumors, what concern do researchers have about using embryonic stem cells?

4. Why do scientists say the boy's tumors came from the fetal stem cell treatment he received?

5. Read the "Background" below and check out the links when considering this question.
Recently, Japanese scientists have discovered that they can transform adult human skin cells into cells that resemble embryonic stem cells. The converted cells have many of the physical and genetic features typically found in embryonic stem cells and can produce other tissue types, including neurons and heart tissue, according to the researchers.
Should the U.S. government fund embryonic stem cell research (as it is surrounded by such moral/ethical controversy), or only use taxpayer dollars to fund research using adult stem cells to cure disease? Explain your answer.