Proposal

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

For our research, we have talked with stem cell researcher Charis Walko.

Charis is from Germany and she is now currently living in Canada. She has got her masters in cell biology and genetics at UBC. After, she has gone to the University if Cambridge and got her PhD in stem cell research. She is now currently working with a company that researches, studies and experiments stem cells. She has got interested in stem cells because she has thought that they were unique and cool. Stem cells can reproduce themselves for different functions, and she has thought that was very cool.

We think that this was a great way to connect and research more information. Most students only use the websites that they find on google for their research. But by connecting with a real person that actually works for stem cells is a great way to gather the information we need. We’re glad that Charis could’ve talked with us and give us more help on our project.

The questions we asked are: can stem cells cure Alzheimer’s disease? How did the stem cells for the Alzheimer’s disease get produced? How do the stem cells get inserted into the brain? And how many years do you think a cure with stem cells for the Alzheimer’s disease will be made?

Charis answered that it is not proven yet but there is a high chance that stem cells can cure Alzheimer’s disease. And researchers are producing the stem cells for the disease by developing the old stem cells that were produced and they are experimenting the stem cells on mouses by using injection. She has also answered that it will take around 20 to 40 years for a cure for Alzheimer’s disease with stem cells will be made.

By this chat we have learnt what stem cells and organoids can do. Stem cells can reproduce and divide into 2 new cells. The 2 new cells have a choice of staying as a stem cell or becoming a special cell that has specialized functions. The stem cells that have specialized functions are the cells that cures brain cancer, diseases, skin burns, diabetes and more. And organoids are used for cancer research, regenerative medicine, personalized medicine, biomedical research and more.

And that was what we have learnt and felt about the chat with Charis.

 

Propose Action

Informtion Fluency

  • What questions did you need to research in order to create your cell story? 
    • We researched questions about the different types of brain diseases and injuries stem cells can cure, how the stem cells can cure Alzheimer’s disease, how the stem cells for the Alzheimer’s disease are produced, how the stem cells get inserted into the brain, and also other things stem cells are used for. 
  • What new or familiar digital tools did you try to use as you working through this project? 
    • We have used familiar digital tools like: Google, EasyBib and Windows Movie Maker. We have also used a new digital tool called Orange Free Sounds for sound effects and background music. 
  • What was the process you used to investigate the topic? 
    • First we brainstormed all the questions, then we started our research about our topic and the questions. We have used many sources including Charis to find the answers to our questions. Then we have gathered the information and wrote a summary of what we did with Charis. After, we have made a script for our video. Then we have made our video and posted it onto our blogs. Finally, we have reflected on our work. 
  • How did you verify and cite the information you found? 
    • We have verified by using multiple sources, like websites and also Charis. Then we have cited our sources by using a bibliography composer. 
  • How did the process of completing this challenge go? What could you have done better?  (Reflexion)
    • The process went okay. We did have some trouble, but it got better. I have organized the work and set due dates, and by that it was easier to know what we were doing. To have done better, I think we could’ve organized the work for each person and have done them on time. But I am happy with our result.

Sources

Information:

  • “Alzheimer’s Disease & Dementia.” Alzheimer’s Association, Alzheimer’s Association, www.alz.org/alzheimers_disease_what_is_alzheimers.asp.
  • “Stem Cell Basics I.” National Institutes of Health, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2016, stemcells.nih.gov/info/basics/1.htm.
  • Stoakes, Shelley Farrar. “Applications of Organoids.” News-Medical.net, News-Medical.net, 12 Feb. 2018, www.news-medical.net/life-sciences/Applications-of-Organoids.aspx.

Pictures:

  • “20 Ways to Beat Alzheimer’s Disease.” DrJockerscom, drjockers.com/alzheimers-disease/.
  • Delgado, Natasha. “Stem Cells in the Treatment of Alzheimer’s Disease.” LinkedIn SlideShare, 18 Dec. 2009, www.slideshare.net/nata1291/stem-cells-in-the-treatment-of-alzheimers-disease-2746935.
  • “Is Alzheimer’s Treatment of Injecting Stem Cells Into the Brain a Breakthrough or Quackery?” Stem Cell Therapy – Park Avenue, New York, parkavenuestemcell.com/blog/is-alzheimers-treatment-of-injecting-stem-cells-into-the-brain-a-breakthrough-or-quackery/.
  • Mahta, Aalok. “Alzheimer’s Disease and Dementia Today.” Brainfacts.org, 14 Feb. 2012, www.brainfacts.org/Diseases-and-Disorders/Neurodegenerative-Disorders/2012/Alzheimers-Disease-Today.
  • “İnsanlarda Hasarlı Organlar Yenilenebilecek Mi?” Sağlık Eğitimleri I TSV I Sağlık Vakfı, www.saglik.org.tr/single-post/2016/05/03/%C4%B0nsanlarda-Hasarl%C4%B1-Organlar-Yenilenebilecek-mi.
  • “Stem Cell Research: Latest Advancements.” Healthline, Healthline Media, www.healthline.com/health-news/stem-cell-research-advancing-rapidly.
  • “Stem Cell.” Wikipedia, Wikimedia Foundation, 10 June 2018, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stem_cell.
  • “Stem Cells in the Field of Dentistry.” CJ Dentistry, 9 Jan. 2018, www.cjdentistryaz.com/stem-cells-in-the-field-of-dentistry/.
  • الأمراض العصبية | دراسة: الدماغ يمكن أن يتعافى من آثار الإدمان على الكحول بعد أسبوعين فقط من الامتناع, www.mediall1.com/Detail.aspx?IDArticle=2381.
  • “Young Researchers Experimenting with Substances.” Freepik, www.freepik.com/free-photo/young-researchers-experimenting-with-substances_862379.htm.