Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 2, 2026
08:14
Efficient iPS Cell Generation from Blood Using Episomes and HDAC Inhibitors
Published on: October 28, 2014
Science spin: iPS cell research in the news
1Faculty of Law and School of Public Health, Health Law Institute, University of Alberta, Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. tcaulfld@law.ualberta.ca
Clinical Pharmacology and Therapeutics
|April 23, 2011
Summary
Scientists discuss the social agendas influencing scientific developments, using induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells as a prime example. Media coverage surrounding iPS cell discovery highlights the phenomenon of scientific spin.
Area of Science:
- Biotechnology
- Stem Cell Research
- Bioethics
Background:
- Scientific advancements are frequently influenced by social agendas and media narratives.
- Past examples include global warming, nuclear power, and genetically modified organisms.
- The development of induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells is a recent case study in this phenomenon.
Purpose of the Study:
- To analyze the social and media "spin" surrounding the 2007 announcement of induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cell discovery.
- To examine how scientific developments are framed within societal contexts.
- To understand the interplay between scientific breakthroughs and public perception.
Main Methods:
- Qualitative analysis of media coverage and public discourse following the iPS cell announcement.
- Examination of the social and political context in November 2007.
- Comparative analysis with previous instances of scientific development spin.
Main Results:
- The announcement of iPS cells generated significant media attention and public discussion.
- The narrative surrounding iPS cells was shaped by comparisons to human embryonic stem cells (hESCs).
- The "spin" involved framing the technology within existing societal debates and agendas.
Conclusions:
- The discovery of iPS cells exemplifies how scientific breakthroughs are subject to social agendas and media interpretation.
- Understanding the "spin" is crucial for accurate public comprehension of scientific advancements.
- Further research is needed on the long-term societal impact of iPS cell technology and its communication.
Related Concept Videos
01:21EPS and iPS Cells in Disease Research
Embryonic and induced pluripotent stem cells are excellent models for disease research because of their ability to self-renew and differentiate into most cell types. Somatic cells from a patient are isolated and reprogrammed into induced pluripotent stem cells or iPSCs. These iPSCs are later differentiated into the desired cell type, which mirrors the diseased cell of the patient. In this way, disease models have been created for investigating diseases such as Down syndrome, type I diabetes,...
01:22iPS Cell Differentiation
The ability of induced pluripotent stem cells or iPSCs to differentiate into most body cell types has stimulated repair and regenerative medicine research over the past few decades. iPSC-derived blood cells, hepatocytes, beta islet cells, cardiomyocytes, neurons, and other cell types can repair injuries or regenerate damaged tissue in diseases such as diabetes and neurodegenerative disorders.
01:13Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
Stem cells are undifferentiated cells that divide and produce different types of cells. Ordinarily, cells that have differentiated into a specific cell type are post-mitotic—that is, they no longer divide. However, scientists have found a way to reprogram these mature cells so that they “de-differentiate” and return to an unspecialized, proliferative state. These cells are also pluripotent like embryonic stem cells—able to produce all cell types—and are therefore called induced pluripotent stem...
01:06Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
Stem cells are undifferentiated cells that divide and produce different cell types. Ordinarily, cells that have differentiated into a specific cell type are terminally differentiated; however, scientists have found a way to reprogram these mature cells so that they dedifferentiate and return to an unspecialized, proliferative state. These cells are pluripotent like embryonic stem cells—able to produce all cell types—and are called induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs).
Somatic cells are...
Somatic cells are...
01:13Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells
Stem cells are undifferentiated cells that divide and produce different types of cells. Ordinarily, cells that have differentiated into a specific cell type are post-mitotic—that is, they no longer divide. However, scientists have found a way to reprogram these mature cells so that they “de-differentiate” and return to an unspecialized, proliferative state. These cells are also pluripotent like embryonic stem cells—able to produce all cell types—and are therefore called induced pluripotent stem...
01:29Somatic to iPS Cell Reprogramming
Reprogramming alters the gene expression in somatic cells, transforming them into induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells over several generations. Scientists can reprogram cells by introducing genes for four transcription factors—Oct4, Sox2, Klf4, and c-Myc (OSKM) by viral or non-viral methods. These factors are also known as Yamanaka factors after Shinya Yamanaka, who first generated iPS cells using mouse skin cells. Yamanaka was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine in 2012 for this...