Stem Cell Research

Research Guides on related topics include Abortion and Bioethics.

Subject Headings.
Reference Works.
Indexes, Abstracts, and Full Text Sources.
Internet Sources.

SUBJECT HEADINGS.

Representative subject headings for locating books in the Boston University online Catalog include the following:

Genetic engineering moral and ethical aspects
Hematopoietic stem cells
Human embryo research government policy United States
Human embryo research moral and ethical aspects
Human embryo research moral and ethical aspects United States
Medical genetics moral and ethical aspects
Stem cells
Stem cells congresses
Stem cells research moral and ethical aspects
Stem cells research moral and ethical aspects United States

REFERENCE WORKS.

Encyclopedia of Abortion in the United States. 2002.: Includes entries on the political, legal, social, religious, and medical issues concerning abortion; summaries of U.S. Supreme Court cases, state abortion laws, and more. Topics include embryo cloning and embryonic and fetal stem cell research. Mugar Ref. X HQ 767.5 U5 P35 2002.
Encyclopedia of Bioethics. 5 vols. 2004.: Discusses the moral and ethical issues concerning such topics as biotechnology, cloning, fetal tissue, genetic engineering, and the Human Genome Project. Sci/Eng Ref. QH332 E52 2004.
Encyclopedia of Ethics. 3 vols. 2001.: Contains more than 500 articles on topics in ethics and ethical theory, perennial moral problems, and political, social, religious and legal theory. Mugar Ref. X BJ63 E45 2001.
Encyclopedia of Genetics. 4 vols. 2002.: "Comprehensive four-volume set covering the wide variety of disciplines that use genetic principles as a part of their scientific foundation." The 1700 entries include biotechnology, embryonic stem cells, ethics and genetics, gene therapy, and genetic counseling. Sci/Eng Ref. QH427 E532 2000.
Encyclopedia of Life Sciences. 20 vols. 20o2.: Covering all aspects of the life sciences, the 3000 articles include such topics as cloning, eugenics, and stem cell research. Sci/Eng Ref. QH302.5 E525 2002.
Genetic Engineering: A Reference Handbook. 1999.: Presents background information for understanding the topic of genetic engineering, a chronology of events, biographical essays on key individuals, data and documents important to the genetic engineering debate, a glossary, and lists of resources. Sci/Eng Ref. TP248.6 L4 1999.
International Encyclopedia of the Social & Behavioral Sciences. 26 vols. 2001.: Use the list of articles in the front of volume 1 to locate articles on such topics as bioethics, biotechnology, ethical issues in the "new" genetics, and the Human Genome Project. Mugar Ref. X H41 I58 2001. Available (abstracts only) on the BU Web through ScienceDirect (BU-px).
Language of Biotechnology: A Dictionary of Terms. 1995.: Contains in-depth definitions with examples and derivations. Its coverage includes microbial biochemistry, molecular biology, genetic engineering and environmental toxicology.
Sci/Eng Ref. TP248.16 W35 1995
Nature Encyclopedia of the Human Genome. 5 vols. 2003.: The 1,000+ articles examine the human genome from the perspectives of history, philosophy, ethics, law, medicine, public health, and industry. Areas covered include structural genomics; functional genomics; chromosome structure and function; evolution and comparative genomics; genome mapping and sequencing; genes and disease; behavioral and psychiatric genetics; mathematical and population genetics; proteomics; bioinformatics; ethical, legal and social issues; and biographies of key figures. Sci/Eng Ref. QH447 N37 2003.
Reproductive Issues in America: A Reference Handbook. 2003.: Contains an introductory essay, a chronology, biographical sketches, facts and statistics, a directory of organizations and agencies, a glossary, and an annotated list of print and nonprint resources. Examines issues such as abortion, assisted reproductive technologies, fetal and embryo research, and pregnancy and addiction. Mugar Ref. X RG 133.5 M47 2003.

INDEXES, ABSTRACTS, AND FULL TEXT SOURCES.

Applied Science & Technology Full Text. 1983 - . (ChRiv-px).: Cumulative subject index to English-language periodicals in the applied sciences. Relevant subject headings include medical ethics, medical genetics, medical research, and stem cells.
ATLA Religion Database. 1949 - . (BU-px).: Indexes religion periodicals, essays in books, and dissertations. Relevant subject headings include bioethics* (the asterisk means truncation), human embryo, human embryo transplantation, and stem cell*.
Bibliography of Bioethics. 1975 - .: Indexes and abstracts periodical articles, books, documents and AV sources in bioethics. To use this classified subject index, consult the contents for a listing of subjects, which include fetuses and embryo and fetal research. Science/Eng Reference Z6675 E8 B53.
BIOSIS. 1989 - . (BU-px): BIOSIS is the electronic version of Biological Abstracts (held at the Science-Engineering Library). It covers many science disciplines, including biochemistry, ecology, microbiology, neurosciences. . Relevant keywords include early human embryo ethical issues, embryo research, embryo research laws, embryonic stem cell research, stem cell research, stem cell therapy, and stem cell transplantation.
Biological & Agricultural Index. 1983 - . (ChRiv).: Indexes and abstracts English-language periodicals in biology, agriculture, and related fields, including biotechnology. Relevant subject headings include bioethics, embryonic stem cells - man, hematopoietic stem cells, human embryo research, medical ethics, medical policy, medical research, and stem cells.
Catholic Periodical and Literature Index. 1981 - . (BU-px).: "Covers all aspects of the Catholic faith and lifestyle, and includes over 370,000 index citations of articles and reviews published in Roman Catholic periodicals, Papal documents, church promulgations, and books about the Catholic faith that are authored by Catholics and/or produced by Catholic publishers." Relevant topics include bioethics, cloning, fetus, human cloning,and stem cells.

Christian Periodical Index. 1976 - . (BU-px).: "Provides indexing for evangelical Christian journals providing both article and review indexing. Although religion, theology, biblical studies and pastoral theology are prominent subjects in the journals indexed, it also tries to provide journals in the disciplines of science, literature, medicine, music, philosophy, history, sociology and education which put forth a Christian worldview." Consult this index for the evangelical Christian perspective on stem cells.

CQ Researcher.: A full text resource offering basic background information on many contemporary issues of interest to Congress. An excellent starting point for research into major public issues, this source gives summary coverage to all sides of the issues along with extremely useful bibliographies. Includes a comprehensive report on embryo research and references to stem cells in several other reports. (ChRiv)
CQ Weekly. 1983 - . (ChRiv): The standard weekly source for analysis and news of legislative events in Congress, this site provides searchable coverage of the full text of all CQ Weekly articles published since 1983.
General Science Full Text. 1984 - . (ChRiv-px).: Subject index to periodical articles in the sciences, including biology, medicine and health, food and nutrition, environment, and genetics. Includes full text of selected periodicals. Relevant subjects include biomedical research United States, cell differentiation, human embryo research laws and regulations, marrow, medical ethics, medical policy United States, Parkinson's disease therapy, regeneration biology, science and state United States, stem cells, and stem cells transplantation.
Humanities Full Text. 1983 - . (ChRiv-px).: Indexes and abstracts periodical literature in the humanities. Includes full text of articles from nearly 250 journals as far back as 1995. Relevant subjects include human embryo research and stem cells research ethical aspects. For retrospective searching (1907-1984) use Humanities and Social Sciences Retrospective, which indexes nearly 1,200 periodicals as early as 1907.
LexisNexis Academic. (BU-px).: A full-text database that includes newspapers, wire services, transcripts of television and radio broadcasts, medical and health journals, trade journals, accounting literature, company financial reports, law reviews, statutory and case law, and public opinion polls. The database is international in scope, and includes newspapers in English, Spanish, French, Italian, Dutch, and German. Dates of coverage vary depending upon the publication.
LexisNexis Congressional. (BU-px).: LexisNexis Congressional is an online version of the CIS Index, which abstracts US Congressional publications from 1970 to the present. The publications include Bills, Hearings, Committee Prints, House and Senate Reports, House and Senate Documents, Senate Treaty Documents, Senate Executive Reports, and the Congressional Record. These publications are available in the CIS microfiche collections of Mugar Library and Pappas Law Library. Congressional Universe contains the full text of publications issued since 1995, and of some publications issued as far back as 1980. The database also includes Public Laws, the US Code, the Federal Register, the Code of Federal Regulations, Congress Daily, and the National Journal.

Medline (PubMed). 1966 - . (BU-px).: Indexes and abstracts medical literature.

PAIS. 1915 - . (BU-px).: Index to articles, books and documents in public affairs and public policy. Relevant subjects include embryology experimental, fetus medical applications, medical ethics, and stem cell research.
Philosopher's Index. 1940 - . (BU-px).: Indexes and abstracts philosophy books and journals. Relevant subject headings include bioethics, cell, embryo, and fetus, but a keyword search with the term stem cell will bring up additional citations.
Readers' Guide Full Text 1983+ (ChRiv-px): Indexing and abstracts for more than 240 of the most popular general-interest periodicals published in the United States and Canada, plus the full text of more than 120 of those periodicals. In addition to news and current events, it covers business, politics, sports and many other subjects. Relevant subject headings include Advanced Cell Technology Inc, embryology experimental, fetal tissue transplantation, medical research federal aid, medical research laws and regulations, stem cells, and stem cells transplantation. Full text coverage begins in 1994. For retrospective coverage ( 1890 - 1982), use Readers Guide Retrospective (ChRiv-px).
Religion and Philosophy Collection. 1975 - . (BU-px).: Comprehensive database covering such topics as world religions, major denominations, biblical studies, religious history, epistemology, political philosophy, philosophy of language, moral philosophy and the history of philosophy. Includes 300+ full text journals in religion and philosophy. Relevant subjects include biotechnology, embryonic stem cells, genetic engineering, and stem cells.
ScienceDirect. 1995/96 - . (BU-px).: A web-based information source for scientific, technical, and medical research offering access to more than 1100 full text electronic journals across 16 fields of science, including the social sciences.
Social Sciences Full Text. 1983 - . (ChRiv-px): Indexes and abstracts core journals in such fields as anthropology, criminal justice and criminology, gender studies, geography, gerontology, minority studies, social work, sociology, and urban studies. Relevant subjects include embryology experimental laws and regulations, embryology experimental ethical aspects, fetal tissue transplantation, medical research ethical aspects, medical research federal aid, and stem cells. Includes full text of articles from 215+ journals as far back as 1995. For retrospective searching (1907-1984) use Humanities and Social Sciences Retrospective, which indexes nearly 1,200 periodicals as early as 1907.
Sociological Abstracts. 1952 - . (BU-px).: Indexes and abstracts periodical articles, conference papers, proceedings, dissertations, and book reviews in sociology and related fields. Relevant subjects include bioethics, biotechnology, embryology, and stem cell* (the asterisk means truncation).
Web of Science. 1973 - . (BU-px): Web of Science is the web interface to the citation databases from the Institute of Scientific Information. The databases include: Science Citation Index Expanded, Social Sciences Citation Index, and Arts & Humanities Citation Index.
Wilson Business Full Text. 1982 - . (ChRiv-px): A database that indexes and abstracts articles from more than 345 English-language periodicals published in the United States and elsewhere, including the leading business magazines and trade and research journals, plus the full text of over 160 of those periodicals. Indexing begins in July 1982. Full text coverage begins in January 1995. Relevant subjects include stem cells and stem cells research.

INTERNET SOURCES.

American Bioethics Advisory Commission.: "The American Bioethics Advisory Commission consists of scholars who hold academic positions in Biochemistry, Embryology, Endocrinology, Family Medicine, Obstetrics & Gynecology, Transplant Surgery, Pediatrics, Neonatology, Law, Philosophy, and Theology. The function of the ABAC is to render expert opinions on bioethical issues in accordance with absolute respect for the innate dignity and unique nature of all human beings from conception until natural death." A search of "stem cells" pulls up several Commission documents.
American Journal of Bioethics-Bioethics.net: Stem Cell Research.: Collection of articles on stem cell research from the American Journal of Bioethics.
American Society of Human Genetics.: ASHG is the primary professional membership organization for human geneticists in North America.
BioethicsWeb.: "BioethicsWeb is a gateway to evaluated, quality Internet resources relating to biomedical ethics, including ethical, social, legal and public policy questions arising from advances in medicine and biology, issues relating to the conduct of biomedical research and approaches to bioethics."

Biotechnology Industry Organization.: For an industry perspective, this is a good site to examine.
The Center for Bioethics and Human Dignity.: Founded by Christian bioethicists, "the Center for Bioethics and Human Dignity exists to help individuals and organizations address the pressing bioethical challenges of our day, including managed care, end-of-life treatment, genetic intervention, euthanasia and suicide, and reproductive technologies."
The Coalition for the Advancement of Medical Research.: "The Coalition for the Advancement of Medical Research (CAMR) is comprised of more than 60 universities, scientific societies, patients' organizations, and other entities whose goal is to advance stem cell research so that therapies can be developed to help the millions of Americans who suffer from diseases and disorders. "
The Council for Responsible Genetics.: Self described as "...a national nonprofit organization of scientists, public health advocates, and others which promotes a comprehensive public interest agenda for biotechnology." Their site contains some of their position papers and publications, as well as information about their programs.
Do No Harm: The Coalition of Americans for Research Ethics.: "A national coalition of researchers, health care professionals, bioethicists, legal professionals, and others dedicated to the promotion of scientific research and health care which does no harm to human life. Do No Harm bases its activities on the principles set forth in "On Human Embryos and Stem Cell Research: An Appeal for Legally and Ethically Responsible Science and Public Policy," prepared by The Center for Bioethics and Human Dignity."
Guidelines for Human Embryonic Stem Cell Research. 2005.: A joint project of the National Academies' National Research Council and Institute of Medicine, this report establishes "guidelines for research involving human embryonic stem cells, and urges all institutions conducting such research to establish oversight committees to ensure that the new guidelines will be followed."

International Bioethics Committee, UNESCO.: A permanent UNESCO committee, the IBC was created "to respond to the major concerns raised by the progress made in the life and health sciences, in particular genetics and biotechnology." Web site contains links to Report, including one entitled "The Use of Embryonic Stem Cells In Therapeutic Research."
National Bioethics Advisory Commission.: Web site of the now-defunct National Bioethics Advisory Commission, which was chartered to "provide advice and make recommendations to the National Science and Technology Council, chaired by the President, and to other appropriate entities and the public, on bioethical issues arising from research on human biology and behavior, and the applications, including the clinical applications, of that research." Under their Publications section there is a report on "Ethical Issues in Human Stem Cell Research."
President's Council on Bioethics.: Created in November 2001 by Executive Order to "advise the President on bioethical issues that may emerge as a consequence of advances in biomedical science and technology. In support of its mission, the Council may study ethical issues connected with specific technological activities, such as embryo and stem cell research, assisted reproduction, cloning, uses of knowledge and techniques derived from human genetics or the neurosciences, and end of life issues." For a critique of the Council's reports, Beyond Therapy: Biotechnology and the Pursuit of Happiness, and Monitoring Stem Cell Research by a former and a current member, see Reason as Our Guide, published in PLosBiology, an open-access journal.
Stem Cell Basics.: This NIH "primer on stem cells is intended for anyone who wishes to learn more about the biological properties of stem cells, the important questions about stem cells that are the focus of scientific research, and the potential use of stem cells in research and in treating disease.. ."
NIH Stem Cell Information.: NIH links for stem cell researchers, and to reports and general information, administration statements, and Congressional testimony.
Stem Cell Research and Applications: Scientific, Ethical & Policy Issues.: American Association for the Advancement of Science studies on stem cell research.
Stem Cells.: This National Library of Medicine/MedlinePlus web page has links to recent news on stem cells, NIH web pages, general overviews, stem cell research, specific conditions, treatment, dictionaries, directories, laws, organizations, statistics, and more.
Stem Cells in the Spotlight.: Developed and maintained by the Genetic Science Learning Center, University of Utah, this site offers an introduction to stem cells, stem cell research and stem cell therapy.