WHAT: University of Nebraska at Kearney Science Café
HOSTED BY: Sigma Xi The Scientific Research Honor Society
TITLE: “An Update on Stem Cells: Continued Hope and Persistent Hype”
TOPIC: Although the description of stem cells in biological systems arose more than a century ago, it didn’t emerge as an important part of public discussion and debate until the past two decades. In this presentation, the various sources of stem cells, as well as their differences, potential applications and limitations, will be presented. The controversies related to embryonic stem cells and genetically manipulated stem cells also will be covered. With the hype surrounding proposed therapies using stem cells, they have gained even more public exposure in the past few years. Considering the recent emergence of “stem cell clinics” offering a wide variety of putative treatments based on stem cells or their products, special attention will be devoted to this theme.
PRESENTER: David Crouse, president of the Nebraska Coalition for Lifesaving Cures and Research Nebraska Inc., is a professor emeritus in the University of Nebraska Medical Center Department of Genetics, Cell Biology and Anatomy and a former associate vice chancellor for academic affairs and executive associate dean for graduate studies. A native of Canton, Illinois, Crouse received a Bachelor of Science degree in physics and Master of Science degree in zoology from Western Illinois University, followed by a doctorate in radiobiology from the University of Iowa. After three years of postdoctoral research at the Argonne National Laboratory outside Chicago, where he studied the late effects of radiation, Crouse joined UNMC as an assistant professor in 1977. His research interests, mostly funded by the National Institutes of Health, were related to the redevelopment of the immune and hematopoietic systems following radiation exposure and bone marrow or peripheral blood stem cell transplantation. Crouse took a lead role in promoting an understanding of the science and ethics that relate to stem cell biology, as well as developing programs and teaching courses related to “responsible conduct in research” and other important career issues for graduate students, postdoctoral researchers and junior faculty. He also served as interim vice chancellor for academic affairs and interim dean for graduate studies at UNMC.
TIME: 6:30 p.m.
DATE: Monday, March 25
PLACE: Copeland Hall Room 140
CONTACT: Allen Thomas, UNK assistant professor of chemistry, 308.865.8452, thomasaa@unk.edu
