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Courtney Temple

Professor Cassel

English 1201

10 March 2019

Annotated Bibliography

My final essay will ultimately be about the diseases scientists are currently able to

classify as being curable, or at least somewhat treatable, with stem cells. In order to understand

how stem cells can cure diseases, my paper will also investigate the functionality of stem cells as

well as their importance in the eyes of current medical professionals. I will be diving deeper into

finding out how stem cells are "made", and I will uncover the types of stem cells that currently

exist. I will also be looking at how the chemical breakdown of a stem cell can relate to its

functionality in curing certain diseases. Finally, at the end of my paper, I plan on also discussing

the controversy surrounding the harvesting and use of stem cells on patients.

AANS. “Stem Cell Research.” American Association of Neurological Surgeons, 2019,

www.aans.org/Patients/Neurosurgical-Conditions-and-Treatments/Stem-Cell-Research.

The article entitled “Stem Cell Research” was written by the American Association of

Neurological Surgeons. This article appeared in a magazine and is available online. This article

has been updated constantly, most recently, it was updated at the beginning of 2019. The main

point of this article is to inform readers on stem cells. The article discusses both adult and

embryonic stem cells. In doing so, the authors go into detail on the types of stem cells, where
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they come from, the ethics of stem cells, and how stem cells can be used in neurological science/

neurosurgery. The author says that there are endless possibilities for stem cells. Due to the

presence of both adult and embryonic stem cells, as well as, how they can be manipulated into

performing specific tasks, it is clear to see the importance of stem cells in the medical field. In

addition to providing this information, another key point is the author’s discussion on how stem

cells progress from unspecialized cells into differentiated cells with a specific function to carry

out.

The purpose of this piece is to educate readers on stem cells and how stem cells

contribute to neurosurgery. This article was written to inform readers, anyone interested about

this subject matter, on the basics of stem cells while diving deeper into the practicality of how

stem cells can be used to cure diseases such as Parkinson’s and Huntington’s. While overall this

article and the information provided in this article were not affected by the fact it was written by

neurosurgeons, it is clear that another purpose in writing the article was for the American

Association of Neurological Surgeons to relay information regarding their passion for

neurological science to the community.

This article is current, reliable, and provides accurate information. Since stem cell

research is a new and upcoming development, there are breakthroughs happening every day with

scientists and their discoveries. With that said, it is important for any article that provides

information on stem cells to updated constantly and provide readers with the most updated

information. This article was originally written a couple years ago, however it was recently

updated at the beginning of this year, making it up-to-date and current. Next, the information in

the article is reliable because the authors pull evidence from other sources that are reliable. From

talking about specific medical procedures to explaining how stem cells can cure diseases, the
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information is reliable and does not include any unnecessary opinions. Continually, the site

provides evidence on how these neurological surgeons are coming to their conclusions;

therefore, making it accurate. While there is not one author listed for this article, it remains

credible. The article was written by a group of neurological surgeons, so it is evident that they

are well educated people. Furthermore, the article was approved by a board of surgeons after it

was written, and before it was published, to make sure that the information provided was all

relevant. In this case, the authors got the information they provided from their own experiences

in the medical field and their own research with stem cell technology. Since several trials and

several surgeons were able to come to one sound conclusion, it is obvious that the information is

reliable and accurate. Finally, the purpose alone of this article shows its credibility. This article

was based off of facts and did not contain any biased opinions. When talking about the

controversy of stem cell use, the authors included both sides of the argument and did not state

their own opinions.

This article will be vital in my paper for answering how the chemical breakdown of a

stem cell can relate to its functionality in curing certain diseases. Or, in this case, how stem cells

can help cure neurological diseases. I will also be using this article to inform classmates on the

types of stem cells, as this article lays a pretty solid foundation as to where they come from, and

where they can be used. Lastly, this article will help me articulate my thoughts on the

controversial use of stem cells. Since the authors listed both pros and cons to the use of stem

cells, I now have a better understanding of the risks and rewards that come along with stem cell

use and I can formulate my own thoughts on the subject matter.

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Brazier, Yvette. “Stem Cells: Sources, Types, and Uses.” Medical News Today, MediLexicon

International, 15 Oct. 2018, www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/323343.php.

The article, “Stem Cells: Sources, Types, and Uses” was written by Yvette Brazier and

featured in the October 2018 edition of the newsletter, Medical News Today. The main point of

this article is to discuss how people can donate cells, and what functions different types of stem

cells are able to perform. The author informs the reader on how bone marrow, peripheral stem

cells, and umbilical cord blood can all be used as sources to providing stem cells to patients in

need. Then, these cells can be used for curing brain diseases, heart diseases, or to regenerate lost

tissue. The article also talks about the differences between totipotent, pluripotent, and

multipotent cells and these different categories affect the cells potential to differentiate into other

cell types within the body.

Brazier’s purpose in writing this article is to educate readers on the importance of stem

cell research while also urging readers to donate their stem cells in hopes of curing difficult

diseases. This article was written for anyone that is wanting to learn more about stem cells;

however, since donors typically have to be 18 years old, it is primarily meant for adults. Since

the article was just written last year, the information is relatively prevalent and up-to-date. Which

once again, is extremely important when discussing any medical research, in this case stem cells.

Since the article was written recently, it is definitely current and provides recent enough

information for this subject matter. Brazier is credible because she has worked with pharmacists,

medical imagers, and paramedics on a regular basis. Therefore, she has a good understanding

and lots of experience with medical subject matter. This source is also incredibly reliable as it

was peer reviewed by a doctor. After Brazier wrote the article, Daniel Murrell, MD, reviewed the

article to make sure all the information present was accurate. Furthermore, this article had no
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opinion and provided sources to back up the author’s information. With that said, the author is

credible because she did a lot of her own research, and made sure her findings were accurate by

having Murrell review her article. Next, the information is accurate because the author provides

the reader with additional resources at the bottom of the webpage that further elaborate on her

findings and support her research. Lastly, it is clear that the author had good intensions in writing

this article as she does not contain any biases, or opinions. Therefore, the author’s only reason

for writing this article was to educate readers, as she is not trying to sell readers anything.

This article will be used in my paper to help me investigate the functionality of stem cells

and it will provide understanding on how the chemical breakdown of a stem cell can relate to its

functionality in curing certain diseases. This article will answer my questions by providing great

information on the different diseases that can be cured with stem cells, and the types of stem

cells the author discussed will help me articulate which stem cells are more beneficial for

medical discovery. Once again, this article also discusses the controversy of using stem cells to

cure diseases; so, I will take this information into account as I prepare my own opinion on stem

cell use.

Cafasso, Jacquelyn. “Stem Cell Research: Uses, Types & Examples.” Healthline, Healthline Media,

6 Apr. 2016, www.healthline.com/health/stem-cell-research.

Jacquelyn Cafasso wrote the article “Stem Cell Research: Uses, Types & Examples” that

was featured in the Healthline newsletter in 2016. The article’s main purpose is to discuss the

controversy of stem cell research while providing reader’s with both sides of the argument about

whether or not to allow stem cells to be used to cure diseases. After explaining the controversy,
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the author talks about the federal regulations of stem cell research and how President George W.

Bush and President Barack Obama differed in their views on scientific research taking place in

regard to stem cell research/ therapy. And finally, the author ends the article with the most

“popular” examples of stem cell research and what the future has in store for stem cells.

The author’s purpose in writing this article was to demonstrate to readers how the

development of stem cell research is dependent on the amount of progress allowed by those in

presidential office. While the author also informs readers on the basic of stem cells, and the

diseases they can cure, the main point is understanding how research can only take place if the

necessary means/ funds are provided at the right time. Once again, this article was written for

any audience, mainly those interested in the promise of stem cells and how their lives could be

affected by stem cells in the future. While the article was written back in 2016, it still provides

adequate information on the topic of stem cells and provides the reader with unique concepts not

mentioned in other sources. The only issue with how when it was written affects the article is the

fact that President Trump’s viewpoints on stem cell research is not mentioned. So, without going

to another article, the reader has no idea how the current president feels about research regarding

stem cells.

Although the article was written in 2016, it is still fairly recent, and ultimately the subject

matter discussed in this article is not affected by the time period in which it was written. Next,

the information in the article is all facts and the author provides references for the sources she

used. Not only does the article contain a works cited page where the author acquired all her

information from, the article also includes links to additional resources that help the reader learn

more about the subject matter. Continually, the author, Cafasso, is extremely credible. Not only

has she written several other medical articles, but this article in particular was medically peer
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reviewed by the University of Illinois-Chicago, College of Medicine. Therefore, not only is the

author credible, but highly reputable. The information provided in the article is also accurate due

to the fact that it was approved by a medical school and the sources in which Cafasso retrieved

her information were also accurate sources. Finally, this article is reliable because the main

purpose in writing this article was to inform readers on stem cells and how the United States

regulate what actions the medical field takes in continuing their research on the subject matter.

This article will be used in my paper to discuss the controversy surrounding the

harvesting and use of stem cells on patients. By citing this source and the information provided

regarding how Bush and Obama regulated stem cell research, I will be able to demonstrate in my

paper the importance of finding the perfect balance regarding stem cell usage and how they are

harvested. With the information given, I will then be able to further articulate my opinions

regarding the harvesting of stem cells. Also, I will use this source as a way of providing more

examples of treatments that are possible with the continuation of stem cell research and the

advancement of medicine.

Jamieson, Catriona. “Stem Cell Key Terms.” California's Stem Cell Agency, 26 Feb. 2018,

www.cirm.ca.gov/patients/stem-cell-key-terms.

The article “Stem Cells Key Terms” was written by Catriona Jamieson and can be found

on California’s Stem Cell Agency’s website. This article was originally written in 2016, but it

was updated at the end of last year. The main point of this article is to educate readers on the

differences between embryonic stem cells and adult stem cells. The article achieves this goal by

providing several key definitions that relate to stem cells and their functionality.
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The purpose of this article is rather simple, it is to educate readers and provide the

necessary baseline for understanding more complex stem cell topics that are present in other

sources. The audience for this article is really anyone, of any age. Since the author’s wrote the

information in a “dumbed down manner”, it is rather simple to follow along and understand the

key aspects of stem cells. Since the article does not talk about specific research, but rather basic

definitions of concepts regarding stem cell research, the article is not affected by the time period

in which it was originally written.

Once again, even though this article was originally written in 2016, the website was

updated at the end of last year; so, the information present is current enough for my topic.

Continually, the information in the article is reliable because it does not contain any of the

author’s opinions and the author cites the source in which the definitions of key terms came

from. Next, the author is credible because she is a doctor, and she has devoted time to stem cell

research. Therefore, she is knowledgeable about this topic and highly educated on the subject

matter. While most of the information came from the author’s knowledge, she also pulled

information from a UCSD and Stanford Publication. Due to the author’s background and the

places in which she received her information, it is clear that she is reliable. Next, the information

is accurate because it comes from a reliable source and the author providing the information has

an educated background on stem cell research. There are also no opinions present in the article

and the author remains unbiased. Finally, the purpose of this article is to provide those who are

interested in stem cells with the basic information that should be understood before diving deeper

on this heavy topic.

I will be using this source in my paper to simply investigate the functionality of stem

cells. In order for my classmates to understand the more complicated aspects of my paper, such
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as how diseases can be treated with stem cells, they will need to understand the basics of the

types of stem cells present in society, and where these stem cells come from. So, this source will

be excellent in providing me with basic definitions that will help me articulate the main ideas of

stem cell research and the article will provide me with a necessary framework for answering

more of my research questions.

Park, Alice. “Scientists Are Developing New Ways to Treat Diseases With Cells, Not

Drugs.” TIME, 24 Sept. 2018, time.com/5394912/stem-cell-treatment/.

In the article “Scientists Are Developing New Ways to Treat Diseases With Cells, Not

Drugs”, Alice Park discusses the practical use of stem cells and how using stem cells to cure

diseases can be a life changing experience. The article was written in September of 2018 and can

be found in TIME magazine and online. In the article, the author talks about a baby who was

diagnosed with alpha thalassemia, a rare blood disease. After trying to come up with a cure for

the disease, the only suggestion a genetic counselor could provide to the family was undergoing

a stem cell transplant given to the baby in utero. While this procedure had limited success rates,

science is continuing to develop and it was the only chance the baby would have at overcoming

this disease. The entire article then talks about the procedure that took place, how stem cells were

used in the procedure, and the outcome regarding the stem cell transplant.

The purpose in writing this article was to educate people on the power of stem cells and

show how one procedure can save a life that was once threatened by a devastating disease. The

article was also written to persuade people into participating in stem cell research and to being

open to the new discoveries in the medical field. The audience for this article is primarily anyone
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who is on the fence about stem cell research. Since the article gives a lot of detail about stem cell

treatments and how they work, the author is trying to “sell” people on the idea that stem cells are

ultimately more powerful than drugs. Since the article was written toward the end of 2018, it is

relevant to current medicine and the article is not negatively impacted; therefore, the article is

current enough for this topic.

The writer of this piece is Alice Park. Park has written a couple books about stem cells

and she has reported on the breaking frontiers of health and medicine in articles covering issues

such as AIDS, anxiety and Alzheimer's disease. Due to her credentials, she is reliable and her

information is adequate because it comes from real life trial and error. The information in this

article is reliable because it comes directly from the people that were impacted during this

procedure. Doctors, family members, and scientists who were a part of this case all contributed

to this article and were quoted about their experiences during the time in which the procedure

took place. The author also provides references to the people in which she talked to and the

locations in which she found her information. Next, the information provided on the website is

accurate and can be backed up with medical records/ evidence. Finally, with the purpose of this

article being to educate people on how a family’s life changed with the use of stem cells, the

article carries a powerful message and a plea for the continuation of stem cell research in the

future.

I will be using this article in my paper to provide examples to my audience about a

possible treatment (stem cell transplant) to a previously incurable disease. This article will also

help me answer what diseases scientists are currently able to classify as being curable, or at least

somewhat treatable, with stem cells. And, it will help me articulate an argument one way or

another regarding my viewpoints on the continuation of stem cell research.

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Ravven, Wallace. “The Stem Cell Revolution is Coming— Slowly.” New York Times, 16 January

2017, p. D7.

The article entitled “The Stem Cell Revolution is Coming— Slowly” was written by

Wallace Ravven and can be seen in the January 2016 version of the New York Times. The main

point of this article is to answer many of the pressuring questions people have regarding the

development of stem cell research and the future of stem cells as a whole. Ravven begins the

article by talking about Bush’s executive order banning federal funding for stem cell

preimplantation in human embryos. With that said, the world of science though the “stem cell

revolution” was ending. But, in reality, it was just beginning. The banning of stem cell research

only encouraged a scientist to discover that adult human stem cells can be used for the same

purposes as embryo stem cells. With that said, the article then goes on to discuss the differences

between the types of stem cells, and the promises stem cells hold for the future.

The author wrote this article to educate individuals on the development of stem cell

research. It was also written to provide an alternative way to carry out stem cell research when

people are against the harvesting of embryonic stem cells. The audience is mainly the science

community. By providing alternatives and advice, this article would be helpful for medical

students who are wanting to learn about ways to be innovative. However, it was also written for

the general public because the article answers common questions that arise when dealing with

stem cell development. But the article was written in 2017; which has an impact on the

information that is given. In another source, it was mentioned that Barack Obama vetoed Bush’s

laws regarding stem cell research. So, it would be interesting to see how stem cells have

continued to develop once Bush’s regulations were no longer in place.

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The author, Wallace Ravven, has written several medical articles and is currently a

devoted science writer and a communications consultant. Because of his credentials, Ravven is a

reliable and reputable source of information. The information in the article does not contain any

opinions and there are specific references used when discussing how stem cells have developed/

changed over time. Next, the information provided in the article is relevant because it comes

directly from the scientist that discovered adult human stem cells and then continues to elaborate

on the scientific studies carried out by experts. And, finally, the information is nonbiased, and

the author’s only purpose in writing the article is to educate the audience.

With that said, I will be using this article in my paper to dive deeper into finding out how

stem cells are "made". I will use the scientist’s discovery of adult human stem cells as a main

idea in my paper. And, this will allow me to uncover the other types of stem cells that currently

exist. Which, in turn, will provide me with adequate information necessary to answer my other

questions and formulate my own opinions on stem cell research.

Wu, Ke. “Human Embryonic Stem Cells.” The Embryo Project, Arizona State University. School of

Life Sciences. Center for Biology and Society. Embryo Project Encyclopedia., 13 Sept. 2010,

embryo.asu.edu/pages/human-embryonic-stem-cells.

Ke Wu wrote the article “Human Embryonic Stem Cells” as a part of The Embryo

Project at Arizona State University in 2010. The main point of this article was Wu discussing

how stem cells are harvested, where the come from, and the most popular uses of stem cells. Wu

discussed how different types of cell masses produce different types of stem cells and how

embryonic stem cells may lead to major medical advancements in curing harmful diseases. The
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article then continues to talk about how while embryonic stem cells carry much promise in the

medical world, they also are extremely controversial, and seen as unethical in many

communities.

The author’s purpose in writing this article was to provide people with both sides to a

controversial topic by discussing the facts of stem cell research and the harvesting of stem cells.

The audience for this article is curious minds on stem cell research. It would also appeal to

medical professionals/ families who are trying to seek help in desperate situations for medical

treatment. While the article contains all accurate and relevant information, it will be important to

consider the time period in which it was written. Since it was written in 2010, there may be

important discoveries regarding stem cell research that Wu did not discuss originally.

Ke Wu is a professor of electrical engineering and has written several articles throughout

his life, making him credible. The publisher of this article, Arizona State University, is also

credible making the information in the article relevant and reliable. Furthermore, the article does

not contain any opinions, as Wu makes an effort to discuss both sides of the controversial use of

stem cells. The information included in the article is all factual and accurate. Wu also includes a

list of the sources that he got his information from, which makes the information even more

reliable. Finally, the article was written to educate readers and this is established by Wu staying

focused on the main points and not involving his own opinions in the article.

Lastly, I will use this article in my paper to talk about how stem cells are “made”/

harvested. Wu provided intricate detail on where stem cells come from, which will be crucial in

my research paper. I will also use this source to talk about both sides of the controversial

argument revolving around stem cell use. Wu again does a great job of discussing both the
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advantages and disadvantages to stem cell usage. Including these points in my paper will be

pivotal and help me articulate my own stance on the usage of stem cells in the medical field.