Unproven Stem Cell-Based Interventions: Advancing Policy through Stakeholder Collaboration

A growing number of U.S. stem cell clinics treat a variety of illnesses and injuries, yet few have conducted the necessary clinical research to ensure safety and efficacy. The authors highlight the importance of collaboration between scientists, regulators, patients and patient advocates in developing effective policies and practices for unproven stem cell-based intervention clinics

Scientific Misconceptions and Myths Perpetuated in the 2017 Texas Legislative Session

Vaccines and vaccine exemptions are increasingly contentious issues in Texas. In this issue brief, the authors discuss the common misconceptions presented during the public hearings for two Texas house bills on vaccinations

Medical Freedom, Privacy, and Fear of Discrimination: The 2017 Texas Legislative Session Anti-vaccine Arguments

Vaccines and vaccine exemptions are increasingly contentious issues in Texas. In this issue brief, the authors discuss the common anti-vaccine arguments used during the public hearings for two Texas house bills on vaccinations

Introduction: Science and Religion Around the World

From a scholarly perspective, we reasoned that our research examining the beliefs of scientists would provide insight into the major theoretical issues related to religious change and the impact of science on religion-and religion on science-in different national contexts. Our goal was to understand how science is related to ideas about secularization, or the decline of religion\u27s vitality and influence, among scientists and societies. For policy makers and the general public, our research would reveal how national ideologies and policies related to religion affect scientists\u27 work, and how this in tum might affect the way science is presented and implemented in their nations. We also wanted our research to increase understanding of how the personal religious views of scientists can shape their practice, dissemination, and interpretation of science, as well as how their scientific work can shape their religious views. Ultimately, where there is conflict between science and religion, we wanted our research to illuminate the root of this conflict. Does science destroy religious belief and authority? Does increased commitment to science really lead to decreased commitment to religion? How do views on religion affect how scientists approach research, teaching, and interactions with their colleagues, students, and the public? How many scientists see conflict between science and faith? Are there ways that scientists and religious communities can work together for the common good

Frequently Asked Questions: Stem Cells

Kirstin Matthews, fellow in science and technology, answers questions regarding the biology, practical uses and ethical dilemmas surrounding stem cells

Stem Cells: Saving Lives or Crossing Lines

There must be more communication between scientists and the public if there is to be progress in the debate over human embryonic stem cells

Should ads featuring athletes promoting unproven stem cell treatments at for-profit clinics be subject to oversight?

Clinics offering stem cell treatments routinely use professional athletes as spokespersons and imply clinical benefits despite the absence of robust data to support the claims. In the future, regulators should oversee the clinics' promotional campaigns to ensure the validity of the claims, as well as the safety of consumers

Science Advice to the President and the Role of the President’s Council of Advisors on Science and Technology: Membership, Activities, and Impact in the Last Four Administrations

This paper reviews the membership, activities, and impact of the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology (PCAST) in the past four presidential administrations, and provides recommendations for PCAST to continue advising the president and generating science policy in the future

More Than Oil and Uprisings: Current Developments in Cord Blood Banking in the Arab World

This poster presentation by the Science and Technology Policy Program examines cord blood banking in five countries in the Arab world

How Should the National Football League Tackle Unproven Stem Cell Treatments?

This poster presentation by the International Stem Cell Policy Program focuses on NFL players who have received unproven stem cell treatments