Recent discoveries about the role of stem cells in cancer have altered the landscape of cancer research, says Medical News Today. There is, however, a long-running philosophical rift over stem cell research at both the state and federal levels. Some groups would rather focus on adult stem cell research, avoiding the moral and ethical questions about research involving embryos. While ethical debate on human embryonic stem cells will continue, much more is occurring on the rings surrounding this bull’s-eye issue, including research in both drug development and adult stem cells.

Biologists’ understanding of new sources and uses of adult and nonembryonic stem cells is advancing rapidly. Called “niches” or “crypts,” it seems that almost anyplace one looks in the body (nose, eye, hair follicle, intestine, bone marrow, central nervous system), stem cells are being found. From such basic knowledge, it has been reported that successful animal and human therapy using patient stem cells is already occurring. As more stem cell crypts are discovered, the desire to understand how to manipulate them within the body only becomes more acute.

At the 2007 Annual Meeting of the American Association for Cancer Research, researchers presented new discoveries about stem cells in leukemia, breast and colon cancer that add to the growing evidence that perhaps cancer is, fundamentally, a stem cell problem.

Interviewed by Vision Magazine at the Stem Cells World Congress earlier this year in La Jolla, California, veterinarian and CEO of Vet-Stem, Robert Harmon, explained how his company is currently providing stem cell therapies for animals. Injected into an injury or degenerated tissue, the stem cell treatment evokes healing in unprecedented ways. As it has been since its discovery almost 400 years ago, the cell and the “vital force” that makes it the seat of biological life continues to hold attention. It is likely that there will be no end to the moral and ethical questions and investigations. Today’s new age of molecular understanding, genomics, proteomics, gene splicing and bioengineering is barely underway. It is not surprising, then, that the more we know, the more we recognize how little we understand.

The timeline of discovery has been exponential: from discovery of the DNA double helix in 1953, and the understanding of the genetic code, gene splicing and cell differentiation in the 60s, 70s and 80s, science rapidly jumped up the learning curve to the cloning of whole organisms and the discovery of embryonic stem cells less than a decade ago. The future possibilities for the application of this knowledge seem enormous.

Read the full article about Stem Cell Research and interviews with speakers at the Stem Cells World Conference at Vision.org.

Driven by a perception related to better career options after studying CBSE Science in school, most parents and students prefer opting for CBSE Science at the plus two level. There used to be a time when only the very studious and serious students who would like to pursue a career in medicine or engineering opted for CBSE Science. Not any more. Nowadays, more and more students are opting for CBSE Science over the other available options. In such a scenario it becomes even more important for students to understand the CBSE Science syllabus and identify websites that provide quality CBSE Science sample papers, revision notes, science animations and other related study material.

CBSE Science syllabus- Structure

To start with, the syllabus for CBSE Science for all classes has been conceived in a manner that facilitates sequential and progressive conceptual understanding of a student. The entire model of structuring and imparting conceptual knowledge has been well thought out. What, when, where and how form the basis of the delivery model for the CBSE Science curriculum. The systematic and smooth transition of imparting knowledge from a basic level to an expert level can easily be observed in the approach adopted in the NCERT Science books.

For classes 4th to 6th the science books by CBSE encourage students to explore the world around and learn through a hands-on experience. This is followed by encouraging students in higher grades to involve themselves in group discussions and simple experiments that allow them to share and learn information. CBSE Science syllabus further imparts knowledge through advance study modules to students studying in classes till the X. Once they have chosen CBSE Science as their subject/ stream in class 11th, it is taught as a full-fledged discipline. While pursuing it as a discipline, Science as a composite subject is bifurcated into Physics, Chemistry, Biology and Biotechnology.

CBSE Science animations, revision notes, model tests & more

While preparing for your CBSE Science exam, you can choose to seek help from science animations. These science animations are available in 3D and 2D formats that explain complicated and time consuming processes/concepts effortlessly. These science animations stress on conceptual understanding of the topic and are a valuable aid while revising for the final CBSE Science exam.

While revising, students can support these science animations with readymade revision notes and model tests. There are a few e-learning websites that provide such animations, model tests and readymade revision notes. These e-learning websites are dedicated to developing learning content specially aligned to the CBSE curriculum that helps students to prepare better for their CBSE Science exam.

Such comprehensive knowledge of the syllabus structure and online study resources for CBSE Science will surely give you an edge over your peers. So go ahead, use the information provided in the article for an excellent performance in your exams.

All the best!

Everyone has heard of the classic volcano science project using vinegar, baking soda, and a little bit of red food coloring. This little experiment, however, is a little more extreme, and a little more realistic (do not worry, it is not actually dangerous!). This guide will teach you how to create a volcano project that really erupts with some force.
Unfortunately, the fake lava is not going to be quite so realistically red, but sometimes compromise means sacrifices! Here we go:
Gather your building supplies. For this project, you are going to need to start with a volcano. A prepackaged paper mache kit is recommended. Next, you need a two-liter bottle of diet cola. Use your paper mache kit to build a mountainous, volcanic structure around the bottle, leaving a hole at the top large enough to facilitate opening the soda bottle. Give your paper mache plenty of time to dry before you attempt the next step, or else you will end up with a sticky mess on your hands.
Paint your volcano. This is where you can get pretty creative, even though most volcanic mountains look pretty much the same. You can go for the standard black and brown color of rocks and dirt, or you can get a little artsy. Why not make a tie-dye themed volcano? It is just a science experiment, and science should be fun! After applying your paint, make sure that it is completely dry before you begin the next stage: Explosion!
Now it is time to add the trigger to the equation. Go to your local convenience store and buy a roll of mint Mentos. It is very important that you buy these in particular, as nothing else will work correctly.
Ready your presentation in a clear, outdoor space (trust me; you do not want this volcano erupting indoors!). Carefully take the cap off your diet cola, which, if you have followed directions, should be housed securely in your paper mache volcano. Commence with a dramatic countdown, and at its conclusion, drop a couple of the Mentos into the cola.
ERUPTION!
This is a fun experiment to do at school or at home, but if you are planning to attempt it, there are a few safety precautions to take. The reaction of the cola to the mints is very strong, and you definitely do not want to put your face near the opening of the soda bottle for the initial eruption. It is recommended that you wear goggles or some type of protective eyewear if you are going to be the one tossing the mints in the soda. Other than that, enjoy the spectacle!