Societal Implication and Applications

The Joy of a Career in Cell Biology

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2982121/

An article from the Molecular Biology of the Cell about Zena Werb and her involvement in cell biology. Zena Werb received the Women in Cell Biology Committee Senior Award. She shares her story as to how she gained an interest in cell biology, her research, and her experience working in this field. 

Research Towards Creating Synthetic Artificial Cells

https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-018-07289-x

Current research on cell biology is focusing on the creation of synthetic cells. More than 10 years of research has looked at the creation of synthetic cells. However, it is not as simple as getting the structure right and putting the organelles together. For instance, having the cell replicate and carry out metabolic processes is its own problem. 

The creation of synthetic cells could perhaps provide solutions to new cancer treatments, antibiotic resistance, or to clean up toxic sites. This means we can insert them into the human body and/or the environment. 

The ethical concerns are philosophical: will this be considered a life, and will it be autonomous or will be control it?

Cell Biology Research on Neurodegenerative Diseases

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FhSJxQ2wYVE&ab_channel=Reinvent

Daisy Robinton is a postdoctoral research fellow who speaks about her research in cell biology looking at how it can contribute to the treatment of neurodegenerative diseases. Her research focuses on cellular identity and cell-to-cell interactions. 

Ethical Issues in Cell Biology

http://www.zsf.jcu.cz/jab_old/3_3/berger.pdf

This is a review paper that discusses the different ethical issues that are present in cell biology. Educators can take a look or skim through this PDF for ideas on application and implications related to cell biology. This article can provide educators with a starting point; the headings in the article may be enough to get an idea on the implications in cell biology. The ethical issues listed include concerns over stem cell research, anti-aging research, biomedicine patenting, biological weapons, and more. 

Research in Cell Biology Across the World

https://www.thermofisher.com/blog/cellculture/cell-culture-discoveries-fueling-great-science/

This is an article from ThermoFisher which speaks about some of the research and discoveries from around the world to the field of cell biology. The article looks at Canada, the UK, and France. 

The American Society of Cell Biology

https://www.ascb.org/ascb-post/

This Post is a section from The American Society of Cell Biology that shares news and research related to cell biology. Educators can check out the post to stay up to date about any advancements in the field of cell biology and share it with the class. At the same time, you can navigate through this website to explore the different career opportunities within cell biology. 

Magazine for Life Science Professionals

https://www.the-scientist.com/tag/ethics,cell-molecular-biology

The Scientist is an online magazine that covers science-related content. According to the website, it reports discoveries and innovations related to life science research. There is a specific section called "Ethics, Cell & Molecular Biology".  Educators can use this to stay up to date and look for articles that can be used in the class as a hook, discussion, or other.