A stem cell is a type of cell that can divide into more specialised cells during reproduction. There are two different types of human stem cells: embryonic stem cells, which are found in the tissue of embryos, and adult stem cells, which are found in fully developed humans. The main difference is that embryonic stem cells can become any kind of cell, but stem cells can only become cells for certain types of tissue. In recent years, doctors and have become very interested in the medical uses of human stem cells. Stem cells could be used to treat illnesses such as , and regenerate tissue in organs that would otherwise require a transplant. Research has even shown that it is possible to genetically modify adult stem cells to like embryonic stem cells, which would make it much easier to grow any kind of tissue.
Comprehension questions
[wp_quiz id=”19954″]
Discussion/essay questions
Stem cell research is a bit of a controversial topic in some places. Why do you think there is so much debate about it?
Transcript
A stem cell is a basic type of cell that can divide into more specialized cells during reproduction. There are two different types of human stem cells: embryonic stem cells, which are found in the tissue of embryos, and adult stem cells, which are found in fully developed humans. The main difference is that embryonic stem cells can become any kind of cell, but adult stem cells can only become cells for certain types of tissue. In recent years, doctors and researchers have become very interested in the medical uses of human stem cells. Stem cells could be used to treat illnesses such as cancer, and regenerate tissue in organs that would otherwise require a transplant. Research has even shown that it is possible to genetically modify adult stem cells to behave like embryonic stem cells, which would make it much easier to grow any kind of tissue.
A 3D printer is a device that is used to objects from computer-generated models. 3D printers may seem like complex machines, but they are actually very to regular printers. A normal printer uses nozzles filled with ink to print words on paper. A standard 3D printer uses nozzles containing liquid polymer, a waxy substance that solidifies quickly. The machine receives instructions from a , and the nozzles follow these instructions. They print the by building up thin layers of polymer from the bottom to the top. Although the average person might use a 3D printer to make something fun like a toy or figurine, this technology also has a lot of practical uses – especially in the medical field. Scientists have used 3D printers to make prosthetics for injured and disabled patients. This is important because 3D printing can often be much than other types of manufacturing.
Comprehension questions
[wp_quiz id=”19538″]
Discussion/essay questions
As 3D printers become easier for people to access, they also become more dangerous. Many people have used 3D printers to make guns, knives, and other weapons. Should 3D printing be regulated to keep everyone safe? If so, what would be the best way to do this?
Transcript
A 3D printer is a device that is used to create objects from computer-generated models. 3D printers may seem like complex machines, but they are actually very similar to regular printers. A normal printer uses nozzles filled with ink to print words on paper. A standard 3D printer uses nozzles containing liquid polymer, a waxy substance that solidifies quickly. The machine receives instructions from a computer, and the nozzles follow these instructions. They print the object by building up thin layers of polymer from the bottom to the top. Although the average person might use a 3D printer to make something fun like a toy or figurine, this technology also has a lot of practical uses – especially in the medical field. Scientists have used 3D printers to make prosthetics for injured and disabled patients. This is important because 3D printing can often be much cheaper than other types of manufacturing.
The Voynich Manuscript is a mysterious that was written in Europe back in the 15th century. The manuscript was named after Polish bookseller Wilfrid Voynich, who brought it to public attention after he purchased it in 1912. The Voynich Manuscript contains bizarre of mysterious plants and constellations, and the text is written in an unknown language that humans have still not been able to . The author of the text is also unknown. Some theories suggest that the manuscript was written by aliens, while other people believe that it was simply written as a guide to medicinal plants. It is likely that the alphabet used in the text is a code, and that the manuscript was originally written in a known European language. However, no one knows what the original language is. Recently, have turned to artificial intelligence to help them decipher the text, but so far, its meaning is still unclear. The Voynich Manuscript is currently kept at Yale University in the United States.
Comprehension questions
[wp_quiz id=”19391″]
Discussion/essay questions
Do you think that we will ever be able to decipher the Voynich manuscript? Why or why not?
Transcript
The Voynich Manuscript is a mysterious text that was written in Europe back in the 15th century. The manuscript was named after Polish bookseller Wilfrid Voynich, who brought it to public attention after he purchased it in 1912. The Voynich Manuscript contains bizarre drawings of mysterious plants and constellations, and the text is written in an unknown language that humans have still not been able to translate. The author of the text is also unknown. Some theories suggest that the manuscript was written by aliens, while other people believe that it was simply written as a guide to medicinal plants. It is likely that the unfamiliar alphabet used in the text is a code, and that the manuscript was originally written in a known European language. However, no one knows what the original language is. Recently, researchers have turned to artificial intelligence to help them decipher the text, but so far, its meaning is still unclear. The Voynich Manuscript is currently kept at Yale University in the United States.
