Member Article

Stem cells under the microscope at Life

A weekend of hands-on events exploring the subject of stem cells will be hosted at the Centre for Life, Newcastle this weekend. The event will allow members of the public to find out about stem cells including what they are, what they can potentially do for us and whether they are a good thing.

Linda Conlon, director of the Centre for Life, said: “Stem cells are a difficult concept to convey without a basic understanding of what cells are, how they work and why some cells are different to others. “By taking part in our stem cells activities, members of the public will be able to gain a good understanding of the subject and come away with a well-informed opinion on what for many is an emotive topic.”

Activities include drop-in workshops ‘All Kinds of Cells’ and ‘Stem Cells: You Decide’ where participants will find out what makes up a cell, what cells look like and what types of cells can be made from stem cells. There will also be the opportunity to meet with scientists working on cutting-edge stem cell research and hear the case for and against stem cell use as a therapy. A photographic exhibition, ‘A Day in the Life’ will also give visitors an insight into what it’s really like to work with stem cells.

Martin Cox, manager of North East Stem Cell Institute, said: “We receive tremendous support from the people of the North East. We see it as essential that we explain what we are doing to the public and involve them in discussions about the potential of stem cells. We are delighted, therefore, to be involved in Life’s stem cell weekend and are really looking forward to seeing the response from local people.”

To find out more about the stem cells activities and other activities at the Centre for Life, visit www.life.org.uk or call the Customer Information line on 0191 2438210.

This was posted in Bdaily's Members' News section by Ruth Mitchell .