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What are stem cells? - Craig A. Kohn

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Is personalized medicine for individual bodies in our future? Possibly -- with the use of stem cells, undifferentiated cells with the power to become any tissue in our bodies. Craig A. Kohn describes the role of these incredible, transforming cells and how scientists are harnessing their medical potential.

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TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Educator Craig A. Kohn
  • Animator Qa'ed Mai
  • Narrator Michael Molina
Additional Resources for you to Explore

Stem cells are a rapidly advancing field of biological research. Since Dr. James Thomson first cultivated human embryonic stem cells at the University of Wisconsin - Madison in the late 1990s, this field of researched has exploded with potential. The links below provide access to a curriculum developed under the supervision of Dr. Thomson as well as the co-directors and staff of the UW Stem Cell & Regenerative Medicine Center. The material has been reviewed for accuracy by the scientists actually conducting the research and was compiled and formatted by Craig Kohn, a high school teacher with research experience, for a high school audience.
Stem cell curriculum including presentation, note sheet, quiz and questions
Additional resources about stem cells can be found at:
- Fostering breakthroughs in stem cell – UW Madison Stem Cell and Regenerative Medicine Center
- Stem cell general information – National Institutes of Health

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About TED-Ed Animations

TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Educator Craig A. Kohn
  • Animator Qa'ed Mai
  • Narrator Michael Molina

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