Human embryo research

In 1996, a ban on the use of US Department of Health and Human Services funds for research on the creation of human embryos and research that involved the injury or destruction of human embryos was signed into law. This ban was partially reversed in 2000 when the National Institutes of Health announced it would fund selective research on human pluripotent stem cells. Given the potential benefits to society, research using human embryos is an issue that deserves additional consideration. The American Academy of Pediatrics believes that, under certain conditions, research using human embryos and pluripotent stem cells is of sufficient scientific importance that the National Institutes of Health should fund it and that federal oversight is morally preferable to the currently unregulated private sector approach.     

Stem cell research

One of the most active areas of research in medicine today is stem cell biology. This review introduces the reader to the field of stem cell biology and its therapeutic potential. More importantly, the potential application of stem cell therapy in acute lung injury will be explored.     

Youth-based participatory research: lessons learned from a transition research study

Transitions to postsecondary education for youth with disabilities, special health care needs, or both are often challenging. Adults design most interventions aimed at assisting youth in the transition process. In this article, we report on how youth can enhance transition interventions and research. Youth representing a variety of community-based organizations that serve diverse immigrant populations served as co-researchers in a randomized controlled study called OPT4College, a program that provides postsecondary education transition support for youth with disabilities, special health care needs, or both. This youth-based participatory study used an iterative process that is quite different from the traditional research-study flow. The involvement of empowered youth and communities, in concert with academic and public health partners, increases the probability of creating interventions that ensure successful postsecondary transitions for youth with disabilities, special health care needs, or both.