Paper short abstract:

This paper argues how stem cells as ‘bio-subjects’ create new social relations beyond laboratories. Based on my fieldwork in a stem cell laboratory in Japan, this paper insists that elusiveness and plasticity of iPS cells expand its “experimental system” (Rheinberger 1997) and transform society.

Paper long abstract:

Based on my fieldwork in a stem cell laboratory in Japan, this paper argues how stem cells as 'bio-subjects' create new social relations beyond laboratories. The laboratory aims to make new treatment for eye diseases by manipulating artificial stem cells, called iPS (induced Pluripotent Stem) cells. They are trying to compensate damaged retina by new tissue made of iPS cells. This paper focuses on the materiality of iPS cells and how the elusiveness of iPS cells makes new relations. iPS cells are not only tools for scientific discovery or technological development, but they are also living beings which require care (Mol et al, 2010) and new social relation. In a dish, iPS cells are very sensitive and easily affected by other cells, physical or chemical factors. This sensitivity and difficulty to culture the cells requires continuous care and attachment of scientists and technicians. Moreover, iPS cells are difficult to be standardized. Various kinds of methods to create iPS cells have been developed and require tacit knowledge to keep good cell conditions. This elusiveness of iPS cells calls for transformation of regulations and institutional settings. For medical and industrial application and to evaluate safety and efficiency of iPS cells, scientists, regulatory agencies and governments need to create regulations very different from those for drugs and medical devices. I argue, then, that iPS cells transform society as well. Inspired by Hans Jorg Rhinberger's notion of "experimental system" (1997), this paper argue how iPS cells expand its experimental system beyond laboratory level.