Stem Cells For Dummies

by Lawrence S.B. Goldstein, Meg Schneider

Overview

The first authoritative yet accessible guide to this controversial topic

Stem Cell Research For Dummies offers a balanced, plain-English look at this politically charged topic, cutting away the hype and presenting the facts clearly for you, free from debate. It explains what stem cells are and what they do, the legalities of harvesting them and using them in research, the latest research findings from the U.S. and abroad, and the prospects for medical stem cell therapies in the short and long term.

• Explains the differences between adult stem cells and embryonic/umbilical cord stem cells
• Provides both sides of the political debate and the pros and cons of each side's opinions
• Includes medical success stories using stem cell therapy and its promise for the future

Comprehensive and unbiased, Stem Cell Research For Dummies is the only guide you need to understand this volatile issue.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780470259283
Publisher:	Wiley
Publication date:	02/02/2010
Series:	For Dummies Books
Pages:	384
Sales rank:	199,553
Product dimensions:	7.40(w) x 9.10(h) x 1.00(d)

About the Author

Lawrence S.B. Goldstein, PhD, one of the world's foremost experts in stem cell research, is Director of the Stem Cell Initiative at the University of California, San Diego. Meg Schneider is the author or coauthor of several books, including COPD For Dummies.

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Table of Contents

Introduction 1

Part I: Brushing Up on Biology 9

Chapter 1: Painting the Broad Strokes of Stem Cell Science 11

Chapter 2: Understanding Cells and Tissues 21

Chapter 3: Tracing the History of Stem Cell Research 37

Part II: Delving into Stem Cell Science 51

Chapter 4: Starting with Embryonic Stem Cells 53

Chapter 5: Understanding Adult Stem Cells 71

Chapter 6: Exploring Other Stem Cell Sources 87

Chapter 7: Understanding Why Scientists Mix and Match Cells 101

Part III: Discovering How Stem Cells Can Affect the Future 121

Chapter 8: Looking into Cancer’s Cradle: Cancer Stem Cells 123

Chapter 9: Using Stem Cells to Understand and Treat Neurodegenerative Diseases 137

Chapter 10: Improving Therapies for Diseases of the Heart, Liver, and Pancreas 159

Chapter 11: Improving Drug Development 171

Part IV: Putting Stem Cells to Use Today 181

Chapter 12: Where We Are Now: Stem Cell Treatments, Trials, and Possibilities 183

Chapter 13: Understanding the Role of Stem Cells in Transplants 201

Chapter 14: Putting Stem Cells in the Bank 221

Part V: Understanding the Debate: Ethics, Laws, and Money 231

Chapter 15: Exploring Ethical, Religious, Philosophical, and Moral Questions 233

Chapter 16: Getting a Handle on Current Stem Cell Laws and Policies 249

Chapter 17: Following the Money: Understanding Stem Cell Funding and Profits 269

Part VI: The Part of Tens 285

Chapter 18: Ten (or So) Stem Cell Myths 287

Chapter 19: Ten Hurdles to Stem Cell Use 295

Chapter 20: Ten Possibilities for the Future of Stem Cells 303

Chapter 21: Ten (or So) Things to Do Before You Consider Stem Cell Treatment 311

Chapter 22: Ten (or So) Great Resources to Stay Up to Date 323

Glossary 329

Index 339