Stem Cells: Home

Stem Cells: Scientific Facts and Fiction, Third Edition, provides a state-of-the-art overview on the field of stem cells and their current applications. The book incorporates the history and firsthand commentaries in the field from clinical and research leaders, covering interesting topics of note, including the first clinical trials to treat Parkinson disease, macular degeneration, and corneal replacement, the cloning of monkeys, the organoid field, and CRISPR-edited genomics. In addition, coverage of adult, embryonic stem cells and iPS cells is included. This new edition distinguishes itself from the multiplicity of websites about stem cells with a broad view of the field.

The topic of stem cells has a high profile in the media. We've made important advances in our scientific understanding, but despite this the clinical applications of stem cells are still in their infancy and most real stem cell therapy carried out today is some form of bone marrowtransplantation. At the same time, a scandalous spread of unproven stem cell treatments by private clinics represents a serious problem, with treatments being offered which are backed by limited scientific rationale, and which are at best ineffective, and at worse harmful.This Very Short Introduction introduces stem cells, exploring what they are, and what scientists do with them. Introducing the different types of stem cells, Jonathan Slack explains how they can be used to treat diseases such as retinal degeneration, diabetes, Parkinson's disease, heart disease, andspinal trauma. He also discusses the important technique of bone marrow transplantation and some other types of current stem cell therapy, used for the treatment of blindness and of severe burns. Slack warns against fake stem cell treatments and discusses how to distinguish real from faketreatments. He also describes the latest scientific progress in the field, and looks forward to what we can expect to happen in the next few yearsVery Short Introductions: Brilliant, Sharp, InspiringABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, andenthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.

This accessibly written book explores the different types of stem cells, their current and potential future medical applications, and the many controversies that surround their creation and use. Whether from adults or embryos, stem cells have the potential to develop into many other types of cells--an ability that makes them potentially invaluable for curing a wide variety of diseases and disorders. And while some stem cell treatments are already in use today and have achieved remarkable results, the use of such cells continues to be clouded in controversy. Coverage of research breakthroughs in the past decade has been added, including descriptions of recently discovered types of stem cells and stem cell therapies. In addition to addressing ethical and scientific controversies, the book also addresses issues such as the discrepancy between the public's expectations for regenerative medicine and current medical realities. Provides readers with a helpful Directory of Resources to guide their search for additional information