Encyclopedia of Stem Cell Research (2 Vol.Set)

What is a stem cell? We have a basic working definition, but the way we observe a stem cell function in a dish may not represent how it functions in a living organism. Only this is clear: Stem cells are the engine room of multicelluar organisms―both plants and animals. However, controversies, breakthroughs, and frustration continue to swirl in eternal storms through this rapidly moving area of research. But what does the average person make of all this, and how can an interested scholar probe this vast sea of information?

The Encyclopedia of Stem Cell Research provides a clear understanding of the basic concepts in stem cell biology and addresses the politics, ethics, and challenges currently facing the field. While stem cells are exciting alone, they are also clearly fueling the traditional areas of developmental biology and the field of regenerative medicine. These two volumes present more than 320 articles that explore major topics related to the emerging science of stem cell research and therapy.

Key Features

· Describes the different types of stem cells that have been reported so far and, where possible, tries to explain for each age, tissue, and species what is known about the biology of the cells and their history

· Captures a strong sense of stem cell biology as it stands today and provides the reader with a reference manual to probe the mysteries of the field

· Considers various religious, legal, and political perspectives

· Includes selected reprints of major journal articles that pertain to the milestones achieved in stem cell research

· Elucidates stem cell terminology for the nonscientist.

Key Themes

· Biology
· Clinical Trials
· Countries
· Diseases
· Ethics
· History and Technology
· Industry
· Institutions
· Legal
· Organizations
· People
· Politics
· Religion
· States

With contributions from scholars and institutional experts in the stem cell and social sciences, this Encyclopedia provides a primarily nonscientific resource to understanding the complexities of stem cell research for academic and public libraries.

The emerging study of stem cell research and therapy holds much promise. Authored by scholars and experts in the field, the Encyclopedia of Stem Cell Research contains more than 320 authoritative articles written at a level accessible to the layperson and undergraduate student. Each article, ranging from 900 to 3,500 words, is signed by the contributor. Key themes addressed include stem cell biology, clinical trials, research and policies in various countries of the world and states of the U.S., biographies of stem cell researchers, potential therapeutic uses of stem cells to treat diseases, ethics, religion, history and technology, research institutions, and politics. Information is provided on different types of stem cells including their age, tissue, species, biology, and history. Sample entries include Advocacy, Batten disease, Christopher Reeve Foundation, Cloning, Diabetes, Mayo Clinic, Microenvironment and immune issues, Moral status of embryo, Stem cell genome anatomy projects, and Viral vectors. A few black-and-white illustrations and photographs supplement the text. Cross-references link related articles. Bibliographies listing books, journal articles, and Internet sites are included for most articles. In addition, a resource guide contains references to books, Internet sites, journals, and reports. A 5-page glossary elucidates stem cell research terms for the nonspecialist. Following the entries are a list of scientists working on stem cell research and appendixes containing the document “Stem Cell Research Funding and Oversight” (2007); the 2001 “Congressional Hearings on Stem Cells and Cloning”; and “Reports to the President’s Council on Bioethics.” A 46-page index affords subject access to the contents. A “Reader’s Guide” groups entries under broad headings. Stem cell research is of interest to a broad audience. There is no other comparable reference work. Notable for its accessibility, the Encyclopedia of Stem Cell Research is recommended for academic and large public libraries. Also available as an e-book. --Nancy Cannon