Stem Cell Research: Medical Applications and Ethical Controversy (New Biology)

An informative reference to the technological advances, applications, and issues of stem cell research.

The past few years have seen controversy and debate surrounding stem cell research. Because skin cells have the capability to divide—unlike most of the cells in our body—our skin can heal itself through the division of cells. Scientists have attempted to apply this concept to major organs, trying to see if stem cells can be used to make the repairs that post-mitotic cells cannot.

Stem Cell Research is a comprehensive and interesting introduction to this popular new science for non-experts. Explaining how stem cells can be obtained from several places including skin, bone marrow, and most usefully, embryos, this book covers all the fundamental aspects of stem cell research in an easy-to-follow manner. It presents the questions surrounding the use of embryonic cells in a clear and balanced format while bringing readers up to date on the latest technological advances, applications, and issues regarding stem cell research. Tables, a bibliography, an appendix, a glossary, an index, and a list of Web sites complete this worthwhile resource.

Joseph P. Panno, Ph.D., specializes in molecular biology and physiology. He has taught a variety of undergraduate biology courses and published in numerous peer-reviewed publications including Cytometry, Molecular Brain Research.