Stem Cell Research

by Panno, Joseph

• ISBN13: 9780816083305
• ISBN10: 0816083304
• Edition: Revised
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2010-07-01
• Publisher: Checkmark Books

Summary

Stem Cell Research, Revised Edition investigates the different types of stem cells, how they are studied in the laboratory, and how they are used to treat disease or heal bodily organs. Stem cells are "special" cells that can divide over an indefinite period of time and produce a wide variety of specialized cell types.

Table of Contents

Preface	p. ix
Acknowledgments	p. xiii
Introduction	p. xiv
Cells through Time	p. 1
The Origin of Life	p. 2
The First Cells	p. 5
How Cells Communicate	p. 9
The Rise of Multicellular Organisms	p. 19
The Mammalian Embryo	p. 21
Stem Cells	p. 26
Embryonic Stem Cells	p. 30
Adult Stem Cells	p. 42
Stem Cell Markers	p. 48
Directed Differentiation	p. 51
Future Prospects	p. 60
Therapeutic Cloning	p. 62
Historical Background	p. 63
Cloning Humans	p. 67
Stem Cell Fraud: The Case of Hwang Woo Suk	p. 68
Future Prospects	p. 73
Stem Cell Induction	p. 74
Historical Background	p. 76
Creating Pluripotent Stem Cells	p. 81
Directed Differentiation	p. 85
Future Prospects	p. 86
Medical Applications	p. 88
Cardiovascular Disease	p. 89
Diabetes	p. 93
Immune Deficiencies	p. 95
Leukemia	p. 99
Liver Disease	p. 102
Neurological Disorders	p. 104
Organ Factories	p. 114
Future Prospects	p. 115
Commercialization of Human Stem Cells	p. 116
The Stock Market	p. 117
Aastrom Biosciences	p. 119
StemCells, Inc.	p. 120
Geron Corporation	p. 121
Reality Check	p. 124
Graft-versus-Host Disease	p. 125
Spontaneous in Vitro Differentiation	p. 128
Wandering Stem Cells	p. 129
Stem Cells and Cancer	p. 130
Growing Organs from Stem Cells	p. 130
Ethical Issues	p. 137
Justice and Beneficence	p. 138
High-Tech Cannibalism	p. 140
On Becoming Human	p. 141
The Early Embryo	p. 142
Legal Issues	p. 148
United Kingdom	p. 149
European Union	p. 154
United States	p. 155
Concluding Remarks	p. 160
Resource Center	p. 164
Cell Biology	p. 164
Biotechnology	p. 186
Gene Therapy	p. 194
The Belmont Report	p. 197
The Gelsinger Investigation	p. 201
Understanding Clinical Trials	p. 204
Gene and Protein Nomenclature	p. 206
Weights and Measures	p. 207
Glossary	p. 208
Further Resources	p. 237
Index	p. 247
Table of Contents provided by Ingram. All Rights Reserved.

Excerpts

A full-color guide to the ever-evolving field of stem cell research.
Praise for the previous hardcover edition:...carefully done, in-depth...will work well for researchers and debaters, adults as well as teens.—Booklist
Throughout its development in the past few years, controversy and debate have surrounded stem cell research. Since skin cells have the capability to divide, our skin can heal itself through the division of cells. Scientists have attempted to apply this theory to major organs, trying to see if stem cells can be used to make the repairs that post-mitotic cells cannot.
Now with full-color photographs and line illustrations, Stem Cell Research, Revised Edition discusses the different types of stem cells, how they are studied in the laboratory, and the diseases that may be treated with these cells. This edition has been extensively revised and expanded to include four new chapters that discuss the origin and evolution of ordinary cells, as well as a detailed discussion of human and animal stem cells, therapeutic cloning, and a new form of stem cell that is produced by reprogramming ordinary skin cells. Featuring up-to-date coverage on the medical applications of stem cell therapy, this resource examines the growing cost of developing these therapies and the important role that pharmaceutical companies play. Written in accessible and straightforward language, this helpful book offers readers a timely look at this controversial topic.