Stem Cell Wars: Inside Stories from the Frontlines [Hardcover]

Eve Herold (Author), George Daley (Foreword)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 1403974993 | ISBN-13: 978-1403974990 | Publication Date: September 19, 2006 | Edition: First Edition

Americans have become the victims of misinformation about stem cell research. Over the last few years, the stem cell debate has been intensely political, religious, and confusing to many people. Now, Eve Herold explains what this science is all about, who is for and against it, and why it must go forward. She pulls together fascinating stories to highlight every aspect of this multifaceted field. She exposes the politics of stem cell research and demonstrates how the outcome of the debate could ultimately affect all of us. Packed with real-life stories of the people caught up in this groundbreaking struggle, Stem Cell Wars cuts through the noise and sets the standard for future debate.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Comprehensive and concise, Stem Cell Wars provides an indispensable primer for anyone interested in what promises to be the most significant medical science breakthrough in our lifetimes. It should also serve as a timely antidote to the politically inspired misinformation surrounding this important issue."--Ron Reagan

 

"Eve Herold's book is a forthright and compelling declaration of the immensely promising potential of stem cell research. Using clear logic and emotionally evocative accounts of patients in need, Herold makes an impassioned and convincing case for increasing stem cell research funding."--Senator Dianne Feinstein (D-CA)

"Eve Herold is the consummate battlefield correspondent of the Stem Cell Wars, a latter-day Ernie Pyle or Edward R. Murrow chronicling the clash of ideologies and science that help define the superheated politics of the 21st century. She seems to be everywhere at once: in the councils of the combatants, behind closed doors on Capitol Hill, beside the scientists and the suffering patients they hope to save, even to the South Korean laboratory where science fraud of historic proportions threatened to end the great promise of regenerative medicine. In her dispatches from the front, Eve Herold's sympathies are unwaveringly with the patients--the women and men, children and families--whose tragic and inspiring stories are the warm heart of this timely and disturbing book."--Dan Perry, Vice President and former President, Coalition for the Advancement of Medical Research, Executive Director, Alliance for Aging Research
 
"Eve Herold weaves the stories of patients with debilitating diseases, of reports of scientific discoveries involving stem cells and cloning, with her firsthand participation in the policy developments in the rapidly evolving field of stem cell research. She provides an understanding for the casual reader of the nuances of this research, its potential impact on the practice of medicine and the current impact on society and research of policy decisions, both pro and con. She sifts through various layers of the science and the social and religious controversies, and provides an easily followed time frame of the major discoveries and events over the past decade in stem cell research, including the most recent revelation of scientific fraud in producing patient-specific embryonic stem cells. The issues with stem cell research are complex and Herold is successful in presenting them in an easily understood fashion."--John Gearhart, Johns Hopkins Medicine, Baltimore, Maryland
 
"Eve Herold is an eyewitness to history. She chronicles the battle of patients and researchers to advance the greatest medical breakthrough of our lifetimes in this highly readable account of the rancorous public policy debate that has become the #1 wedge issue in American politics. As part of the chronicle of the world stem cell debate, Eve Herold presents the inside story of Woo Suk Hwang and the Korean cloning scandal, and supplies the shocking details about the misconduct that rocked all of medical science."--Bernard Siegel, Executive Director, Genetics Policy Institute
 
"The most important (and often overlooked) element in the stem cell research equation is the patients who are struggling right now. Stem Cell Wars brings us in touch with the irrepressible humanity of the folks who won't give up. Eve Herold knows the people involved in the struggle for stem cell research because she herself is at the center of the storm. An outstanding science writer, Ms. Herold makes the issues clear in a fascinatingly readable style. Engaging and clearly written, a must-have book to understand what's happening behind the scenes in a world where a political mistake could delay life and death research for decades. As someone who has been involved in stem cell politics essentially since it began, I learned a lot from this book!"--Don C. Reed, Chairman, Californians for Cures

 

"Simple and to-the-point, this book gives a thorough explanation of what stem cell research is, why there's so much controversy surrounding it and ultimately, why our government must change course to allow it to flourish."--June Walker, President of Hadassah

"Herold has written an exciting, rapidly moving account of the events associated with stem cell research."--Ian Wilmut, Times Higher Education Supplement

 

"An excellent account...the first of its kind..."--Cure Paralysis Now

 

"An important new book..."--Crossleft

Book Description

Americans have become the victims of misinformation about stem cell research. Over the last few years, the stem cell debate has been intensely political, religious, and confusing to many people. Now, Eve Herold explains what this science is all about, who is for and against it, and why it must go forward. She pulls together fascinating stories to highlight every aspect of this multifaceted field. She exposes the politics of stem cell research and demonstrates how the outcome of the debate could ultimately affect all of us. Packed with real-life stories of the people caught up in this groundbreaking struggle, Stem Cell Wars cuts through the noise and sets the standard for future debate.

--This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan; First Edition edition (September 19, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1403974993
• ISBN-13: 978-1403974990
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.4 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,273,499 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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5 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars "Foiling 'Weapons of Mass Deception' Attacks on Stem Cell Research", October 31, 2006

By 

Stephen E. Levick "author of 'Clone Being: Ex... (Philadelphia, PA) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Stem Cell Wars: Inside Stories from the Frontlines (Hardcover)

Though issues of war and peace, and the very survival of the United States as a constitutional democracy demand our attention, there are also other important issues - matters relevant to the quality of our lives and health. Stem cell policy is one of these, and has become a focus of considerable political controversy. Every voting citizen deserves the chance to read a clear-eyed introduction to the issues surrounding stem cells in the gritty realm of politics and policy. Eve Herold's "Stem Cell Wars: inside Stories from the Frontline," provides just that opportunity.

Before I say more, I should offer a disclaimer: I've come know the author over the past year or so in her capacity as the director of research, policy, and education for the Genetics Policy Institute (GPI). This kind and thoughtful woman plays a key role in developing programs for conferences which integrate science, policy, and patient advocacy on stem cell research. In the meetings I've attended, she demonstrated a deep understanding of the issues within a broad and humane perspective. And so, I was acquainted with Eve Herold's voice before "hearing" it in print. But my inclination to be favorably disposed towards "Stem Cell Wars," was more than confirmed by reading the book.

"Stem Cell Wars" is written for a general audience in a clear and engaging way. But, it is Herold's passion for the subject, fueled by her deep compassion for individuals suffering from medical conditions that might well benefit from the research that drives this book. She is unapologetic for her sense of outrage at the slight of hand, deception, and disingenuous maneuvering she deplores in the chapter, "Political Spin and Weapons of Mass Distraction." She helps us see more clearly how some opponents to abortion see thwarting embryonic stem cell research as a way to indirectly undermine Roe vs. Wade. And, her first-hand account of the Korean cloning scandal enriches our understanding of this contemporary history.

There is sufficient detail in "Stem Cell Wars," but the reader will never be overwhelmed by it. Herold has a way of lucidly distilling the essence of her arguments.

In addition, George Daly, a prominent stem cell research has written a masterful foreword for the book, which itself, is engaging, and concisely insightful.

"Stem Cell Wars" should help the reader to understand that embryonic stem cell research is not immoral, as claimed by some. On the contrary, as Herold argues, it is morally imperative for us to give this research a chance fulfill its potential to bring better treatments and even cures for conditions that afflict many millions.

If what I have written has not convinced you that this is an important book, please note that several right wing and fundamentalist blogs have been quick to vehemently trash it. It would seem that they really don't want you to read "Stem Cell Wars."

That's understandable I guess. After all, what you don't know can't hurt them.

4.0 out of 5 stars exactly my sentiment, January 18, 2010

By 

I. Wong (UK) - See all my reviews
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This review is from: Stem Cell Wars: Inside Stories from the Frontlines (Paperback)

Thank for the author to fight for stem cell research. I was especially impressed by Bernie Siegel. What an extraordinary person. Of course with President obama is now the president which hopefully he will be re-elected in 2012. The scene must have changed a lot. please write an update. let us know if the world of stem cell research has indeed changed for the better. :-)

5.0 out of 5 stars Mustang, March 27, 2009

By 

Jeanne Wilson "Mac" (Boston, MA) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Stem Cell Wars: Inside Stories from the Frontlines (Paperback)

Actually, I purchased this book for my son --- he needed it for school and as of yet they have not started this assignment. I was very pleased with the condition and the timeliness of the delivery.