Stem Cells For Dummies [Paperback]

Lawrence S.B. Goldstein (Author), Meg Schneider (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 2, 2010 | ISBN-10: 0470259280 | ISBN-13: 978-0470259283 | Edition: 1

The first authoritative yet accessible guide to this controversial topic

Stem Cell Research For Dummies offers a balanced, plain-English look at this politically charged topic, cutting away the hype and presenting the facts clearly for you, free from debate. It explains what stem cells are and what they do, the legalities of harvesting them and using them in research, the latest research findings from the U.S. and abroad, and the prospects for medical stem cell therapies in the short and long term.

• Explains the differences between adult stem cells and embryonic/umbilical cord stem cells
• Provides both sides of the political debate and the pros and cons of each side's opinions
• Includes medical success stories using stem cell therapy and its promise for the future

Comprehensive and unbiased, Stem Cell Research For Dummies is the only guide you need to understand this volatile issue.

Editorial Reviews

From the Back Cover

A balanced, plain-English guide to this politically charged topic

This friendly, practical guide cuts away the hype and clearly presents the facts on stem cells. It explains what stem cells are and what they do, the legalities of harvesting them and using them in research, the latest research findings from the United States and abroad, and the prospects for medical stem cell therapies in the short and long term.

• Brushing up on biology — understand the basics of cells and tissues and take a guided tour of the history of stem cell research

• Delving into stem cell science — get easy-to-follow explanations of embryonic stem cells, adult stem cells, and sources of stem cells

• Where we are now — dig into the current practices in stem cell treatments, trials, and transplants

• The possibilities are endless — discover how stem cells are projected to make medical advances in the understanding and improved treatment of cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and more

• Understanding the debate — explore the ethical, religious, philosophical, and moral questions related to stem cell research and get armed with the knowledge needed to take an informed stance

Open the book and find:

• The current laws and policies

• Ethical, religious, and moral considerations

• How stem cells are being used to understand and treat specific diseases

• Safety issues associated with stem cells

• The pros and cons of current treatments

• Promising leads for spinal cord injuries

• Uses for hybrid, chimera, clone, and cybrid cells

• How stem cell banking works

Learn to:

• Sort through straight, unbiased facts about the stem cell debate

• Understand what stem cells are and how they work

• Appreciate how stem cells are used in research and treatment

• Look to the future to what's in store for stem cell research

About the Author

Lawrence S.B. Goldstein, PhD, one of the world's foremost experts in stem cell research, is Director of the Stem Cell Initiative at the University of California, San Diego. Meg Schneider is the author or coauthor of several books, including COPD For Dummies.

Product Details

• Paperback: 384 pages
• Publisher: For Dummies; 1 edition (February 2, 2010)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0470259280
• ISBN-13: 978-0470259283
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 7.3 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #112,888 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)
  • #24 in Books > Professional & Technical > Professional Science > Biological Sciences > Biology > Developmental Biology

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

18 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent book based on science facts, February 23, 2010

By 

LovesBooks "LovesBooks" (USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Stem Cells For Dummies (Paperback)

It is unfortunate that someone would torpedo a perfectly fine book because of their personal biases, apparently without even reading it. Further, it is an insult to Dr. Goldstein to suggest that he is biased, when he has worked hard to present the information objectively.

No matter where you stand on the issue of embryonic stem cells, I recommend that we all read this book to learn the truth about the science, where we are at now, and where we are going. Chapter 18 is devoted to dispelling stem cell myths. One old myth is that stem cells come from aborted fetuses, but these cells aren't the same a human embryonic stem cells.

As Stem Cells grow in importance, it is necessary for all of us to have an accurate understanding of the science. Then you can consider the ethical, religious, philosophical and moral questions covered in Chapter 15.

14 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Author highly respected, January 27, 2010

By 

Don C. Reed - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Stem Cells For Dummies (Paperback)

I have known Dr. Larry Goldstein for many years. He is not only an outstanding scientist, but someone who will take a stand to protect scientific freedom. He is a pleasure to listen to, and to read, because he can make the most complicated scientific information understandable, good "people talk" person!

I am buying the book without hesitation, because I know the care and thoroughness he puts into everything he does, and this will be outstanding.

Don C. Reed

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Gives amazing insight into subject, March 24, 2010

By 

Cookman - See all my reviews

This review is from: Stem Cells For Dummies (Paperback)

The depth and breadth of this book is simply outstanding. This is one of the most difficult and challenging moral issues of our time. As one who will benefit from stem cell research, I was excited to read this book. I was very impressed with the balance and the time given to views on both sides of the issue.

I just wish that people who don't understand the issue wouldn't simply dismiss it without learning about it. The knee-jerk reaction is one of the major problems in our society today.

Thank you for such a wonderful and complete resource.