Stem Cells For Dummies

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.

Introduction 1

Part I: Brushing Up on Biology 9

Chapter 1: Painting the Broad Strokes of Stem Cell Science 11

Chapter 2: Understanding Cells and Tissues 21

Chapter 3: Tracing the History of Stem Cell Research 37

Part II: Delving into Stem Cell Science 51

Chapter 4: Starting with Embryonic Stem Cells 53

Chapter 5: Understanding Adult Stem Cells 71

Chapter 6: Exploring Other Stem Cell Sources 87

Chapter 7: Understanding Why Scientists Mix and Match Cells 101

Part III: Discovering How Stem Cells Can Affect the Future 121

Chapter 8: Looking into Cancer’s Cradle: Cancer Stem Cells 123

Chapter 9: Using Stem Cells to Understand and Treat Neurodegenerative Diseases 137

Chapter 10: Improving Therapies for Diseases of the Heart, Liver, and Pancreas 159

Chapter 11: Improving Drug Development 171

Part IV: Putting Stem Cells to Use Today 181

Chapter 12: Where We Are Now: Stem Cell Treatments, Trials, and Possibilities 183

Chapter 13: Understanding the Role of Stem Cells in Transplants 201

Chapter 14: Putting Stem Cells in the Bank 221

Part V: Understanding the Debate: Ethics, Laws, and Money 231

Chapter 15: Exploring Ethical, Religious, Philosophical, and Moral Questions 233

Chapter 16: Getting a Handle on Current Stem Cell Laws and Policies 249

Chapter 17: Following the Money: Understanding Stem Cell Funding and Profits 269

Part VI: The Part of Tens 285

Chapter 18: Ten (or So) Stem Cell Myths 287

Chapter 19: Ten Hurdles to Stem Cell Use 295

Chapter 20: Ten Possibilities for the Future of Stem Cells 303

Chapter 21: Ten (or So) Things to Do Before You Consider Stem Cell Treatment 311

Chapter 22: Ten (or So) Great Resources to Stay Up to Date 323

Glossary 329

Index 339

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.

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