Description
Book SynopsisThe 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.
Table of ContentsIntroduction 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
