Stem Cell Research. Medical Applications and Ethical Controversy

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. Stem Cell Research is a comprehensive and interesting introduction to this popular new science for students and non-experts. Explaining how stems cells can be obtained from several places including skin, bone marrow, and most usefully, embryos, this book covers all the fundamental aspects of stem cell research in an easy-to-follow manner. It presents the questions surrounding the use of embryonic cells in a clear and balanced format while bringing readers up to date on the latest technological advances, applications, and issues regarding stem cell research. Biographies of key scientists conducting this type of research, a bibliography, glossary, and index complete this worthwhile resource.