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.

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.

Introduction.
Part I: Brushing Up on Biology.
Chapter 1: Painting the Broad Strokes of Stem Cell Science.
Chapter 2: Understanding Cells and Tissues.
Chapter 3: Tracing the History of Stem Cell Research.
Part II: Delving into Stem Cell Science.
Chapter 4: Starting with Embryonic Stem Cells.
Chapter 5: Understanding Adult Stem Cells.
Chapter 6: Exploring Other Stem Cell Sources.
Chapter 7: Understanding Why Scientists Mix and Match Cells.
Part III: Discovering How Stem Cells Can Affect the Future.
Chapter 8: Looking into Cancer’s Cradle: Cancer Stem Cells.
Chapter 9: Using Stem Cells to Understand and Treat Neurodegenerative Diseases.
Chapter 10: Improving Therapies for Diseases of the Heart, Liver, and Pancreas.
Chapter 11: Improving Drug Development.
Part IV: Putting Stem Cells to Use Today.
Chapter 12: Where We Are Now: Stem Cell Treatments, Trials, and Possibilities.
Chapter 13: Understanding the Role of Stem Cells in Transplants.
Chapter 14: Putting Stem Cells in the Bank.
Part V: Understanding the Debate: Ethics, Laws, and Money.
Chapter 15: Exploring Ethical, Religious, Philosophical, and Moral Questions.
Chapter 16: Getting a Handle on Current Stem Cell Laws and Policies.
Chapter 17: Following the Money: Understanding Stem Cell Funding and Profits.
Part VI: The Part of Tens.
Chapter 18: Ten (or So) Stem Cell Myths.
Chapter 19: Ten Hurdles to Stem Cell Use.
Chapter 20: Ten Possibilities for the Future of Stem Cells.
Chapter 21: Ten (or So) Things to Do Before You Consider Stem Cell Treatment.
Chapter 22: Ten (or So) Great Resources to Stay Up to Date.
Glossary.
Index.