Stem Cells: Scientific Facts and Fiction

Recent advances in the fields of medicine and technology have led to the development of stem cell therapy. A stem cell is a cell that has the potential to develop into many different types of cell in the body. It has the ability to divide and copy itself and at least one other specialized type of cell.

Stem Cells was written to provide information about the development of stem cell therapy, which can be used in the fields of research and medicine. The main goal of the book is to provide readers with an overview of the scientific facts about stem cells and its promising effects on the human body, as well as on the creation of new drugs and medicines. The book also highlights the ongoing clinical research into stem cells and lists the therapies whose effectiveness is being investigated.

Many scientists argue that stem cell therapy will be of great help to patients and society if it is proven to be safe and effective.

Explains in straightforward, non-specialist language the basic biology of stem cells and their applications in modern medicine and future therapyIncludes extensive coverage of adult and embryonic stem cells both historically and in contemporary practiceRichly illustrated to assist in understanding how research is done and the current hurdles to clinical practice

Foreword  Introduction  Chapter 1: Biology of the Cell  Chapter 2: Embryonic development  Chapter 3: Of mice and men: History of stem cells  Chapter 4: What are stem cells?  Chapter 5: Origin of stem cells  Chapter 6: Types of stem cells  Chapter 7: Cloning: history and current applications  Chapter 8: Clinical applications of stem cells  Chapter 9: Cancer stem cells   Chapter 10: Applications for drugs and toxicity screening  Chapter 11: Venturing in stem cells (law and intellectual property)  Chapter 12: Future Prospects 

References and websites 

Glossary of terms 

Index