Stem Cells: Scientific facts and fiction

ISBN: 978-0-12-381535-4
Elsevier 2011

In the past decades our understanding of stem cell biology has increased tremendously. Many types of stem cells have been discovered in tissues of which everyone presumed were unable to regenerate in adults; these include particularly the heart and the brain. There is vast interest in stem cells from biologists and clinicians who see the potential for regenerative medicine and future treatments for chronic diseases like Parkinson, diabetes and spinal cord lesions based on the use of stem cells and entrepreneurs in biotechnology who expect new commercial applications ranging from drug discovery to transplantation therapies.

As is often the case in science, many early claims turned out to be different from those expected. Embryonic stem cell therapies have not moved rapidly into clinical practice. Adult stem cells certainly have given certain degrees of success but not nearly to the extent that advocates would have wished for. Some claims of early successes in adult stem cell therapies have not been sustained in double-blinded, randomized clinical trials. Some claims are now close to routine therapy. Some of the claims not supported by evidence have nevertheless reached private clinical practice so that „stem cell tourism“ is beginning to reach exaggerated proportions.

This book provides the reader background information on stem cells in a clear and well-organized manner. It provides the non-stem cell expert with an understandable review of the history, current state of affairs, and facts and fiction of the promises of stem cells. It distinguishes itself from the multiplicity of websites on the subject of stem cells by being scientifically, politically and ethically neutral, explaining pros and cons for stem cells of every sort with the intention of reaching a wide readership ranging from advanced students and patient advocacy groups to clinicians, specialists and early phase medics in training. By providing the background scientific and social information, it provides readers with the information they require to form their own opinions on the use of stem cells on the basis of facts rather than hype.

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Das obige Buch gehört zu den gut 1.000 dauerhaft von der ZB Med gekauften Online-Büchern des Elsevier-Verlags der Jahre 1995-2008, 2009, die in den folgenden Sachgebieten erschienen sind: Forensics; Immunology and Microbiology; Medicine and Dentistry; Pharmacology, Toxicology and Pharmaceutical Science; Psychology (1995-2009); Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology (1995-2010); Neuroscience (1995-2009, 2011).