
The topic of stem cells has a high profile in the media. We've made important advances in our scientific understanding, but despite this the clinical applications of stem cells are still in their infancy and most real stem cell therapy carried out today is some form of bone marrow transplantation. At the same time, a scandalous spread of unproven stem cell treatments by private clinics represents a serious problem, with treatments being offered which are backed by limited scientific rationale, and which are at best ineffective, and at worse harmful. This Very Short Introduction introduces stem cells, exploring what they are, and what scientists do with them. Introducing the different types of stem cells, Jonathan Slack explains how they can be used to treat diseases such as retinal degeneration, diabetes, Parkinson's disease, heart disease, and spinal trauma. He also discusses the important technique of bone marrow transplantation and some other types of current stem cell therapy, used for the treatment of blindness and of severe burns. Slack warns against fake stem cell treatments and discusses how to distinguish real from fake treatments. He also describes the latest scientific progress in the field, and looks forward to what we can expect to happen in the next few years.
This book investigates the biological reality of stem cells, the current state of clinical applications, and the distinction between legitimate medical research and unproven, potentially harmful commercial treatments. Jonathan Michael Wyndham Slack, a developmental biologist, utilizes his expertise to synthesize complex scientific data into an accessible overview. He presents a framework that balances the genuine potential of regenerative medicine against the risks posed by unregulated private clinics offering unverified therapies.
What You Will Find
Scope Limits
Experts and readers recognize this work as a reliable, concise primer for those seeking to understand the scientific foundations of stem cell research. The text is frequently cited for its clear, objective approach to navigating the hype surrounding regenerative medicine.
Page Count:
138
Publication Date:
2021-01-01
ISBN-10:
0192640380
ISBN-13:
9780192640383
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