Stem Cells: A Very Short Introduction

Nonfiction, Science & Nature, Science, Biological Sciences, Cytology, Health & Well Being, Medical
Cover of the book Stem Cells: A Very Short Introduction by Jonathan Slack, OUP Oxford
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Jonathan Slack ISBN: 9780191633942
Publisher: OUP Oxford Publication: February 23, 2012
Imprint: OUP Oxford Language: English
Author: Jonathan Slack
ISBN: 9780191633942
Publisher: OUP Oxford
Publication: February 23, 2012
Imprint: OUP Oxford
Language: English

The topic of stem cells has been very high profile in the media in recent years. There is much public interest in stem cells but also much confusion and misinformation, with some companies already offering 'stem cell products' and bogus 'stem cell therapies'. In this Very Short Introduction, Jonathan Slack introduces stem cells; what they are, what scientists do with them, what stem cell therapies are available today, and how they might be used in future. Despite important advances, clinical applications of stem cells are still in their infancy. Most real stem cell therapy today is some form of bone marrow transplantation. Slack introduces stem cells by explaining the difference between embryonic stem cells, which exist only in laboratory cultures, and tissue-specific stem cells, which exist in our bodies. Embryonic stem cells can become any cell type in the body, so diseases that may in future be treated by functional cells derived from these sorts of stem cell include diabetes, Parkinson's disease, heart disease, and spinal trauma. He then goes on to discuss the properties of tissue-specific stem cells and the important technique of bone marrow transplantation. Slack concludes by analysing how medical innovation has occurred in this area in the past, and draws out some of the lessons for the development of new therapies in the future. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

The topic of stem cells has been very high profile in the media in recent years. There is much public interest in stem cells but also much confusion and misinformation, with some companies already offering 'stem cell products' and bogus 'stem cell therapies'. In this Very Short Introduction, Jonathan Slack introduces stem cells; what they are, what scientists do with them, what stem cell therapies are available today, and how they might be used in future. Despite important advances, clinical applications of stem cells are still in their infancy. Most real stem cell therapy today is some form of bone marrow transplantation. Slack introduces stem cells by explaining the difference between embryonic stem cells, which exist only in laboratory cultures, and tissue-specific stem cells, which exist in our bodies. Embryonic stem cells can become any cell type in the body, so diseases that may in future be treated by functional cells derived from these sorts of stem cell include diabetes, Parkinson's disease, heart disease, and spinal trauma. He then goes on to discuss the properties of tissue-specific stem cells and the important technique of bone marrow transplantation. Slack concludes by analysing how medical innovation has occurred in this area in the past, and draws out some of the lessons for the development of new therapies in the future. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.

More books from OUP Oxford

Cover of the book Blackstone's Criminal Practice 2019 by Jonathan Slack
Cover of the book Austerity and Recovery in Ireland by Jonathan Slack
Cover of the book Clausewitz's Puzzle by Jonathan Slack
Cover of the book Blackstone's Guide to the Consumer Rights Act 2015 by Jonathan Slack
Cover of the book Understanding Flowers and Flowering Second Edition by Jonathan Slack
Cover of the book A Treatise on Northern Ireland, Volume I by Jonathan Slack
Cover of the book International Climate Change Law by Jonathan Slack
Cover of the book Collins On Defamation by Jonathan Slack
Cover of the book The Experience of Poetry by Jonathan Slack
Cover of the book Resurrection by Jonathan Slack
Cover of the book The Rationality of Perception by Jonathan Slack
Cover of the book The Oxford Handbook of the History of Communism by Jonathan Slack
Cover of the book The Darwinian Tourist by Jonathan Slack
Cover of the book Liberty, Equality, and Humbug by Jonathan Slack
Cover of the book Oxford Handbook of Geriatric Medicine by Jonathan Slack
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy