Stem Cells

A Very Short Introduction

Jonathan Slack

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English

Oxford University Press
16 December 2021

Medicine; Developmental biology; Cellular biology (cytology); Human biology

Series: Very Short Introductions

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 yearsVery Short Introductions: Brilliant, Sharp, Inspiring 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.

By: Jonathan Slack
Imprint: Oxford University Press
Country of Publication: United Kingdom
Edition: 2nd Revised edition
Dimensions: Height: 175mm, Width: 110mm, Spine: 10mm
Weight: 130g
ISBN: 9780198869290
ISBN 10: 0198869290
Series: Very Short Introductions
Pages: 160
Publication Date: 16 December 2021
Audience: General/trade , ELT Advanced
Format: Paperback
Publisher's Status: Active

Jonathan Slack is a developmental and stem cell biologist. He was Director of the Stem Cell Institute at the University of Minnesota 2007-2013, and has written six books, including Essential Developmental Biology, (2001); Genes: A Very Short Introduction, (2014); and The Science of Stem Cells, (2017). Slack is an elected member of the European Molecular Biology Organization (EMBO), was awarded the Waddington Medal of the British Society for Developmental Biology in 2002, and WAS elected a Fellow of the UK Academy of Medical Sciences (FMedSci) in 2004.