Stem Cells: A Very Short Introduction - Jonathan Slack

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Résumé :
There is much public interest in stem cells, but also much confusion and misinformation. In this Very Short Introduction, developmental biologist Jonathan Slack explains the biology behind stem cells; what they are, what scientists do with them, what stem cell therapies are available today, and what can be expected to happen in the future.

Biographie:
Jonathan Slack is Director of the Stem Cell Institute at the University of Minnesota, USA, and also holds the Tulloch Chair of Stem Cell Biology. His recent research has focused on the mechanisms of regeneration of missing parts, and on methods for inducing the transformation of one tissue type into another by overexpression of specific genes. He has a particular interest in attempting to reprogram other tissue types into pancreatic beta cells, which could be used for the treatment of some types of diabetes. He has published over 180 research and review papers in scientific journals, and has also written three books, including Essential Developmental Biology (Wiley-Blackwell, 2005), an undergraduate textbook.

Sommaire:
Preface; 1 Orientation to stem cells; 2 Embryonic stem cells; 3 Personalised pluripotent stem cells; 4 Proposed therapies using pluripotent stem cells; 5 Tissue-specific stem cells; 6 Current therapy with tissue specific stem cells; 7 Realistic and unrealistic expectations; Glossary; Further reading

I would recommend this clearly written book to everyone. Simon McGurk, Nursing Standard