Author: Satish Totey
Publisher: McGraw Hill Professional
ISBN: 0071635718
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 796
Book Description
Cutting-edge coverage of stem cell biology and applications Featuring contributions from leading global experts, this authoritative volume addresses all major areas of stem cell biology and their potential therapeutic applications. The first part of the book covers embryonic stem cells and contains details on the emerging field of embryonic stem cell-based drug screening platforms. The second part deals with multipotent adult stem cells from different tissue types, and covers unique concepts such as cancer stem cells and tissue engineering-based approaches for designing microenvironments for tissue regeneration. Eighty pages of inserts with 113 color figures are included in this pioneering work. Coverage includes: Zebrafish, medaka, chicken embryonic, and mouse embryonic stem cells Derivation of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) from blastocysts Treating diabetes with hESCs hESCs as a model system to study human genetics Application of hESCs in drug discovery Adult stem cells for regenerative medicine and cancer therapies Mesenchymal stem cells for neurodegenerative disease therapies Dental pulp, hematopoietic, and spermatogonial stem cells Epigenetic regulators of stem cell pluripotency Cancer stem cells
Stem Cell Technologies: Basics and Applications
Author: Satish Totey
Publisher: McGraw Hill Professional
ISBN: 0071635718
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 796
Book Description
Cutting-edge coverage of stem cell biology and applications Featuring contributions from leading global experts, this authoritative volume addresses all major areas of stem cell biology and their potential therapeutic applications. The first part of the book covers embryonic stem cells and contains details on the emerging field of embryonic stem cell-based drug screening platforms. The second part deals with multipotent adult stem cells from different tissue types, and covers unique concepts such as cancer stem cells and tissue engineering-based approaches for designing microenvironments for tissue regeneration. Eighty pages of inserts with 113 color figures are included in this pioneering work. Coverage includes: Zebrafish, medaka, chicken embryonic, and mouse embryonic stem cells Derivation of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) from blastocysts Treating diabetes with hESCs hESCs as a model system to study human genetics Application of hESCs in drug discovery Adult stem cells for regenerative medicine and cancer therapies Mesenchymal stem cells for neurodegenerative disease therapies Dental pulp, hematopoietic, and spermatogonial stem cells Epigenetic regulators of stem cell pluripotency Cancer stem cells
Publisher: McGraw Hill Professional
ISBN: 0071635718
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 796
Book Description
Cutting-edge coverage of stem cell biology and applications Featuring contributions from leading global experts, this authoritative volume addresses all major areas of stem cell biology and their potential therapeutic applications. The first part of the book covers embryonic stem cells and contains details on the emerging field of embryonic stem cell-based drug screening platforms. The second part deals with multipotent adult stem cells from different tissue types, and covers unique concepts such as cancer stem cells and tissue engineering-based approaches for designing microenvironments for tissue regeneration. Eighty pages of inserts with 113 color figures are included in this pioneering work. Coverage includes: Zebrafish, medaka, chicken embryonic, and mouse embryonic stem cells Derivation of human embryonic stem cells (hESCs) from blastocysts Treating diabetes with hESCs hESCs as a model system to study human genetics Application of hESCs in drug discovery Adult stem cells for regenerative medicine and cancer therapies Mesenchymal stem cells for neurodegenerative disease therapies Dental pulp, hematopoietic, and spermatogonial stem cells Epigenetic regulators of stem cell pluripotency Cancer stem cells
Human Stem Cell Technology and Biology
Author: Gary S. Stein
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 0470889896
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 439
Book Description
Human Stem Cell Technology & Biology: A Research Guide and Laboratory Manual integrates readily accessible text, electronic and video components with the aim of effectively communicating the critical information needed to understand and culture human embryonic stem cells. Key Features: An authoritative, comprehensive, multimedia training manual for stem cell researchers Easy to follow step-by-step laboratory protocols and instructional videos provide a valuable resource A must-have for developing laboratory course curriculums, training courses, and workshops in stem cell biology Perspectives written by the world leaders in the field Introductory chapters will provide background information The volume will be a valuable reference resource for both experienced investigators pursuing stem cell and induced pluripotent stem cell research as well as those new to this field.
Publisher: John Wiley & Sons
ISBN: 0470889896
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 439
Book Description
Human Stem Cell Technology & Biology: A Research Guide and Laboratory Manual integrates readily accessible text, electronic and video components with the aim of effectively communicating the critical information needed to understand and culture human embryonic stem cells. Key Features: An authoritative, comprehensive, multimedia training manual for stem cell researchers Easy to follow step-by-step laboratory protocols and instructional videos provide a valuable resource A must-have for developing laboratory course curriculums, training courses, and workshops in stem cell biology Perspectives written by the world leaders in the field Introductory chapters will provide background information The volume will be a valuable reference resource for both experienced investigators pursuing stem cell and induced pluripotent stem cell research as well as those new to this field.
Progenitor and Stem Cell Technologies and Therapies
Author: Anthony Atala
Publisher: Elsevier
ISBN: 0857096079
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 561
Book Description
Progenitor and stem cells have the ability to renew themselves and change into a variety of specialised types, making them ideal materials for therapy and regenerative medicine. Progenitor and stem cell technologies and therapies reviews the range of progenitor and stem cells available and their therapeutic application.Part one reviews basic principles for the culture of stem cells before discussing technologies for particular cell types. These include human embryonic, induced pluripotent, amniotic and placental, cord and multipotent stem cells. Part two discusses wider issues such as intellectual property, regulation and commercialisation of stem cell technologies and therapies. The final part of the book considers the therapeutic use of stem and progenitor cells. Chapters review the use of adipose tissue-derived stem cells, umbilical cord blood (UCB) stem cells, bone marrow, auditory and oral cavity stem cells. Other chapters cover the use of stem cells in therapies in various clinical areas, including lung, cartilage, urologic, nerve and cardiac repair.With its distinguished editor and international team of contributors, Progenitor and stem cell technologies and therapies is a standard reference for both those researching in cell and tissue biology and engineering as well as medical practitioners investigating the therapeutic use of this important technology. - Reviews the range of progenitor and stem cells available and outlines their therapeutic application - Examines the basic principles for the culture of stem cells before discussing technologies for particular cell types, including human embryonic, induced pluripotent, amniotic and placental, cord and multipotent stem cells - Includes a discussion of wider issues such as intellectual property, regulation and commercialisation of stem cell technologies and therapies
Publisher: Elsevier
ISBN: 0857096079
Category : Technology & Engineering
Languages : en
Pages : 561
Book Description
Progenitor and stem cells have the ability to renew themselves and change into a variety of specialised types, making them ideal materials for therapy and regenerative medicine. Progenitor and stem cell technologies and therapies reviews the range of progenitor and stem cells available and their therapeutic application.Part one reviews basic principles for the culture of stem cells before discussing technologies for particular cell types. These include human embryonic, induced pluripotent, amniotic and placental, cord and multipotent stem cells. Part two discusses wider issues such as intellectual property, regulation and commercialisation of stem cell technologies and therapies. The final part of the book considers the therapeutic use of stem and progenitor cells. Chapters review the use of adipose tissue-derived stem cells, umbilical cord blood (UCB) stem cells, bone marrow, auditory and oral cavity stem cells. Other chapters cover the use of stem cells in therapies in various clinical areas, including lung, cartilage, urologic, nerve and cardiac repair.With its distinguished editor and international team of contributors, Progenitor and stem cell technologies and therapies is a standard reference for both those researching in cell and tissue biology and engineering as well as medical practitioners investigating the therapeutic use of this important technology. - Reviews the range of progenitor and stem cells available and outlines their therapeutic application - Examines the basic principles for the culture of stem cells before discussing technologies for particular cell types, including human embryonic, induced pluripotent, amniotic and placental, cord and multipotent stem cells - Includes a discussion of wider issues such as intellectual property, regulation and commercialisation of stem cell technologies and therapies
Essentials of Stem Cell Biology
Author: Robert Lanza
Publisher: Academic Press
ISBN: 0080884970
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 681
Book Description
First developed as an accessible abridgement of the successful Handbook of Stem Cells, Essentials of Stem Cell Biology serves the needs of the evolving population of scientists, researchers, practitioners and students that are embracing the latest advances in stem cells. Representing the combined effort of seven editors and more than 200 scholars and scientists whose pioneering work has defined our understanding of stem cells, this book combines the prerequisites for a general understanding of adult and embryonic stem cells with a presentation by the world's experts of the latest research information about specific organ systems. From basic biology/mechanisms, early development, ectoderm, mesoderm, endoderm, methods to application of stem cells to specific human diseases, regulation and ethics, and patient perspectives, no topic in the field of stem cells is left uncovered. - Selected for inclusion in Doody's Core Titles 2013, an essential collection development tool for health sciences libraries - Contributions by Nobel Laureates and leading international investigators - Includes two entirely new chapters devoted exclusively to induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells written by the scientists who made the breakthrough - Edited by a world-renowned author and researcher to present a complete story of stem cells in research, in application, and as the subject of political debate - Presented in full color with glossary, highlighted terms, and bibliographic entries replacing references
Publisher: Academic Press
ISBN: 0080884970
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 681
Book Description
First developed as an accessible abridgement of the successful Handbook of Stem Cells, Essentials of Stem Cell Biology serves the needs of the evolving population of scientists, researchers, practitioners and students that are embracing the latest advances in stem cells. Representing the combined effort of seven editors and more than 200 scholars and scientists whose pioneering work has defined our understanding of stem cells, this book combines the prerequisites for a general understanding of adult and embryonic stem cells with a presentation by the world's experts of the latest research information about specific organ systems. From basic biology/mechanisms, early development, ectoderm, mesoderm, endoderm, methods to application of stem cells to specific human diseases, regulation and ethics, and patient perspectives, no topic in the field of stem cells is left uncovered. - Selected for inclusion in Doody's Core Titles 2013, an essential collection development tool for health sciences libraries - Contributions by Nobel Laureates and leading international investigators - Includes two entirely new chapters devoted exclusively to induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells written by the scientists who made the breakthrough - Edited by a world-renowned author and researcher to present a complete story of stem cells in research, in application, and as the subject of political debate - Presented in full color with glossary, highlighted terms, and bibliographic entries replacing references
Stem Cell Manufacturing
Author: Joaquim M.S. Cabral
Publisher: Elsevier
ISBN: 0444632662
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 342
Book Description
Stem Cell Manufacturing discusses the required technologies that enable the transfer of the current laboratory-based practice of stem cell tissue culture to the clinic environment as therapeutics, while concurrently achieving control, reproducibility, automation, validation, and safety of the process and the product. The advent of stem cell research unveiled the therapeutic potential of stem cells and their derivatives and increased the awareness of the public and scientific community for the topic. The successful manufacturing of stem cells and their derivatives is expected to have a positive impact in the society since it will contribute to widen the offer of therapeutic solutions to the patients. Fully defined cellular products can be used to restore the structure and function of damaged tissues and organs and to develop stem cell-based cellular therapies for the treatment of cancer and hematological disorders, autoimmune and other inflammatory diseases and genetic disorders. - Presents the first 'Flowchart' of stem cell manufacturing enabling easy understanding of the various processes in a sequential and coherent manner - Covers all bioprocess technologies required for the transfer of the bench findings to the clinic including the process components: cell signals, bioreactors, modeling, automation, safety, etc. - Presents comprehensive coverage of a true multidisciplinary topic by bringing together specialists in their particular area - Provides the basics of the processes and identifies the issues to be resolved for large scale cell culture by the bioengineer - Addresses the critical need in bioprocessing for the successful delivery of stem cell technology to the market place by involving professional engineers in sections of the book
Publisher: Elsevier
ISBN: 0444632662
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 342
Book Description
Stem Cell Manufacturing discusses the required technologies that enable the transfer of the current laboratory-based practice of stem cell tissue culture to the clinic environment as therapeutics, while concurrently achieving control, reproducibility, automation, validation, and safety of the process and the product. The advent of stem cell research unveiled the therapeutic potential of stem cells and their derivatives and increased the awareness of the public and scientific community for the topic. The successful manufacturing of stem cells and their derivatives is expected to have a positive impact in the society since it will contribute to widen the offer of therapeutic solutions to the patients. Fully defined cellular products can be used to restore the structure and function of damaged tissues and organs and to develop stem cell-based cellular therapies for the treatment of cancer and hematological disorders, autoimmune and other inflammatory diseases and genetic disorders. - Presents the first 'Flowchart' of stem cell manufacturing enabling easy understanding of the various processes in a sequential and coherent manner - Covers all bioprocess technologies required for the transfer of the bench findings to the clinic including the process components: cell signals, bioreactors, modeling, automation, safety, etc. - Presents comprehensive coverage of a true multidisciplinary topic by bringing together specialists in their particular area - Provides the basics of the processes and identifies the issues to be resolved for large scale cell culture by the bioengineer - Addresses the critical need in bioprocessing for the successful delivery of stem cell technology to the market place by involving professional engineers in sections of the book
Principles of Tissue Engineering
Author: Robert Lanza
Publisher: Elsevier
ISBN: 008053967X
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 1039
Book Description
The opportunity that tissue engineering provides for medicine is extraordinary. In the United States alone, over half-a-trillion dollars are spent each year to care for patients who suffer from tissue loss or dysfunction. Although numerous books and reviews have been written on tissue engineering, none has been as comprehensive in its defining of the field. Principles of Tissue Engineering combines in one volume the prerequisites for a general understanding of tissue growth and development, the tools and theoretical information needed to design tissues and organs, as well as a presentation of applications of tissue engineering to diseases affecting specific organ systems. The first edition of the book, published in 1997, is the definite reference in the field. Since that time, however, the discipline has grown tremendously, and few experts would have been able to predict the explosion in our knowledge of gene expression, cell growth and differentiation, the variety of stem cells, new polymers and materials that are now available, or even the successful introduction of the first tissue-engineered products into the marketplace. There was a need for a new edition, and this need has been met with a product that defines and captures the sense of excitement, understanding and anticipation that has followed from the evolution of this fascinating and important field.Key Features* Provides vast, detailed analysis of research on all of the major systems of the human body, e.g., skin, muscle, cardiovascular, hematopoietic, and nerves* Essential to anyone working in the field* Educates and directs both the novice and advanced researcher* Provides vast, detailed analysis of research with all of the major systems of the human body, e.g. skin, muscle, cardiovascular, hematopoietic, and nerves* Has new chapters written by leaders in the latest areas of research, such as fetal tissue engineering and the universal cell* Considered the definitive reference in the field* List of contributors reads like a "who's who" of tissue engineering, and includes Robert Langer, Joseph Vacanti, Charles Vacanti, Robert Nerem, A. Hari Reddi, Gail Naughton, George Whitesides, Doug Lauffenburger, and Eugene Bell, among others
Publisher: Elsevier
ISBN: 008053967X
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 1039
Book Description
The opportunity that tissue engineering provides for medicine is extraordinary. In the United States alone, over half-a-trillion dollars are spent each year to care for patients who suffer from tissue loss or dysfunction. Although numerous books and reviews have been written on tissue engineering, none has been as comprehensive in its defining of the field. Principles of Tissue Engineering combines in one volume the prerequisites for a general understanding of tissue growth and development, the tools and theoretical information needed to design tissues and organs, as well as a presentation of applications of tissue engineering to diseases affecting specific organ systems. The first edition of the book, published in 1997, is the definite reference in the field. Since that time, however, the discipline has grown tremendously, and few experts would have been able to predict the explosion in our knowledge of gene expression, cell growth and differentiation, the variety of stem cells, new polymers and materials that are now available, or even the successful introduction of the first tissue-engineered products into the marketplace. There was a need for a new edition, and this need has been met with a product that defines and captures the sense of excitement, understanding and anticipation that has followed from the evolution of this fascinating and important field.Key Features* Provides vast, detailed analysis of research on all of the major systems of the human body, e.g., skin, muscle, cardiovascular, hematopoietic, and nerves* Essential to anyone working in the field* Educates and directs both the novice and advanced researcher* Provides vast, detailed analysis of research with all of the major systems of the human body, e.g. skin, muscle, cardiovascular, hematopoietic, and nerves* Has new chapters written by leaders in the latest areas of research, such as fetal tissue engineering and the universal cell* Considered the definitive reference in the field* List of contributors reads like a "who's who" of tissue engineering, and includes Robert Langer, Joseph Vacanti, Charles Vacanti, Robert Nerem, A. Hari Reddi, Gail Naughton, George Whitesides, Doug Lauffenburger, and Eugene Bell, among others
Regenerative Medicine and Stem Cell Biology
Author: Nagwa El-Badri
Publisher: Springer Nature
ISBN: 3030553590
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 381
Book Description
This textbook covers the basic aspects of stem cell research and applications in regenerative medicine. Each chapter includes a didactic component and a practical section. The book offers readers insights into: How to identify the basic concepts of stem cell biology and the molecular regulation of pluripotency and stem cell development. How to produce induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and the basics of transfection. The biology of adult stem cells, with particular emphasis on mesenchymal stromal cells and hematopoietic stem cells, and the basic mechanisms that regulate them. How cancer stem cells arise and metastasize, and their properties. How to develop the skills needed to isolate, differentiate and characterize adult stem The clinical significance of stem cell research and the potential problems that need to be overcome. Evaluating the use of stem cells for tissue engineering and therapies (the amniotic membrane) The applications of bio-nanotechnology in stem cell research. How epigenetic mechanisms, including various DNA modifications and histone dynamics, are involved in regulating the potentiality and differentiation of stem cells. The scientific methods, ethical considerations and implications of stem cell research.
Publisher: Springer Nature
ISBN: 3030553590
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 381
Book Description
This textbook covers the basic aspects of stem cell research and applications in regenerative medicine. Each chapter includes a didactic component and a practical section. The book offers readers insights into: How to identify the basic concepts of stem cell biology and the molecular regulation of pluripotency and stem cell development. How to produce induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) and the basics of transfection. The biology of adult stem cells, with particular emphasis on mesenchymal stromal cells and hematopoietic stem cells, and the basic mechanisms that regulate them. How cancer stem cells arise and metastasize, and their properties. How to develop the skills needed to isolate, differentiate and characterize adult stem The clinical significance of stem cell research and the potential problems that need to be overcome. Evaluating the use of stem cells for tissue engineering and therapies (the amniotic membrane) The applications of bio-nanotechnology in stem cell research. How epigenetic mechanisms, including various DNA modifications and histone dynamics, are involved in regulating the potentiality and differentiation of stem cells. The scientific methods, ethical considerations and implications of stem cell research.
Essential Current Concepts in Stem Cell Biology
Author: Beate Brand-Saberi
Publisher: Springer Nature
ISBN: 3030339238
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 247
Book Description
This textbook describes the biology of different adult stem cell types and outlines the current level of knowledge in the field. It clearly explains the basics of hematopoietic, mesenchymal and cord blood stem cells and also covers induced pluripotent stem cells. Further, it includes a chapter on ethical aspects of human stem cell research, which promotes critical thinking and responsible handling of the material. Based on the international masters program Molecular and Developmental Stem Cell Biology taught at Ruhr-University Bochum and Tongji University Shanghai, the book is a valuable source for postdocs and researchers working with stems cells and also offers essential insights for physicians and dentists wishing to expand their knowledge. This textbook is a valuable complement to Concepts and Applications of Stem Cell Biology, also published in the Learning Materials in Biosciences textbook series.
Publisher: Springer Nature
ISBN: 3030339238
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 247
Book Description
This textbook describes the biology of different adult stem cell types and outlines the current level of knowledge in the field. It clearly explains the basics of hematopoietic, mesenchymal and cord blood stem cells and also covers induced pluripotent stem cells. Further, it includes a chapter on ethical aspects of human stem cell research, which promotes critical thinking and responsible handling of the material. Based on the international masters program Molecular and Developmental Stem Cell Biology taught at Ruhr-University Bochum and Tongji University Shanghai, the book is a valuable source for postdocs and researchers working with stems cells and also offers essential insights for physicians and dentists wishing to expand their knowledge. This textbook is a valuable complement to Concepts and Applications of Stem Cell Biology, also published in the Learning Materials in Biosciences textbook series.
Advances in Application of Stem Cells: From Bench to Clinics
Author: Firdos Alam Khan
Publisher: Springer Nature
ISBN: 3030781011
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 320
Book Description
The field of stem cell biology is expanding with a continued surge of new information related to its applications. Over past few years, stem cells have been extensively used in cell therapy, tissue engineering, in vitro drug testing among others. At the moment there is no single book available which comprehensively describes the significance of various application of stem cells derived from embryonic and adult sources from lab to clinics. In this edited volume, we discuss basics and advanced topics of stem cells to help researchers, students and professional find the most important information in a single source of updated information about stem cells and relevant applications. This book is divided in 12 chapters and covers topics such as in vitro cell culture, 3D cell culture, cell therapy, tissue engineering, cell factory, cell functionality, in vitro drug testing, organ development, autologous transplantation, allogeneic transplantation, adult stem cells, multipotent stem cells, induced pluripotent stem cells, a pluripotent and embryonic stem cells.
Publisher: Springer Nature
ISBN: 3030781011
Category : Medical
Languages : en
Pages : 320
Book Description
The field of stem cell biology is expanding with a continued surge of new information related to its applications. Over past few years, stem cells have been extensively used in cell therapy, tissue engineering, in vitro drug testing among others. At the moment there is no single book available which comprehensively describes the significance of various application of stem cells derived from embryonic and adult sources from lab to clinics. In this edited volume, we discuss basics and advanced topics of stem cells to help researchers, students and professional find the most important information in a single source of updated information about stem cells and relevant applications. This book is divided in 12 chapters and covers topics such as in vitro cell culture, 3D cell culture, cell therapy, tissue engineering, cell factory, cell functionality, in vitro drug testing, organ development, autologous transplantation, allogeneic transplantation, adult stem cells, multipotent stem cells, induced pluripotent stem cells, a pluripotent and embryonic stem cells.
Stem Cells: A Very Short Introduction
Author: Jonathan Slack
Publisher: Oxford University Press
ISBN: 0192640399
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 160
Book Description
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 Very 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.
Publisher: Oxford University Press
ISBN: 0192640399
Category : Science
Languages : en
Pages : 160
Book Description
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 Very 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.