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by: Ann B. Parson  List Price: $15.95 Amazon.com's Price: $12.44 You Save: $3.51 (22%)Prices subject to change. Availability: Usually ships in 24 hours
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Binding: PaperbackDewey Decimal Number: 616.02774 EAN: 9780309097376 ISBN: 0309097371 Label: Joseph Henry Press Manufacturer: Joseph Henry Press Number Of Items: 1 Number Of Pages: 312 Publication Date: April 05, 2006 Publisher: Joseph Henry Press Studio: Joseph Henry Press Related Items:
Browse for similar items by category: Click to Display Editorial Review: Product Description: Stem cells could be the key that unlocks cures to scores of diseases and illnesses. Their story is at once compelling, controversial, and remarkable. Part detective story, part medical history, "The Proteus Effect" recounts the events leading up to the discovery of stem cells and their incredible potential for the future of medicine. What exactly are these biological wonders - these things called stem cells? They may be tiny, but their impact is earth shaking, generating excitement among medical researchers - and outright turmoil in political circles. They are reported to be nothing short of miraculous. But they have also incited fear and mistrust in many. Indeed, recent research on stem cells raises important questions as rapidly as it generates new discoveries. The power of stem cells rests in their unspecialised but marvellously flexible nature. They are the clay of life waiting for the cellular signal that will coax them into taking on the shape of the beating cells of the heart muscle or the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas. With a wave of our medical magic wand, it's possible that stem cells could be used to effectively treat (even cure) diseases such as Parkinson's disease, diabetes, heart disease, autoimmune disorders, and even baldness. But should scientists be allowed to pick apart four-day-old embryos in order to retrieve stem cells? And when stem cells whisper to us of immortality - they can divide and perpetuate new cells indefinitely - how do we respond? Stem cells are forcing us to not only re-examine how we define the beginning of life but how we come to terms with the end of life as well. Meticulously researched, artfully balanced, and engagingly told, Ann Parson chronicles a scientific discovery in progress, exploring the ethical debates, describing the current research, and hinting of a spectacular new era in medicine. "The Proteus Effect" is as timely as it is riveting. Book Description: Stem cells could be the key that unlocks cures to scores of diseases and illnesses. Their story is at once compelling, controversial, and remarkable. Part detective story, part medical history, The Proteus Effect recounts the events leading up to the discovery of stem cells and their incredible potential for the future of medicine. What exactly are these biological wonders – these things called stem cells? They may be tiny, but their impact is earth shaking, generating excitement among medical researchers – and outright turmoil in political circles. They are reported to be nothing short of miraculous. But they have also incited fear and mistrust in many. Indeed, recent research on stem cells raises important questions as rapidly as it generates new discoveries. The power of stem cells rests in their unspecialized but marvelously flexible nature. They are the clay of life waiting for the cellular signal that will coax them into taking on the shape of the beating cells of the heart muscle or the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas. With a wave of our medical magic wand, it’s possible that stem cells could be used to effectively treat (even cure) diseases such as Parkinson's disease, diabetes, heart disease, autoimmune disorders, and even baldness. But should scientists be allowed to pick apart four-day-old embryos in order to retrieve stem cells? And when stem cells whisper to us of immortality – they can divide and perpetuate new cells indefinitely – how do we respond? Stem cells are forcing us to not only reexamine how we define the beginning of life but how we come to terms with the end of life as well. Meticulously researched, artfully balanced, and engagingly told, Ann Parson chronicles a scientific discovery in progress, exploring the ethical debates, describing the current research, and hinting of a spectacular new era in medicine. The Proteus Effect is as timely as it is riveting. Average Rating:
 Rating:  - Well written - though vital info wasn't citedMs. Parson has the human touch of rendering scientific literature in a reader-friendly way, and for that she's to be commended. But as I mentioned in my much lengthier review of "Stem Cell Now" (by Scott), the reason I rated this with only one star, is solely because I wanted to get the message across that many stem cell authors, such as Parson & Scott, have omitted vital info. Namely, the electronic aspect of the body, and that injuries (or "salt-in-wound effect" and, IMO, also the UV-activated ... Read More Rating:  - Well balanced & engagingParson has done an excellent job in presenting various aspects of the stem cell field in an engaging & vivid manner. Supported by her extensive research & interviews, the content of 'The Proteus Effect' is well balanced, with fascinating & concise information in areas including: history, science, people, commercial potential, political & ethical issues. It is refreshing to see how Parson managed to make a complicated science come to life. Rating: - A historical look at the discovery of the stem cellAbraham Trembley and the hydra, Roy Stevens and Mouse 129, and the purple cell. This is an important book to read because Anne Parson ties together the historical events and patterns that establish the modern understanding of the Stem Cell. Blood Stem cells. 25 Trillion blood cells exist in the blood and every second 2 million blood cells die and are replaced. The key was to find the pluripotent stem cell that differentiated into the blood cell. Find the original parent ... Read More Rating: - A look at what research into fetal stem cells has to sayScience journalist Ann B. Parson presents The Proteus Effect: Stem Cells And Their Promise For Medicine, a fascinating look at what research into fetal stem cells has to say about not only the latest modern medicine, but also the aging process and the destiny of humanity itself. Going from scientific discoveries in 1740 to the cutting-edge research of the modern day, The Proteus Effect looks at not only issues of research and learning, but also political and social concerns regarding stem cell research ... Read More Rating: - Unique treatment of an important subjectI have been active in biomedical research advocacy for many years, and in stem cell advocacy for the past four years , and Ann Parson's book is, without a doubt, the best treatment of this subject I have seen yet. Whether you have a science background, are a patient or patient's family member, or just wondered what Ron Reagan was doing at the Democratic convention, you have probably struggled to understand the complexity of stem cell technology. This is a task that has been complicated by all the media ... Read More 
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