Humana Translational Stem Cell Research: Issues Beyond the Debate on the Moral Status of the Human Embryo (Stem Cell Biology and Regenerative Medicine)

Product Description To date, the ethical discussion on human embryonic stem cell research has focused on the moral status of the embryo. This text explores many other ethical, legal and social issues involved in translating stem cell research into medical applications. Review From the reviews: “Hug and Hermerén … have brought together a remarkable group of scholars from various parts of the world to explore the ethical, legal, and social issues that permeate all aspects of ES cell research. … the issues and problems raised by the authors of this thoughtful and thought-provoking collection of papers are timeless and should be read, contemplated, and discussed by all who are directly or indirectly involved in stem cell research.” (John B. Jenkins, The Quarterly Review of Biology, Vol. 88 (2), June, 2013)“This scholarly resource outlines the ethical, legal, and social aspects of translational stem cell research as it is practiced today. … This book is written for students, scholars, scientists, and healthcare professionals … . It should appeal to a wide professional audience. … The information is broad and thorough, and serves as an excellent resource for any scholar, scientist, or healthcare provider seeking to understand and further current dialogue on the topic.” (Elena M. Yates, Doody’s Review Service, June, 2011) From the Back Cover For many years, the ethical discussion surrounding human embryonic stem cell research has focused on the moral status of the embryo. This text takes a wider moral berth and focuses on numerous ethical, legal and social aspects involved in translating the results of stem cell research into diagnostic and therapeutic applications. Translational Stem Cell Research is broken into ten sections. It opens with an overview of the latest in stem cell research, focusing on specific diseases and the treatment of burn victims. Part II discusses the issues involved in the many steps from bench to bedside, ranging from first research in vitro to clinical trials. Part III covers scientific, regulatory and ethical challenges to basic research, and Part IV details issues regarding stem cell banks. Part V explores ethical, economic and strategic issues involved in collaboration between universities and industry, and Part VI addresses legal problems raised by patents on human stem-cell based inventions plus the extent to which there can be technological solutions to a moral dilemma. Part VII presents imaginative ways of communicating research to the general public and how to create conditions for a constructive dialogue. Part VIII probes psychosocial and cultural factors affecting judgment and decisions about translational stem cell research, and Part IX explores problems and procedures raised by an examination of the evaluation of stem cell research projects in research ethics committees. The book closes with a look into the future of translational stem cell research and stem cell-based therapeutic applications.