Reference Reviews

Lawrence Looks at Books

Encyclopedia of Stem Cell Research, edited by Clive N. Svensen and Allison D. Ebert. 2 vols. 902p. Thousand Oaks, CA: Sage, 2008. 978-1-4129-5908-7; 2008-22785. $250.

The regenerative capacity of some human cells has been known for more than half a century. Bone marrow transplants were first performed in the late 1950’s. As researchers worked to understand the success of this technique, they were able to identify hematopoietic stems cells associated with the blood system. Scientists later recognized two basic types of stem cells: embryonic stem cells found in developing embryos and adult or somatic stem cells found in mature layers of tissue. Both types of stem cells are undifferentiated, possess an ability to replicate and may be developed into a variety of specialized cells. These last two characteristics account for the high interest in stem cells for possible therapeutic use in treating everything from spinal cord injuries to Lou Gehrig’s disease. Embryonic stem cells proved the easiest to isolate and reproduce, and consequently are the most studied. However, since most scientifically studied embryonic stem cells originate from discarded embryos produced during in vitro fertilization processes, ethical concerns about their use were raised almost immediately. In 1974, Congress imposed a moratorium on federal funding for such research. The ban lasted until 1993, but was largely restored in 2001. The political controversy has extended far beyond Washington as many states have debated measures to provide replacement funding for stem cell research. With the entry into the fray of advocacy groups on both sides of the issue, the central questions have been muddied further. In any case, one fact is clear. The vast majority of the general public, including politicians, do not fully understand the nature of stem cells, much less their use in research and medicine.

This survey of scientific research undertakes to answer basic questions. What are stem cells? How are they different from other types of human cells? In what ways can they be used? What research is currently underway? What are the legal and ethical issues involved? Numerous biological essays describe the current understanding of stem cells, their known types and physical functioning. The possible applications of stem cells are addressed in entries on diseases, biotechnology, developing industries and clinical trials. The bulk of the 319 entries describe the work of individual scientists, universities and other research institutions to understand stem cells and their potential for medicine. Also noted is the work of advocacy groups and international organizations. The status of stem cell research in each state and 21 other countries is reviewed. The political and ethical debate is addressed in articles on Congressional and executive actions, religious attitudes and legal issues. However, the political confusion on the issue is best presented in appendices documenting federal funding, Congressional hearings on the subject and reports to the President’s Council on Bioethics. In terms of answering the basic questions about stem cells, this set does best in presenting their potential uses and the nature of current research on the subject. Considering the rapid pace of discovery in this developing field, the editors fully understand that their guide will not be the last word on the subject. Nonetheless, they provide an excellent starting point for understanding a truly exciting area of scientific research.
—John R.M. Lawrence