Cell of Cells: The Global Race to Capture and Control the Stem Cell

Features

• Cover Type: Hard Cover with 512 pages
• Published by: W. W. Norton
• Edition: 1st Edition March 26, 2007
• Written in: English
• ISBN 10 Number: 0393058778
• ISBN 13 Number: 978-0393058772
• Book Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.4 x 1.4 inches
• Weighs: 1.9 pounds

Library Journal
Science journalist Fox traveled to Egypt, Israel, Singapore, Japan, China, Korea, and the United States to talk with scientists, patients, and physicians dealing with stem cells through such work as laboratory research in mice; clinical applications in oncology, cardiovascular medicine, tissue engineering, regenerative medicine, and cosmetic plastic surgery; and attempts to clone mammoth DNA in Siberia. More is happening in the United States than might be readily apparent, given the ban on federal funding. But other countries are definitely racing to take advantage of U.S. restrictions. The issues are as much political as scientific. The promise of stem cells may never be exactly as hoped for, but some patients are being helped in truly new ways. A glossary with definitions and acronyms of all the varieties of stem cells-e.g., adult, embryonic, human embryonic-would have been helpful, but this is both a good introduction to a topic that isn't going away and a gripping and accessible guide to the ongoing work. Recommended for almost any library. [See Prepub Alert, LJ 9/1/05.]-Mary Chitty, Cambridge Healthtech, Needham, MA Copyright 2007 Reed Business Information.

Nature, May 10, 2007
"fast-paced, journalisticinformative and provides insight into the shape of things to come. The author mounts a persuasive case for the need to conduct research using both embryonic and adult stem cells, and pointedly takes to task religious groups and others who are opposed to the use of embryos in research. The portrait that Fox paints of stem-cell science and politics, and of the talented (sometimes flawed) individuals involved, is faithful to reality. She pitches her account squarely in the context of competition between individual scientists, labs and nations, not all of which have been proceeding honourably in the race to revolutionize medicine using stem cells. Few of the mainstream players are missed out. An entire chapter, 'Biopolis', is dedicated to Singapore (where I am based), which punches well above its weight in the stem-cell field. The Biopolis, a conglomeration of glamorous institutes with a world-class infrastructure, is just one of many places where Fox conducted a vast number of interviews, attended conferences and generally did her homework. The author has laboured to be thorough, and tells an interesting story."

Reader Reviews
There have been a number of books about stem cells. Some take a dry scientific approach, others have focused on the political-religious-legislative battles within the United States and how those disputes have forced research abroad. This book, with its emphasis on places and personalities, breaks new ground as a science writer's travelogue. Cynthia Fox spent years jetting around the world, interviewing scientists, touring labs, and documenting discoveries while charting the social and geopolitical forces affecting the stem cell race. You feel what it's like to work in a lab. You can also feel the tensions, which is what ultimately makes this book a good read. Fox had a riveting ringside seat to the famous Korean scandal. But there's much more here; one online reviewer called this an 'essential handicapper's guide', and it proves to be richly rewarding for the details on at least a half dozen other labs around the world, as well as on the proliferating third world quack clinics (which merit a whole chapter). At first I wondered about Fox's use of the frame narratives and cultural sketches, wondering if they were, strictly speaking, necessary; within fifty pages, however, I was won over by Fox's sense of balance and genuine grasp of the scientific challenges. She understands the range of the field. She definitely did her homework. An impressive work of observation, Cell of Cells is a gentle introduction to a difficult subject, and a must-own for anyone working in the stem cell field. Cynthia Fox definitely caught the mood and atmosphere of the times. Comment (1) | | (Report this)