rblog

Stem Cell Now: From the Experiment That Shook the World to the New Politics of Life
Author: Christopher Thomas Scott
Amazon info

I found Stem Cell Now to be a good introduction to the world of stem cells and how therapeutic cloning (taking stem cells from a blastocyst) is completely different than reproductive cloning (generating new life forms from embryos). This is certainly a timely book given the recent presidential veto and provides a very well balanced treatment of the subject. In fact, the presentation is so even-handed that for the first 100 pages or so, it wasn't clear to me, which "side" the author was on. (According to me at least, he is on the correct side.)

There were times I found the technical explanation confusing and I think the author does a better job of exploring the political and philosophical landscapes than on the scientific one - but I believe that for the most part, the reader will come away better informed. Particularly well covered is the difference between embryonic stem cells - those incredibly powerful (totipotent) cells taken from blastocysts and adult stem cells - stem cells found in our bodies today with potentially impressive, but unproven, powers.

On the whole, a worthwhile book - relevant to everyone, but I have a sense that there may be another book with an even better explanation of the science. Until I find that book, I would recommend this book to all readers.