Proteus Effect, The: Stem Cells and Their Promise for Medicine

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.