{"product_id":"the-proteus-effect-ann-b-parson-9780309097376","title":"The Proteus Effect: Stem Cells and Their Promise for Medicine","description":"\u003ci\u003eStem cells could be the key that unlocks cures to scores of diseases and illnesses. Their story is at once compelling, controversial, and remarkable. Part detective story, part medical history, The Proteus Effect recounts the events leading up to the discovery of stem cells and their incredible potential for the future of medicine.\u003c\/i\u003e \u003cp\u003e What exactly are these biological wonders -- these things called stem cells? They may be tiny, but their impact is earth shaking, generating excitement among medical researchers -- and outright turmoil in political circles. They are reported to be nothing short of miraculous. But they have also incited fear and mistrust in many. Indeed, recent research on stem cells raises important questions as rapidly as it generates new discoveries. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e The power of stem cells rests in their unspecialized but marvelously flexible nature. They are the clay of life waiting for the cellular signal that will coax them into taking on the shape of the beating cells of the heart muscle or the insulin-producing cells of the pancreas. 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. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e 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 reexamine how we define the beginning of life but how we come to terms with the end of life as well. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e 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. \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eAuthor:\u003c\/b\u003e Ann B. Parson\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eISBN-10:\u003c\/b\u003e 0309097371\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eISBN-13:\u003c\/b\u003e 9780309097376\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePublisher:\u003c\/b\u003e Joseph Henry Press\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eLanguage:\u003c\/b\u003e English\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePublished:\u003c\/b\u003e 10\/02\/2004\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003ePages:\u003c\/b\u003e 312\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eFormat:\u003c\/b\u003e Paperback\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eWeight:\u003c\/b\u003e 0.71lbs\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eSize:\u003c\/b\u003e 8.02h x 5.30w x 0.78d","brand":"Ann B. Parson","offers":[{"title":"Paperback","offer_id":48447633064191,"sku":"9780309097376","price":15.95,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0662\/2982\/9887\/files\/img_3276cf16-f51d-4c5a-b050-c4ee99ff509b.jpg?v=1777233994","url":"https:\/\/www.whiterainbookhouse.com\/products\/the-proteus-effect-ann-b-parson-9780309097376","provider":"WR Book House","version":"1.0","type":"link"}