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Stem Cell Wars: Inside Stories from the Frontlines


by Eve Herold
by George Daley

List Price: $14.95
Price: $11.21
You Save: $3.74 (25%)
Available: Usually ships in 24 hours
Sales Rank: 86732
Studio: Palgrave Macmillan
Binding: Paperback
Number Of Pages: 256
Publication Date: September 18, 2007
Publisher: Palgrave Macmillan


EDITORIAL REVIEWS

Product Description
Americans have become the victims of misinformation about stem cell research. Over the last few years, the stem cell debate has been intensely political, religious, and confusing to many people. Now, Eve Herold explains what this science is all about, who is for and against it, and why it must go forward. She pulls together fascinating stories to highlight every aspect of this multifaceted field. She exposes the politics of stem cell research and demonstrates how the outcome of the debate could ultimately affect all of us. Packed with real-life stories of the people caught up in this groundbreaking struggle, Stem Cell Wars cuts through the noise and sets the standard for future debate.


CUSTOMER REVIEWS (Average Customer Rating: 5.0 based on 6 reviews)

Inadequate  
While the theme and argument of the book is easy to agree with (that is if you are not a religious fanatic), it provided insufficient information about what it alleges to provide - the inside stories from Capitol Hill about the debate of this important issue.
Eve Herold starts out by first briefly citing historic examples where religious theologies and ideologies impeded scientific progress. One can literally write volumes about this topic as the sheer number of such examples in history is unfathomable. Hence, it could have been omitted. She provided good, brief explanations and reviews of the science of stem cell research, in language that most laymen can comprehend.
She discusses Bush's policy and only a few inside stories from Washington DC about the politics surrounding this issue, highlighting especially senator Sam Brownback as the biggest fighter against this stem cell research, going as far as sponsoring bills that would criminalize science of stem cell research of any kind! (This theocrat needs to be voted out of office!)
In almost each chapter, Eve Herold covers individual cases of people who could be helped by the science of stem cell research, strengthening her case. Finally, in the last chapters, she covers the Korean controversy in detail and gives a brief overview of current British policy towards stem cell research.

The reason I found it inadequate is because I expected more, as well as, more detailed stories regarding the precise politics of this issue, referring to specific Senators and Congressmen who stand against this vital research. I wanted them to get exposed and get voted out. Being a biologist, I was at times bored reading about the science of it or that religious bigotry prevents this research. Those are well known facts. I wanted more exposure for the fools who stand against it, and I felt to that end it was insufficient. However, for starters, this book is very good and worth the read.
March 26, 2007

Amazing Book  
Strongly recommend Stem Cell Wars. Gives a science based report of stem cell research from it's beginnings to the political perils it faces today. Not overly scientific. Very informative while making a strong case for the continuation of the research while not being biased.
February 08, 2007

War on TERRORble Diseases  
Stem Cell Wars: InsideStories from the Frontlines by Eve Herold provides an excellent account of the forces that have shaped the delay of meaningful federal funding of stem cell research. It's the first of it's kind to describe the incredible obstacles that stem cell advocates have faced in their eight year fight for future cure, since human embryonic stem cells were first derived by Dr. Jamie Thompson.



Other books have focused on explaining the biology of stem cell research in lay terms, or the religious controversy related to stem cell research. And though Eve Herold's book also describes these aspects of the issues surrounding the immense promise of stem cell research, she devotes a considerable portion of this fascinating book at the crux of the issue: the fact that much needed advances in stem cell research are being held hostage by the absolutist views of a minority of Americans.



The urgency of this next revolution in medicine is revealed in the well-written accounts of the true suffering encountered by fellow advocates who are burdened by various incurable medical conditions.



She also explains that there is great support for embryonic stem cell research among many Christian denominations including the Episcopal Church, the Presbyterian Church and the United Methodist Church. ( I wish she would have added that ironically our current president is a member of the United Methodist Church).



Unfortunately stem cell advocates have been at a disadvantage compared to the well-funded and highly organized anti abortion lobby which has politicized the entire issue. Both Eve's chapters on the hijacking of the issue by the politics of abortion as well as the profound political spin using what she calls "weapons of mass distraction" are a must read for anyone who wants to be fully informed about what has been holding back the research. Meanwhile the relatively new and inexperienced Pro-Cures advocates have had to unite and get "organized" primarily under the banner of the Coalition for the Advancement of Medical Research, to battle these obstructionist forces which have even gone as far as trying to criminalize the research at the UN level.



Bernard Siegel of the Genetics Policy institute played a pivotal role in averting that proposed UN ban, while international media seemed unaware of the upcoming UN vote and the profound impact it could have on the average person. His story is one of the highlights of the book



In her closing chapter Eve makes the case for federal regulation of stem cell research to provide ethical oversight as well as to ensure safety associated with cellular transplants.


As a long time stem cell research activist, I have kept up to date on many of the aspects described in Stem Cell Wars and know the content of this book to be very factual. It is an easy read and as patients are still fighting for their lives, I welcome this book as a comprehensive portrayal from the frontlines of what Jon Stewart calls the "War on TERRORble Diseases."



November 14, 2006

Great read for anyone curious about stem cell research!  
This is a great book for anyone interested in keeping up with the current political debate on stem cell research. Eve Herold presents the scientific side of the argument without overlooking the emotional overtones of this important issue. Moreover, she presents her points clearly and with respect to the general public who may not be as familiar with the topic as scientific experts.
November 03, 2006

"Foiling 'Weapons of Mass Deception' Attacks on Stem Cell Research"  
Though issues of war and peace, and the very survival of the United States as a constitutional democracy demand our attention, there are also other important issues - matters relevant to the quality of our lives and health. Stem cell policy is one of these, and has become a focus of considerable political controversy. Every voting citizen deserves the chance to read a clear-eyed introduction to the issues surrounding stem cells in the gritty realm of politics and policy. Eve Herold's "Stem Cell Wars: inside Stories from the Frontline," provides just that opportunity.

Before I say more, I should offer a disclaimer: I've come know the author over the past year or so in her capacity as the director of research, policy, and education for the Genetics Policy Institute (GPI). This kind and thoughtful woman plays a key role in developing programs for conferences which integrate science, policy, and patient advocacy on stem cell research. In the meetings I've attended, she demonstrated a deep understanding of the issues within a broad and humane perspective. And so, I was acquainted with Eve Herold's voice before "hearing" it in print. But my inclination to be favorably disposed towards "Stem Cell Wars," was more than confirmed by reading the book.

"Stem Cell Wars" is written for a general audience in a clear and engaging way. But, it is Herold's passion for the subject, fueled by her deep compassion for individuals suffering from medical conditions that might well benefit from the research that drives this book. She is unapologetic for her sense of outrage at the slight of hand, deception, and disingenuous maneuvering she deplores in the chapter, "Political Spin and Weapons of Mass Distraction." She helps us see more clearly how some opponents to abortion see thwarting embryonic stem cell research as a way to indirectly undermine Roe vs. Wade. And, her first-hand account of the Korean cloning scandal enriches our understanding of this contemporary history.

There is sufficient detail in "Stem Cell Wars," but the reader will never be overwhelmed by it. Herold has a way of lucidly distilling the essence of her arguments.

In addition, George Daly, a prominent stem cell research has written a masterful foreword for the book, which itself, is engaging, and concisely insightful.

"Stem Cell Wars" should help the reader to understand that embryonic stem cell research is not immoral, as claimed by some. On the contrary, as Herold argues, it is morally imperative for us to give this research a chance fulfill its potential to bring better treatments and even cures for conditions that afflict many millions.

If what I have written has not convinced you that this is an important book, please note that several right wing and fundamentalist blogs have been quick to vehemently trash it. It would seem that they really don't want you to read "Stem Cell Wars."

That's understandable I guess. After all, what you don't know can't hurt them.

October 31, 2006


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