This volume investigates human genetic biobanking and its regulation in various Asian countries and areas, including Japan, Mainland China, Taiwan, Hong Kong, India and Indonesia.. It sheds light on how cultural, socio-political and economic factors influence the set-up of bioethical regulation for human genetic biobanks and how bioethical sensitivities surrounding biobanks are handled.

Apart from placing discourses of trust in an international perspective, the comparative materials presented in this volume also put into perspective the concepts of genetic theft and exploitation, and genetic wealth and trust. This collection contains case studies of biobanking practices in societies with different needs and welfare levels, and provides insights into government strategies towards genetic resources by examining bioethics as practised at home.

Proteins of Iron Metabolism presents a clear picture of the structure and function of the main proteins involved in iron metabolism. The book gives you a detailed description of the structure and function of each protein, and discusses the structure and regulation of the corresponding genes in parallel. It supplies an analysis of the differential expression and regulation of these proteins. Numerous figures offer an integrated view of iron metabolism at the level of various tissues. The book delineates the mechanisms controlling cellular iron metabolism and shows how these mechanisms adapt to the differential and peculiar iron need of different cell types. Each chapter contains extensive bibliographical information providing a wide reference to the literature. The comprehensive coverage of the advances in understanding the mechanisms controlling cellular iron metabolism, especially at the molecular level, found in this book will give you insight into the regulation of iron metabolism. Proteins of Iron Metabolism fills the need for a clearly written, comprehensive review of the latest research, putting every thing you need in one easy-to-use resource.

This significantly updated and expanded new edition presents the scientific foundations of inhalation research essential to the design and conduct of toxicologic studies. It explores the full range of numerous scientific developments in the field, including recent advances in biology and the rapidly increasing global concerns and studies on particulate air pollution.

Key topics in the "Second Edition" include:

- new developments in the ultrafine particle health effects and concentrated aerosol research

- advances in understanding postnatal lung growth and the deposition and clearance of inhaled particles

- new techniques in toxicity testing

- the explosion of knowledge in the genetic and molecular realms

- the introduction of a large number of transgenic animal models

- updated ethical guidelines for animal testing

- the emergence of aerosol medicine

- the growing threat of aerosol-related terrorism

- increased appreciation of nonpulmonary effects of inhaled substances

- use of medical scanning techniques to study respiratory tract structure

- the introduction of new inhalation exposure systems

- the emergence of aerosol concentrators for use in air pollution studies

A firm grasp of the functions of living organisms is one of the most important prerequisites to pharmacy study. The long-awaited second edition of Essentials of Human Physiology presents concepts in physiology in a way that prepares students for their subsequent study of pathophysiology, pharmacology, and pharmacotherapeutics. Thoroughly revised and updated, this text maintains the clarity of the first edition, yet provides important new information to give students a solid grounding in some of the most important aspects of pharmacy. As with the first edition, the book begins with an overview of the fundamental aspects of cell membrane physiology with particular emphasis on nerve cell function. This is followed by a detailed discussion of the two major regulatory systems in the body: the nervous system and the endocrine system. The book then continues with in-depth presentations of the reproductive, muscular, cardiovascular, immune, respiratory, digestive, and renal systems. An important focus throughout the text is how tissue and organ function are regulated in order to maintain homeostasis. New in This Edition: * All 19 chapters updated and expanded * Revised and additional subsections of pharmacy applications * New sections on medical terms with pronunciations and definitions * New chapters on the reproductive and immune systems * Additional figures and tables to clarify information . This book was written by Laurie Kelly McCorry, a professor of physiology for eighteen years. Using simple, straightforward language, the text presents the science of physiology clearly so that undergraduate students will understand the relevance of these concepts as they relate to the practice of pharmacy. By studying and mastering the principles in this text, students will develop a secure foundation in human physiology so that they are better equipped to meet the challenges in their pharmacy career.

Combining topics from numerous applications in biomechanics, Applied Biomedical Engineering Mechanics demonstrates how to analyze physiological processes from an engineering perspective and apply the results to tertiary medical care. The book extends its discussion to the investigation of diagnostic and surgical procedures. It also presents guidelines for prostheses design and explains how to optimize performance in sports games such as soccer, baseball, and gymnastics.

Using a problem-based format, the book explains how to-

- Formulate diagnostic and interventional procedures, based on the analysis of physiological and organ system-based processes

- How human anatomical structures and physiological processes are designed for optimal functionality

- Develop orthopedic surgical approaches, using pre-surgical analysis

- Assess and promote fitness, and analyze sports games to maximize competency.

The world-class instruction presented within Applied Biomedical Engineering Mechanics clearly demonstrates how to quantify physiological processes in order to formulate solutions to various medical problems.

Disorders of the Autonomic Nervous System, the fifth volume in The Autonomic Nervous System book series, is a description of the disorders which give rise to autonomic failure and orthostatic hypotension. Each chapter is prepared by an international authority in the diagnosis and treatment of that disorder. The language and terminology are clear enough to promote understanding of the clinical problems and the underlying concepts of basic science. The most recent data, especially that derived from molecular biology, is included in the discussions of relevant diseases. Hence, the volume provides an unparalleled source of information about this area of medicine and will be helpful not just to practising clinicians but also to basic scientists researching in the field who need to familiarize themselves with the clinical problems.

This book explores the cultural history of embryology in Tibet, in culture, religion, art and literature, and what this reveals about its medicine and religion. Filling a significant gap in the literature this is the first in-depth exploration of Tibetan medical history in the English language. It reveals the prevalence of descriptions of the development of the human body - from conception to birth - found in all forms of Tibetan religious literature, as well as in medical texts and in art. By analysing stories of embryology, Frances Garrett explores questions of cultural transmission and adaptation: How did Tibetan writers adapt ideas inherited from India and China for their own purposes? What original views did they develop on the body, on gender, on creation, and on life itself? The transformations of embryological narratives over several centuries illuminate key turning points in Tibetan medical history, and its relationship with religious doctrine and practice. Embryology was a site for both religious and medical theorists to contemplate profound questions of being and becoming, where topics such as pharmacology and nosology were left to shape secular medicine. The author argues that, in terms of religion, stories of human development comment on embodiment, gender, socio-political hierarchy, religious ontology, and spiritual progress. Through the lens of embryology, this book examines how these concerns shift as Tibetan history moves through the formative 'renaissance' period of the twelfth through to the seventeenth centuries.

The fastest growing demographic in both developed and developing societies around the world, the elderly bring unique medical and financial health-care burdens. In response to this phenomenon, a large and growing body of research is directed toward the science of healthy aging. A substantial amount of observational data points to the consumption of a plant-based diet as a factor in lowering the risk of multiple chronic degenerative age-related diseases. The 6th International Phytochemical Conference, Phytochemicals: Aging and Health, focused on the particular concerns of nutrition in the aging population, as well as new aspects of research methodology, real-world applications, and updates or expansions of previously introduced topics. Drawn from the illustrious panel of scientists and researchers who spoke at the conference, Phytochemicals: Aging and Health begins by highlighting the prevailing theories on aging, including dietary manipulation and the role of phytochemical medicinals or supplements in health. Contributions present state-of-the-art methodologies for polyphenolic analysis, bioavailability, and metabolism-crucial tools that answer pressing questions such as "are there age related changes in flavonoid bioavailability?" The following chapters provide research results on botanicals and inflammation, green tea formulations and skin health, and the effects of phytochemicals on vision, brain function, and cardiovascular disease. The book concludes with forward-looking discussions on applying nutrient-gene interaction research findings to individual dietary recommendations, along with the step-by-step process to commercialize botanical products for allergy relief. Continuing to introduce the highest-quality, groundbreaking research, Phytochemicals: Aging and Health provides pragmatic information for food companies, supplement manufacturers, and researchers interested in developing functional foods and nutraceuticals for the aging population.

This book is a synopsis of the key facts and concepts of human development. It is intended for students who are taking a human embryology course. The book includes the underlying mechanisms involved in clinically important congenital anomalies that will prove useful to medical and nursing.

Reveals an Emerging Avenue of Potential Treatments for a Host of Challenging Diseases and Disorders The H3 receptor is known to play a major role in a range of CNS disorders, including those affecting cognitive functions such as ADHD and Alzheimer's disease, as well as sleep disorders, obesity, epilepsy, schizophrenia, depression, and neurodegeneration. In light of dramatic advances in research at the molecular level, supported by impressive clinical studies, optimism remains high that an H3 receptor-related drug could hit the market soon. The Third Histamine Receptor: Selective Ligands as Potential Therapeutic Agents in CNS Disorders provides a thorough grounding in advances made over the last two decades. It brings together an elite group of 30 pioneering researchers. In writing about their own work, these scientists report on the cutting-edge investigations that are now being conducted across a variety of disciplines. This text is designed to aid researchers and inform those involved in the treatment and clinical aspects of a number of histamine-related diseases. Presents Several Disease-Specific Chapters Certainly, the most comprehensive and cutting-edge volume in the field, this text includes material drawn from groundbreaking research techniques and patent literature. Put together with great thought and passion, it is written to serve as a primary resource for anyone involved with or interested in the identification and localization of H3 receptors and the ligands being developed as therapeutic agents to treat a wide range of diseases including some that were once considered intractable.

Selected as a Doody's Core Title for 2022! Delivering the most up-to-date information available in a rich, engaging presentation, Medical Physiology: Principles for Clinical Medicine, 6th Edition, instills a complete understanding of physiology essential to effective clinical practice. This robust text not only details how the human body reacts to internal and external changes but also provides a deep understanding of how physiologic systems coordinate to maintain optimal health, as well as the involvement of altered functions in disease processes. Extensively updated throughout and fully aligned with today's medical curriculum, the 6th Edition emphasizes the physiologic principles key to understanding human function, places them in their fundamental context in clinical medicine, and provides opportunities for student self-directed and team-based learning through case studies, clinical application exercises, and board-style review questions. NEW! Physiology of Aging and Organ Function chapter details the impact of aging on the body as it relates to human function. New and revised content throughout familiarizes you with the latest perspectives on cardiovascular physiology, neuromuscular physiology, gastrointestinal physiology, endocrine physiology, exercise physiology, and more. Updated USMLE-style review questions with answers provide valuable self-assessment and board exam prep. Clinical Focus essays clarify how and where physiology relates to clinical medicine and diagnosis. Integrated Medical Sciences essays alert you to important connections between physiology and other basic sciences. Clinical Applications exercises offer practice applying clinical knowledge and solving problems. Conceptual diagrams strengthen comprehension of difficult concepts and present both normal and abnormal clinical conditions. Active Learning Objectives, Chapter Summaries, and full-color artwork and tables make learning engaging and efficient. Additional online resources provide instant access to animations, additional review questions, additional clinical application exercises, advanced clinical problem-solving exercises, and suggested readings.

In every sport, there are athletes who represent true technical excellence. Their movement seems effortless and efficient: they create and control forces in the most effective way. Functional force management, the foundation for effective sporting movement and injury resistance, results from the integration of stability, mobility, coordination and balance. These elements combine to prevent the physical restrictions, imbalances and inefficient muscle recruitment patterns which can block athletes from meeting their movement goals. The right muscles firing at the right time and in the right sequence can enable athletes to achieve their full physical potential. Full of colour photographs and images to illustrate the techniques and theories involved, Stability, Sport, and Performance Movement introduces functional stability principles as they apply to sporting movement. A comprehensive chapter on movement testing is followed with four chapters of integrated exercise techniques, which clearly demonstrate form and progression from early activation through to higher-level neuromuscular drills.Programmes and clinical examples help the reader to appreciate the application of this approach across a variety of sports. It is an approach that has been used with international-level athletes in disciplines as diverse as swimming, badminton, gymnastics, karate, cycling, weight lifting, basketball, athletics, snow sports, football, golf, equestrian sports, and tennis. Effective movement starts with great foundations, and these are applicable and relevant across all age groups and ability levels, from beginners through to veterans.

The discovery of the two inherited susceptibility genes BRCA1 and BRCA2 in the mid-1990s created the possibility of predictive genetic testing and led to the establishment of specific medical programmes for those at high risk of developing breast cancer in the UK, US and Europe. The book provides a coherent structure for examining the diversity of practices and discourses that surround developments linked to BRCA genetics, and to the evolving field of genetics more broadly. It will be of interest to students and scholars of anthropology, sociology, history of science, STS, public health and bioethics. Chapter 8 of this book is freely available as a downloadable Open Access PDF under a Creative Commons Attribution-Non Commercial-No Derivatives 3.0 license. https://s3-us-west-2.amazonaws.com/tandfbis/rt-files/docs/Open+Access+Chapters/9780415824064_oachapter8.pdf

Recognition that aging is not the accumulation of disease, but rather comprises fundamental biological processes that are amenable to experimental study, is the basis for the recent growth of experimental biogerontology. As increasingly sophisticated studies provide greater understanding of what occurs in the aging brain and how these changes occur, new possibilities emerge for limiting the effects of aging on neural function. A single source reference is necessary to keep abreast of the recent advances and future directions of gerontology research. Brain Aging: Models, Methods, and Mechanisms offers a selective overview of the research in this rapidly expanding field. A valuable resource for new and established investigators of the aging brain, this volume reviews critical studies of brain aging in new animal models, as well as advances in brain imaging techniques that permit investigations in aging humans with increasingly higher resolution. Detailed discussions link the information from human and animal studies to illustrate a comprehensive picture of the mechanism of aging. Emphasizing normal brain aging rather than pathological degeneration, the text provides an understanding of fundamental age-related changes in the nervous system and hypothesis-driven research into their basis. The book includes critical analyses of the distinct methodological challenges inherent in investigating the aging nervous system. Contributions from distinguished leaders and pioneers in their respective fields address data and mechanisms, as well as models and methods that are key to the study of aging. Each chapter is extensively referenced and highlights experimental concerns that are magnified or unique to the aging brain. Outlining relevant methods and techniques, this book provides scientists, researchers, and clinicians with a broad understanding of the important progress and implications for the future of this significant field.

report on the latest developments in the field with new information in basic as well as in clinical sciences, S"odium in Health Diseases," covers both the physiology of sodium balance and how it relates to disease. Expertly written, its concise text examines ATPase, transport and receptor systems, and sodium balance as it relates to sex hormones, genes, and body fluid. This text will also examine disease based on animal models, genetic disorders, and the influence of sodium on pulse pressure, isolated systolic hypertension, and its blood pressure sensitivity.

"Sodium in Health and Disease" will

- cover the newest data on sodium transport by the epithelial sodium channel or the impact of renal structure proteins on sodium transport

- discuss the latest developments in our understanding of the role of aldosterone and 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase in the regulation of sodium balance.

- present original observations on the role of salt in isolated systolic hypertension and in the development of arterial stiffness.

- give new data on renal sodium handling in women and in diabetes and the metabolic syndrome.

Important topics covered:

- the epithelial sodium channel

- renal structure proteins and sodium transport

- the 11-beta-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase

- the Integrative regulation of sodium sodium

Employing a uniform, easy-to-use format, Vitamin Analysis for the Health and Food Sciences, Second Edition provides the most current information on the methods of vitamin analysis applicable to foods, supplements, and pharmaceuticals. Highlighting the rapid advancement of vitamin assay methodology, this edition emphasizes the use of improved and sophisticated instrumentation including the recent applications and impact of the widely adopted LC-MS. Designed as a bench reference, this volume gives you the tools to make efficient and correct decisions regarding the appropriate analytical approach--saving time and effort in the lab.

Each chapter is devoted to a particular vitamin and begins with a brief review of its uniqueness and its role in metabolism. The authors stress a thorough understanding of the chemistry of each compound in order to effectively analyze it and to this end provide the chemical structure and nomenclature of each vitamin, along with tabular information on spectral properties. They supply extensive insight into practical problem-solving including an awareness of the stability of vitamins and their extraction from different biological matrices. All information is heavily documented with the latest scientific papers and organized into easily read tables covering topics necessary for accurate analytical results.

After presenting the chemistry and biochemistry of the vitamin, each chapter details the commonly used analytical and regulatory methods. A summary table gives at-a-glance information on many of these sources, as well as several of the AOAC International Methods. In addition the authors apply their extensive experience in the field to create a critical, interpretive review of the advanced methods of vitamin analysis with sufficient detail to be a valuable guide to cutting-edge methodology.

From one person to the next, optimal health is governed by a huge array of minor genetic differences. When modulated by a variety of food bioiactives, these differences result in changes in gene expression and subsequent phenotypic expression. Combining biomedical and social science with contributions from leaders in both fields, Personalized Nutrition: Principles and Applications illustrates molecular, physiological, epidemiological, and public health aspects with examples from major diseases and discusses the behavioral, ethical, and consumer perspectives that will influence a successful introduction of personalized nutrition. Divided into three sections, the book answers pertinent questions crucial to the mainstream acceptance of personalized nutrition: to what extent is this personal diet-and-health relationship practically valid? how can nutrition science demonstrate this? And what is the proposition of stakeholders in society, including the consumer? The book begins with an overview of the state-of-the-science in nutrigenomic technologies including transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics. It covers the use of genomics technology for a better understanding of the molecular mechanisms involved in major diet-related chronic disorders such as chronic inflammation, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, cancer, and obesity. Section two compares the practices and opinions of scientists, food companies, consumers, competitive athletes, and health care providers on the subject of personalized nutrition. It reviews marketing potential, consumer attitudes, and the ethical issues surrounding personalized advice. The final section focuses on humanitarian concerns related to developingcountries and calls for international efforts to develop best practices, collaboration, and dataset sharing. The authors also consider ongoing innovations in food technology, nutrigenomics, and food delivery systems.

Why are boxers actually better than briefs? How can hamsters help determine what's wrong with my sperm? My wife's already moody enough - why am I injecting her with even more hormones? Do I have to fill the whole cup at the fertility clinic? If you're a man going through fertility treatments with your significant other, these might be just a few of the questions you've faced. And, much to your dismay, you've realised the answers are a lot harder to find than you'd like. Until now. "How to Make Love to a Plastic Cup" is the man's guide to anything and everything related to infertility. But it's not just the same old boring nuts and bolts (no pun intended). Author Greg Wolfe, who went through four cycles of IVF on his journey to fatherhood, lays it all out with side-splitting humor. From understanding a woman's cycle, to 'porn etiquette' at the clinic, to detailed instructions on administering hormone shots, this book has everything a man needs to know to get the job done. For those men tired of searching the bookshelves for a volume that speaks to their experiences in the wild world of infertility (and for those women whose men don't quite get it), there's no need to look further. "How to Make Love to a Plastic Cup" covers the whole gamut of information for couples dealing with infertility in a fresh, engaging way any man can appreciate.

Cannabis, Cannabinoids, and Endocannabinoids offers a comprehensive reference on natural and synthetic cannabinoids, providing coverage on both adverse and non-adverse effects, including reactivity to pain, changes in behavior and neuroactivity. This volume updates on research on the effects of these compounds in brain function and neurological dysfunction, offering readers a comprehensive reference on medical usage and the symptom relief provided by these compounds. With coverage of neurological diseases like Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s, and a wide range of other afflictions, including depression, anxiety, nausea and cancer, this broad coverage expounds on the physiological, psychological and pharmacological effects of these compounds. Unique case reports are also provided, creating a platform for research on the use of these compounds in improving patient care, brain function and neurological dysfunction. As the endocannabinoid system has been implicated in various neurological conditions, this book is a welcomed resource on the topics presented.

The controversial topic of the technology of Pre-implantation Genetic Diagnosis, and the muddled approach to this subject adopted by the UK Parliament, is explored in detail in this volume. The author takes the viewpoint that the HFEA has taken insufficient notice to date of certain core ethical principles and makes the case for a much more ethically consistent and humane system than has been managed so far.

Arguing that many of the fears and objections levied against Robert Nozick's notion of the 'Genetic Supermarket' by disability activists, christian bioethicists and radical feminists, amongst others, are internally inconsistent, philosophically unsound or merely highly improbable, the author considers a number of individual policy decisions of the HFEA and addresses such questions as:

• Can a case be made out for state involvement in such decisions?
• Who stands to be harmed by a supermarket model?
• Are any ethical principles or societal interests threatened by it?

This book is an essential resource for law students of all levels and professionals working within or interested in medical and healthcare law and medical genetics.

The controversial topic of the technology of Pre-implantation Genetic Diagnosis, and the muddled approach to this subject adopted by the UK Parliament, is explored in detail in this volume. The author takes the viewpoint that the HFEA has taken insufficient notice to date of certain core ethical principles and makes the case for a much more ethically consistent and humane system than has been managed so far.

Arguing that many of the fears and objections levied against Robert Nozick's notion of the 'Genetic Supermarket' by disability activists, christian bioethicists and radical feminists, amongst others, are internally inconsistent, philosophically unsound or merely highly improbable, the author considers a number of individual policy decisions of the HFEA and addresses such questions as:

• Can a case be made out for state involvement in such decisions?
• Who stands to be harmed by a supermarket model?
• Are any ethical principles or societal interests threatened by it?

This book is an essential resource for law students of all levels and professionals working within or interested in medical and healthcare law and medical genetics.

Relevant to students, academics and practitioners across the globe, this original volume highlights contemporary issues associated with assisted reproduction and embryology and critically analyzes the law surrounding human reproduction in the light of case law and technological developments since the Human Fertilisation and Embryology Act (HFE Act) Act was passed in 1990. Tackling issues from an interdisciplinary perspective, the authors identify and evaluate areas that have provoked intense public and academic debate as well as those where further or renewed regulation is needed. Focusing primarily on the legal and ethical issues involved in regulating this area in the UK, which is at the forefront of developing legislation in this area, this book has international relevance as many countries have used the UK as a model for their own legislation. This text is suitable for a broad range of readers, including legal academics, law students and practitioners interested in the areas of medical/healthcare law and ethics, bioethics and moral philosophy, family law, sociology and reproductive medicine and genetics.

Understanding immunology is increasingly important in obstetrics and gynecology. Written primarily to meet the needs of practicing obstetricians and gynecologists, this book explores the role of immunological processes in reproduction. It presents immunologic concepts and illustrates important points with examples familiar to the clinician. The book is organized into four sections that explore the fundamentals of the immune system, the immunological paradox of pregnancy, clinical applications of immunology in obstetric and gynecologic practice, and immunopathology in obstetric and gynecologic practice. Written mainly for practicing obstetricians and gynecologists, the research results cited in the book are based on human experimentation. Fully illustrated with clear schematic drawings that highlight important concepts and processes, The Immunology of Human Reproduction gives readers an essential overview of immunology as it relates to human reproduction.

Growing old-what is it like? What are the main problems of the aging? Lack of fulfillment in their work and life? Loneliness? Anxiety about sickness and disability? Fear of death? This well-documented, theoretically systematic, and vivid account of the process of aging provides highly enlightening answers and dispels once and for all many of the myths surrounding the close to 20 million Americans who are over sixty-five. Building upon the results of extensive interviews conducted over a period of 5 1/2 years, the authors have developed the concept of "Life Styles," a new method of describing and analyzing the general pattern and course of an individual's life. They have established the existence of six styles and have concluded that a successful transition to old age can be achieved through any of them. They have also developed a definition of success, which has practical implications, since it deals with the extent to which an individual contributes or is a burden to the lives of those around him. The combined analysis of "style" and "success" results in a better understanding of individual differences in aging. The cases are described and analyzed so interestingly and yet methodically that the reader comes to know and understand the subjects as if he had worked with them in person. In addition, the wealth of detail the case histories contain permits scholars and students to judge for themselves the validity of the authors' findings. Derived from this unusually rich body of material, the authors' conclusions and recommendations are invaluable to all concerned with the study, the treatment, and the counseling of the aged. "Lives Through the Years" is a pioneering volume of social inquiry and interpretation, which marks a major scientific advance in its field, opens up new horizons for fruitful research, and offers a stimulating and authoritative portrayal of one of the most important problems of our society. "Richard H. Williams" is Special Assistant to the Director, National Institute of Mental Health. Formerly chief of the Professional Services Branch of the Institute, Dr. Williams is a specialist in psychiatric rehabilitation and mental health aspects of the aging process. "Claudine G. Wirths" is a Consultant at the National Institute of Mental Health. She has served state and city governments and the Department of Defense in various capacities, chiefly as a consulting psychologist. "Talcott Parsons" (1902-1979) was professor of sociology, Harvard University where he set up the Department of Social Relations. He published more than 150 books and articles.

Stem cell research has been a problematic endeavour. For the past twenty years it has attracted moral controversies in both the public and the professional sphere. The research involves not only laboratories, clinics and people, but ethics, industries, jurisprudence, and markets. Today it contributes to the development of new therapies and affects increasingly many social arenas. The matrix approach introduced in this book offers a new understanding of this science in its relation to society. The contributions are multidisciplinary and intersectional, illustrating how agency and influence between science and society go both ways. Conceptually, this volume presents a situated and reflexive approach for philosophy and sociology of the life sciences. The practices that are part of stem cell research are dispersed, and the concepts that tie them together are tenuous; there are persistent problems with the validation of findings, and the ontology of the stem cell is elusive. The array of applications shapes a growing bioeconomy that is dependent on patient donations of tissues and embryos, consumers, and industrial support. In this volume it is argued that this research now denotes not a specific field but a flexible web of intersecting practices, discourses, and agencies. To capture significant parts of this complex reality, this book presents recent findings from researchers, who have studied in-depth aspects of this matrix of stem cell research. This volume presents state-of-the-art examinations from senior and junior scholars in disciplines from humanities and laboratory research to various social sciences, highlighting particular normative and epistemological intersections. The book will appeal to scholars as well as wider audiences interested in developments in life science and society interactions. The novel matrix approach and the accessible case studies make this an excellent resource for science and society courses.