Remaking Eden is a fascinating exploration of the future of reprogenetic technologies - a cautiously optimistic look at the scientific advances that will allow us to engineer life in ways that were unimaginable just a few short years ago. Indeed, in ways that go far beyond cloning, and that are at once more thrilling and more frightening. Could a woman give birth to her identical twin sister? Could a child have two genetic mothers? Could a man become pregnant? Could parents choose not only the physical characteristics of their children-to-be, but personalities and talents as well? Will genetic enhancement ultimately change the very nature of our species? The answers will excite some and alarm others. Silver demystifies the science involved in all these possibilities, calmly and efficiently dismantling our preconceptions and misconceptions. Throughout, he examines the profound ethical questions raised by these new technologies. Yet he reminds us that the desire both to have children and to provide them with all possible advantages in life is a uniquely powerful force - a force, he suggests, that will overcome all political and societal attempts to curb the use of reprogenetics.

Winner, 2007 Rachel Carson Prize given by the Society for Social Studies of Science (4S). Assisted reproductive technology (ART) makes babies and parents at once. Drawing on science and technology studies, feminist theory, and historical and ethnographic analyses of ART clinics, Charis Thompson explores the intertwining of biological reproduction with the personal, political, and technological meanings of reproduction. She analyzes the "ontological choreography" at ART clinics--the dynamics by which technical, scientific, kinship, gender, emotional, legal, political, financial, and other matters are coordinated--using ethnographic data to address questions usually treated in the abstract. Reproductive technologies, says Thompson, are part of the increasing tendency to turn social problems into biomedical questions and can be used as a lens through which to see the resulting changes in the relations between science and society. After giving an account of the book's disciplinary roots in science and technology studies and in feminist scholarship on reproduction, Thompson comes to the ethnographic heart of her study. She develops her concept of ontological choreography by examining ART's normalization of "miraculous" technology (including the etiquette of technological sex); gender identity in the assigned roles of mother and father and the conservative nature of gender relations in the clinic; the naturalization of technologically assisted kinship and procreative intent; and patients' pursuit of agency through objectification and technology. Finally, Thompson explores the economies of reproductive technologies, concluding with a speculative and polemical look at the "biomedical mode ofreproduction" as a predictor of future relations between science and society.

Neurogenesis, or the birth of new neuronal cells, was thought to occur only in developing organisms. However, recent research has demonstrated that neurogenesis does indeed continue into and throughout adult life. On going neurogenesis is thought to be an important mechanism underlying neuronal plasticity, enabling organisms to adapt to environmental changes and influencing learning and memory throughout life. A number of different factors that regulate neurogenesis have been identified. Physicial activity and environmental conditions have been known to affect proliferation and survival of neurons. Hormones have also been found to influence the rate of neurogenesis in vertebrates (e.g. testosterone) and invertebrates (eg: ecdysone). Serotonin is believed to play a key role in neurogenesis.

'Quite simply the best book about science and life that I have ever read' - Alice Roberts How does life begin? What drives a newly fertilized egg to keep dividing and growing until it becomes 40 trillion cells, a greater number than stars in the galaxy? How do these cells know how to make a human, from lips to heart to toes? How does your body build itself? Magdalena Zernicka-Goetz was pregnant at 42 when a routine genetic test came back with that dreaded word: abnormal. A quarter of sampled cells contained abnormalities and she was warned her baby had an increased risk of being miscarried or born with birth defects. Six months later she gave birth to a healthy baby boy and her research on mice embryos went on to prove that - as she had suspected - the embryo has an amazing and previously unknown ability to correct abnormal cells at an early stage of its development. The Dance of Life will take you inside the incredible world of life just as it begins and reveal the wonder of the earliest and most profound moments in how we become human. Through Magda's trailblazing research as a professor at Cambridge - where she has doubled the survival time of human embryos in the laboratory, and made the first artificial embryo-like structures from stem cells - you'll discover how early life is programmed to repair and organise itself, what this means for the future of pregnancy, and how we might one day solve IVF disorders, prevent miscarriages and learn more about the dance of life as it starts to take shape. The Dance of Life is a moving celebration of the balletic beauty of life's beginnings.

Who does a woman turn to when, more than anything in the world, she wants to have a child, but her body refuses to cooperate? Sometimes, all you need is a miracle. In 1998, when thirty-seven-year-old Sandra Watson Rapley and her husband Craig married, both decided that they wanted children right away. Sandra expected some difficulty trying to conceive because of uterine fibroids she had removed years ago. However, she was not prepared for the turbulent - and often times disappointing - road she would have to travel to make her dream a reality. After many failed attempts at drug therapy, ovulation calculation, and in-vitro fertilization, the Rapleys finally learned the devastating truth - fibroids inside Sandra's uterus were preventing a successful pregnancy. Following months of discussion, testing, and counseling, the miracle that the Rapleys were praying for arrived in the form of a surrogate. Their sister-in-law, Victoria, selflessly volunteered to be their embryo's oven, and on August 29, 2001, Victoria gave birth to the Rapleys twin sons. Sandra Watson Rapley's struggle with infertility, through the emotional highs and lows and the exciting time when her dream of having a child is finally fulfilled.

This is the highly acclaimed book by Robin Marantz Henig about the early days of in vitro fertilization (IVF) and the ethical and legal battles waged in the 1970s, as well as the scientific advances that eventually changed the public perception of 'test tube babies'. Published in paperback for the first time, this timely and provocative book brilliantly presents the scientific and ethical dilemmas in the ongoing debate over what it means to be human in a technological age. About the author: Robin Marantz Henig is the author of eight books. Her previous book The Monk in the Garden: The Lost and Found Genius of Gregor Mendel, was a finalist for the National Book Critics Circle Award. She writes about science and medicine for the New York Times Magazine, where she is a contributing writer, as well as for publications such as Scientific American, Smithsonian, and The Washington Post. Robin Henig garnered two prestigious awards in 2006: the Science in Society Award, the highest honor in science journalism, awarded by the National Association of Science Writers, and The Watson Davis and Helen Miles Davis Prize awarded by The History of Science Society for the best book in the history of science for general readers.

This book presents a groundbreaking new method that doubles the rates of spontaneous ovulation and significantly improves fertility. Infertility is a growing concern for large portions of the population. Of women aged 15-44, 6.1 million have impaired fertility and 9.3 million women have made use of fertility services. "Fertility Foods" creates a prescriptive programme that increases ovulation, reduces the chance of miscarriage, and significantly improves a couple's probability of successfully getting, and staying, pregnant. From one of the most respected experts in reproductive endocrinology comes this groundbreaking, non-invasive, nutritionally-based method. Groll's specialised research has shown that high insulin levels can hinder normal ovulation and impact a pregnancy's ability to attach to the uterus. "Fertility Foods" combines its nutritional plan with a specific exercise programme that enhances insulin metabolism, this oft-ignored barrier to fertility. Whether couples are taking their first steps in combating infertility or are searching for effective methods to support more advanced fertility treatments, this essential guide is helpful and rewarding for every couple trying for a child.

Overcome your symptoms and live a better life. All the information you need to help you manage endometriosis. One in ten women suffers with endometriosis. So why is there no definitive cure and why does it take an average of 8 years to diagnose? Endometriosis experts Professor Andrew Horne and Carol Pearson explain what Endometriosis is and provide vital information for women who suffer from the disease. Find out: - How to get a diagnosis - What treatment options and care are available to you - How to overcome your symptoms and live a better life - The lifestyle changes you can make that could improve your condition With the voices of countless women at different stages of their journey and advice from a range of specialist healthcare practitioners, Endometriosis provides the information and support to empower anyone with the condition and those close to them.

New medical technology as reported in Preventing Miscarriage; The Good News pinpoints the causes and latest treatments available to prevent loss of pregnancy. This book presents a great deal of information in a sensitive, accessible and thorough manner. Illustrations.

Genitourinary medicine (GUM) is an expanding specialty which is primarily related to the treatment and prevention of sexually transmitted infections (STIs). A number of GUM departments also offer other sexual health services such as contraception, sexual dysfunction and health promotion. Services are provided by multidisciplinary teams which include doctors, nurses, health advisers (who carry out partner notification and counselling), receptionists, laboratory staff and secretarial support. evidence-based, practical information on the specialty, covering medico-legal, ethical, and procedural issues. The first section deals with routine management, special situations and clinical and laboratory processes. The second section covers genitourinary conditions in a disease-orientated style, including sexually transmitted diseases and other genitourinary problems. The third section on HIV provides a contemporary epidemiological overview of this infection, basic viral biology and pathogenesis, a disease-orientated description of conditions both directly related and opportunistic, and their management, and data on special situations such as pregnancy. medicine and infectious diseases, the book also appeals to general practitioners and interested medical students.

"Junaelo Institute Infertility Manual" provides comprehensive infertility information in an easily understood format. It describes the causes of infertility and how they are managed. Couples who have difficulty conceiving will learn how to decide on when to see a physician and what to expect from infertility investigations and treatments. "Junaelo Institute Infertility Manual" helps everyone become more informed partners in the process that is aimed at helping them become pregnant.

Dr. Godwin Meniru is an Assistant Professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology and the Medical Director of Junaelo Institute of Reproductive Medicine. His other three books, "A Handbook of Intrauterine Insemination" (ISBN 0 521 58676 3), "Cambridge Guide to Infertility Management and Assisted Reproduction" (ISBN 0 521 01071 3), and "Prevention of Infertility and Complications in Women" (Soft Cover ISBN 0 595 25722 4; Hard Cover ISBN 0 595 65282 4), have received critical acclaim. Dr. Meniru has authored or co-authored more than 120 scientific papers, abstracts and book chapters. Also, visit the Institute's web site at www.JunaeloReproductiveMedicine.com for additional infertility resources.

The author of this book has a vast experience of teaching Medical and Midwifery students both in Tanzania and abroad. He has also worked as a Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist in public hospitals both in Tanzania and abroad. This book is a testimony of the vast experience of the author. This book describes the management of a woman during pregnancy, childbirth and postpartum as well as care of the newborn. The book gives useful guidlines in the management of normal as well as 'High risk' women during this critical period of their lives. The book has been written in a style which makes it easy to read and understand. It is a book that medical/midwifery students and the practitioners working in health centres will find useful.

Intended as a tool for use by public health officials, research and regulatory scientists and risk managers, this publication seeks to provide a scientific framework for the use and interpretation of reproductive toxicity data from human and animal studies. It also discusses emerging methodology and testing strategy in reproductive toxicity. The text focuses on approaches to assessing reproductive toxicity in males and females, including sexual dysfunction and infertility, and many aspects of developmental toxicity (following both prenatal and postnatal exposure), from conception to sexual maturation. It is an overview of the major scientific principles underlying hazard identification, testing methods and risk assessment strategies in human reproductive toxicity. It also discusses the evaluation of reproductive toxicity data in the context of the extensive risk assessment methodology that has emerged over the past 10-15 years.

This pioneering text formally introduces an all-inclusive approach to preventive health care that is targeted at female factor associated infertility. All female factor problems and related issues are examined critically. This is followed by the proposal of preventive strategies that are based on the three tiers of preventive health care (primary, secondary and tertiary prevention). This exceptional book is currently the only available comprehensive text on the subject. It is an invaluable resource guide for a wide range of medical, health and allied professionals. You will find:

YES, YOU PROBABLY CAN GET PREGNANT
...and the really good news is that most of you can conceive naturally, without expensive high-tech intervention. The six-step mind/body fertility enhancement program from Harvard Medical School could give you the answer.

• How can I relax when I'm worried sick about getting pregnant?
  
• Can antidepressants affect my fertility?
  
• Is there some medicine I can take to increase my sperm production?
  
• Does being a vegetarian increase or decrease my chances of conception?

Start to help yourself by learning the newest information on how simple lifestyle changes affect fertility.

A complete and up-to-date guide for those men (and their partners) concerned about preventing and overcoming impotence. Does increasing age inevitably lead to a sexual decline in men? What are the links between heart attack, stroke, and impotence? Can vasectomy cause sexual dysfunction? Richard Milsten and Julian Slowinksi answer these and numerous other questions in this clear and comprehensive guide to maintaining lifelong sexual health. The authors bring together the two critical areas of expertise--medical and psychological--to explain healthy male sexual function and the problem of sexual dysfunction. With an emphasis on prevention, they discuss the medical and psychological causes of impotence and all available treatment options. Topics include what questions to ask a doctor, what to expect from treatment or therapy, information for women about their partners' health, and a self-evaluation questionnaire. "The Sexual Male" provides important knowledge for men and women of any age.

Reproductive technologies to assist in both human conception and animal breeding are increasingly in demand. These technologies, along with the advent of tissue engineering, have propelled the challenges of tissue collection, preservation, and banking to the research forefront. Using examples drawn from reproductive technologies, Reproductive Tissue Banking presents the scientific principles underlying tissue banking. These examples serve as models for the technology of banking other living tissues, including blood, bone marrow, cornea, and skin. In discussing research emerging from their laboratories and those of others, the authors meld fundamentals of biology, chemistry, and physics with the latest discoveries in the field to give the reader profound insight into research directions and ethical considerations crucial to the advancement of tissue banking.
With its emphasis on human applications and concerns, this book provides a valuable supplement to short courses on tissue preservation and tissue engineering. Researchers in reproductive medicine, animal and veterinary science, and cryobiology will find this book, with its extensive bibliography, a very handy reference.
*
* Written by leading international researchers
* Provides insightful discussions on reproductive tissue banking
* Presents comprehensive citations to relevant literature, both current and historic
* Discusses in vitro preservation of spermatozoa, oocytes, embryos, and gonadal tissues of mammals
* Contains coverage of ethical considerations from a discussion of the splitting of embryos to an exploration of the protection of biodiversity

Get Your Body Ready for the Marathon of Labor!

If you're newly pregnant, you're probably watching your diet carefully, getting plenty of rest, and preparing for the arrival of your new baby. You're also thinking about the big day itself and what the experience of labor will be like. Even if you're following a regular fitness program, you'll want to do everything you can to strengthen and prepare your body for the rigors of labor.

Maternal Fitness features clearly illustrated exercises that focus specifically on the muscle groups you'll use throughout labor, especially the transverse abdominals -- the stomach muscles that play a critical role during delivery. A powerful set of transverse abs can speed labor and delivery and make for a quick recovery. By learning how to strengthen your abdominals and relax your pelvic floor muscles, you'll be able to push more effectively.

While the Maternal Fitness program is designed specifically for the big moment, it also has other benefits, from minimizing backache and fatigue to giving you a welcome head start on getting back into shape after childbirth. Developed by a professional trainer who is also a registered nurse and childbirth educator, the Maternal Fitness program is safe for you and your baby and easy to do. Once learned, it can be incorporated into any workout.

..". extremely valuable. This book] addresses exactly the right questions in a balanced, nuanced way." Journal of the American Medical Association

"Cohen s book is a major contribution to the literature of the inevitable." Medical Humanities Review

"This book provides readers with an insightful overview of the practice of oocyte donation, the broader issues raised by this innovative yet problematic technology and, given the recommendations of NABER, how these issues mights be resolved.... Well written, structured, researched, and thought-provoking, this book makes a timely, important, and worthwhile contribution to the growing body of reproductive technology scholarship." Doody s Health Sciences Book Review Home Page

"Detailed notes; extensive references; comprehensive research... Recommended..." Choice

Leading scholars investigate the difficult ethical, legal, and policy issues that surround egg donation and the new reproductive technologies as a whole. In addition, the book describes procedures at four egg-donation centers and presents a new set of guidelines from the National Advisory Board on Ethics in Reproduction."

Controversies about abortion and women's reproductive technologies often seem to reflect personal experience, religious commitment, or emotional response. Laura M. Purdy believes, however, that coherent ethical principles are implicit in these controversies and that feminist bioethics can help clarify the conflicts of interest which often figure in human reproduction. As she defines the underlying issues, Purdy emphasizes the importance of taking women's interests fully into account. Reproducing Persons first explores the rights and duties connected with conception and pregnancy. Purdy asks whether conceiving a child or taking a pregnancy to term can ever be morally wrong. She challenges the thinking of those who feel the prospect of disability or serious genetic disease should not constrain conception or justify abortion. The essays next look at abortion from a variety of angles. One contends that killing fetuses is not murder; others emphasize the moral importance of access to abortion. Purdy considers the conflicting interests of women and men regarding abortion, and argues against requiring a husband's consent. The book concludes with a consideration of new reproductive technologies and arrangements, including the controversial issue of surrogacy, or contract pregnancy. Throughout, Purdy combines traditional utilitarianism with some of the most powerful insights of contemporary feminist ethics. Her provocative essays create guidelines for approaching new topics and inspire fresh thinking about old ones.

There is a forgotten history to our current debates over reproductive technology - one interweaving literature and science, profoundly gendered, filled with choices and struggles. We pay a price when we accept modern reproductive technology as a scientific breakthrough without a past. Babies in Bottles retrieves some of that history by analyzing the literary and popular science writings of Julian Huxley, J.B.S. Haldane, Charlotte Haldane, Aldous Huxley, and Naomi Mitchison - writings that include representations of reproductive technology from babies in bottles to surrogate mothers. It is to these images, fantasies, practices, and narratives of scientific intervention in reproduction that we must look if we want to understand what acts of ideological construction have been carried out, and are currently being performed, in the name of reproductive technology. Susan Merrill Squier shows how the imaginative construction of reproductive technology helps to shape our contemporary practices. Susan Merrill Squier is Julia Gregg Brill Professor in Women's Studies and English at the Pennsylvania State University, University Park. She is the author of Virginia Woolf and London: The Sexual Politics of the City, editor of Women Writers and the City: Essays in Feminist Literary Criticism, and co-editor of Arms and the Woman: War, Gender, and Literary Representation.

A Guide for Women and Those Who Love Them
Revised Edition

The most up-to-date and authoritative guide for women on the change of life. Includes the latest information on hormone replacement therapy; cancer and heart disease; sexuality in the menopausal years; nutrition; exercise; and much more.

Here is a comprehensive guide to the changes, in lifestyle as well as in body, that menopause brings. When the first edition of the book was published in 1983, reviewers hailed it as the most authoritative and accessible bolume ever written on menopause and the general health and well-being of menopausal women.

Now in paperback for the first time, the completely updated Revised Edition includes several new chapters exploring such crucial women's health topics as the importance of good nutrition and exercise, overcoming smoking and obesity, and improving cardiovascular health. Information on the pros and cons of hormone replacement therapy (HRT), as well as advice for women who cannot take hormones, is included, as is advice on osteoporosis and on when surgery such as hysterectomy is and is not warranted. Throughout the book, in their own candid words, menopausal women relate their experiences going through this transition. Menopause is a guide to living a long, health life and understanding the natural course of the female body.

"Extraordinary depth of information that is beautifully easy to read. A necessity for every health care provider or woman who is approaching menopause."—Isaac Schiff, M.D., professor of obstetrics and gynecology, Harvard Medical School

"Provides readable information and anticipates many of the questions that a woman might ask or should ask . . . Practical and useful, it is a wonderful book."—Florence P. Haseltine, M.D., National Institutes of Health