Review of "Science, Politics, Stem Cells and Genes: "

[Mikespice Mike]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of ""Science, Politics, Stem Cells and Genes: "" by Don C. Reed.]

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4 out of 5 stars

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"Science, Politics, Stem Cells and Genes: California’s War on Chronic Disease" by Don C. Reed is a captivating and inspiring book that tells the story of how California became a global leader in stem cell research. The book chronicles the author’s personal journey as a patient advocate and a father of a son with spinal cord injury, as well as the political and scientific battles that shaped the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM), the state-funded agency that supports stem cell research.

The book is divided into four parts, each covering a different aspect of the stem cell saga. The first part, “The Beginning”, recounts the origins of CIRM and the landmark Proposition 71 campaign that created it in 2004. The second part, “The Middle”, describes the challenges and achievements of CIRM in its first decade, such as establishing ethical standards, building research facilities, funding groundbreaking projects, and overcoming legal hurdles. The third part, “The End”, explores the future of CIRM and stem cell research, as well as the author’s reflections on his own role and legacy. The fourth part, “The Appendix”, provides useful information and resources for readers who want to learn more about stem cell science and advocacy.

The book is written in a clear and engaging style, with a mix of facts, anecdotes, humor, and emotion. The author does not shy away from expressing his opinions and passions, but also acknowledges the complexity and controversy of the issues involved. He gives credit to the many people who contributed to the success of CIRM, such as scientists, patients, activists, politicians, donors, journalists, and judges. He also criticizes the opponents and obstacles that hindered or threatened CIRM, such as religious groups, anti-tax groups, federal restrictions, lawsuits, budget cuts, and scandals.

The book is not only a history of CIRM, but also a testament to the power of hope and perseverance. The author shows how stem cell research has advanced our understanding and treatment of various diseases and conditions, such as diabetes, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, cancer, blindness, HIV/AIDS, heart failure, stroke, and spinal cord injury. He also shares his personal experiences and insights as a father of a son with a disability, a husband of a wife with breast cancer, and a survivor of prostate cancer. He illustrates how stem cell research has given him and his family hope for a better future.

I did not find any grammatical errors or typos while reading the book. The book is well written and edited, and follows the rules of standard English. The author uses clear and concise language, and avoids spelling or punctuation mistakes. The book is easy to read and understand, and does not have any confusing or ambiguous sentences. The book is also well formatted and organized, and has a consistent style and tone throughout. The book is a high-quality piece of non-fiction writing that reflects the author’s expertise and professionalism.

I would rate the book 4 out of 5 stars. I think it is a very well-written and informative book that covers a lot of ground on stem cell research and its impact on society. I liked how the author combined his personal stories with factual information and made the book engaging and easy to read. I also appreciated how he addressed the ethical, political, and legal aspects of stem cell research and showed both the challenges and the opportunities it presents. The book is not only a history of CIRM, but also a tribute to the people who made it possible and a vision for the future.

The only reason I did not give the book a perfect score is because I felt that some parts were too biased or opinionated, and did not present a balanced view of the issues. For example, the author was very critical of the opponents of stem cell research, such as religious groups, anti-tax groups, and federal authorities, and did not acknowledge their perspectives or concerns. He also seemed to exaggerate some of the benefits or potential of stem cell research, such as curing all diseases or reversing aging, and did not mention the limitations or risks involved. I think the book could have been more objective and realistic in some aspects.

Overall, I think the book is a great read for anyone who wants to learn more about stem cell research or medical innovation. It is not only informative and educational, but also entertaining and inspirational. It is a book that celebrates the triumph of science over disease, and the triumph of human spirit over adversity.

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"Science, Politics, Stem Cells and Genes: "
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[RutvikPatel]

"Science, Politics, Stem Cells and Genes: California’s War on Chronic Disease" by Don C. Reed is a compelling book that narrates the history of California's rise as a global leader in stem cell research. The book is divided into four parts, each covering a different aspect of the stem cell saga. The author, a patient advocate and father of a son with spinal cord injury, shares his personal journey and the political and scientific battles that shaped the California Institute for Regenerative Medicine (CIRM), the state-funded agency that supports stem cell research. The book is well-written, engaging, and informative, combining personal stories with factual information. The author acknowledges the complexity and controversy of the issues involved and credits various individuals and organizations for their contributions.