Reading “Flesh Made New”: Hype, hope, and fraud in stem cell research
For decades, stem cell therapy and stem cell research have generated much hope and controversy for the public and scientific community alike. While the controversy is still raging, the publication of ‘Flesh Made New’, a popular science book, is a timely contribution. In this book, hematologist and stem cell expert John Rasko teamed up with historian and writer Carl Power to chart the 100-year history of stem cell research, and the result is a mesmerising narrative of successes, failures, promises, even frauds.
Most of us are no stranger to stem cells. Over the past 10 years or so, stem cell therapy and stem cell research have inspired many headlines in popular media. Some scientists and doctors enthusiastically embrace on the research and treatment using stem cells. Funding agencies and philanthropy groups are keen to support stem cell research. Patients with incurable diseases desperately seek stem cell therapy as the last hope. We are promised that stem cells will one day be used for treating a multitude of ailments, ranging from dementia, autism, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, Parkinson’s disease, heart failure to type 1 diabetes. However, virtually all promises have not been materialized, and patients are still hopeful. The media, scientists and patients have collectively generated much hope and hype. It is the…