Preface

Stem cell research can be traced back for more than 20 years when scientists first isolated embryonic stem cells from mouse blastocysts, and a research article announcing the discovery of human embryonic stem cells emerged in 1998. Stem cell research field has rapidly expanded as new research and experience broaden our knowledge about different aspects of stem cell biology and applications. In the past decade, the stem cell field has grown very rapidly, and continues to be one of the most exciting aspects of biomedical research. This book brings together a number of topics that are related to stem cell development and behavior as well as stem cell applications in the treatment of different human diseases.

Although we could not hope to be comprehensive in the coverage of stem cells of different tissues, our main aim in compiling this book was to bring together a selection of the current progress in understanding stem cell biology and development as well as potential applications of stem cells in the treatments of different human diseases.

In preparing this book, we aimed at making it accessible to not only those working in stem cell biology field, but also to non-experts with a broad interest in stem cells and in human health. Our hope is that this book will be of value to all concerned with stem cell biology, development and application in medicine.