The Immortal Cell: One Scientist's Quest to Solve the Mystery of Human Aging

by Michael D. West

Book Overview

The extraordinary story of the breakthrough discoveries in cell aging, stem cell research, and therapeutic cloning, and the tremendous promise they hold for dramatically extending human life. Dr.... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Hardcover
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0385509286
• ISBN13: 9780385509282
• Release Date: September 2003
• Publisher: Doubleday Books
• Length: 244 Pages
• Weight: 0.92 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.9" x 5.8" x 8.3"

Customer Reviews

WOW...what an illuminating read!

Such a fascinating look into the competitive world of scientific discovery and the breakthroughs that are being uncovered every minute behind closed doors. I love when he gets really technical into the science of the telomere and how this research can both help explain the immortal nature of cancer cells as well as the mortal nature of somatic cells. Shows how truly groundbreaking stem cell research can be (reverting mortal cells into immortal embryonic ones)! GREAT READ and highly recommended!

Brilliant and Passionate

Excellent reicital of one scientist's search for the means to prolong human life. I found it to be a very good introduction to concepts such as stem cells and telomerase - areas I had only vague knowledge. But the best part of the book is its description of Dr. West's passion for ending human death and mortality. Dr. West echoes many thoughts I have had myself - man does not want to die! Despite the narrow minded opposition of obsolete religious teachings, science will find the way to overcome and we will reach one of mankind most long soughts yearnings. Perhaps we will lose part of our humanity in doing so, but in my opinion it will be a transformational change that takes us to the next level of life. This book describes one possible approach on this journey.

WELL WRITTEN!

This book is an excellent foray into the world of longevity research and cellular study. I, as a layman, never lost the focus of the author's intent. I hope we do not have to wait to long for his next book.

Harry Potter in science field

Usually science books are hard to read, but this book isn't at all. This is a gHarry Potterh in science field: an ups-and-downs autobiography of a scientist who wants to cure diseases using the technology of the immortal cells. He met many difficulties, but with his ideas and strenuous efforts and also with the aids of his friends he has overcome them one by one. As we read the book, we have virtual experiences of what he has done, and without any efforts become acquainted with the cell biology and the therapeutic use of the rejuvenated cells. This technology will be able to cure many diseases in near future, ONLY IF the research is not banned but supported. I would recommend this book to anyone who is concerned with diseases such as diabetes, leukemia, and so on.

An Outstanding Science Book: Should Be Read By Everyone

This exciting new book by Dr. Michael West tells the story of stem cell research, nuclear transfer, telomeres, the resetting of the biological clock in somatic cells and much more! As a biologist I found his first hand account interesting and informative! Biotechnology is on the cusp of a bold new age in medicine that could alleviate so much human suffering. Where will these new discoveries lead us and how will we choose to use them? These are just a few of the questions Dr. West takes on in this book. This book should be required reading for everyone especially those who oppose all cloning. This is one of the most exciting books published this year. I could not put this book down and devoured it in three days. I would recommend this book to anyone who wants to know more about science and especially genetics.