The SAGE Encyclopedia of Stem Cell Research. 2nd ed. Edited by Eric E.Bouhassira and Krishna S. Vyas. Los Angeles: SAGE Reference, 2015. 3 vols. Alkaline paper $525 (ISBN 978-1-4833-4768-4)

The study of stem cell research is continually expanding. Bouhassira, an expert in the field of stem cell research and the editor of The SAGE Encyclopedia of Stem Cell Research, 2nd ed., states: “given the increasing size and liveliness of the stem cell biology community and given the huge impact this novel scientific knowledge and technologies will have on society, providing a fully comprehensive view was not possible” (xxxi). With these limitations in mind, Bouhassira’s text focuses on topics that would be of interest to the general public. The encyclopedia examines in great detail topics concerning embryonic (pluripotent), induced pluripotent (iPS), and adult stem cells. More than 500 articles cover a variety of topics concerning stem cell research, ranging from clinical trials and institutions that support stem cell research (such as “Whitehead Institute for Biomedical Research,” “Japan Human Cell Society,” and “Clinical Trials, U.S.: Eye Conditions”) to the ethics and applications of stem cell research (such as “Do No Harm: The Coalition of Americans for Research Ethics,” “Radiation Injury Treatment,” and “Sweat Gland: Existing or Potential Regenerative Medicine Strategies”).

Articles vary in length, from several paragraphs to a few pages and “see also” references, further readings, images, tables, and figures are provided when available. The text is easy to navigate and use. Articles are listed alphabetically and by topic. Additional features such as a glossary, index, and extensive resource guide all aid in the readers’ understanding of stem cell research. Special features include a chronology (a timeline of the history of stem cell research) in addition to three appendices which cover legislation pertaining to stem cell research.

Bouhassira’s encyclopedia does meet its objective of covering a wide range of topics on stem cell research that would be of interest to the general public; however, the detail of the articles, complexity of the writing, and various graphic images (for example, Rat Dissection in “Rat Models to Study Stem Cells”) make it inappropriate for the general consumer. This encyclopedia would be of greater value to researchers, clinicians, medical students, and upper level graduate students. Encyclopedias such as Svendsen and Ebert’s The SAGE Encyclopedia of Stem Cell Research, 1stEdition (2008) is written at a level more appropriate for the general consumer, though it is not as comprehensive as Bouhassira’s text. Another comparable work is Alexander L. Greene’s Encyclopedia of Stem Cell Research (Nova Science 2008). Greene’s text is technical and covers a range of topics related to stem cell research but focuses on the application of stem cell therapy and is not as comprehensive as Bouhassira’s encyclopedia. The SAGE Encyclopedia of Stem Cell Research, 2nd ed. text is an excellent resource and is strongly recommended for medical libraries and universities that support research or curriculum in cellular biology and stem cell research.—Maria C. Melssen, Medical Librarian, Port Clinton, Ohio