Today's announcement of the Noble Prize in Medicine, awarded jointly to Sir John B. Gurdon and Shinya Yamanaka, brought to mind the new title Regenerating Bodies by Julie Kent (now on the new book shelf). Kent does not directly cite either Gurdon and Yamanaka, but her work is nonetheless dependent on their research. Kent writes from a sociological perspective, to engage "with a series of questions about the implications of new and emerging health technologies that use human tissues and cells." She provides a perspective on pluripotent cells that delves into moral, ethical, and social issues, including such dilemmas as defining personhood and the boundaries of the corporal body. It makes for fascinating reading at the interface of science, the humanities and social sciences. Read more about Gurdon's and Yamanaka's research, from today's New York Times.
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