The Proteus Effect Named Finalist for L.A. Times Book Prize

Newswise — The L.A. Times Book Prize has included The Proteus Effect: Stem Cells and Their Promise for Medicine by Ann B. Parson on its list of finalists for the 2004 prize in the Science & Technology category.

The Proteus Effect, published by the Joseph Henry Press in fall 2004, shows readers what stem cells are, where they come from, and why they possibly represent a turning point in medicine.

"The Proteus Effect primarily looks at the science of stem cell research, but I think it also provides a clear picture of the moral and ethical issues that have arisen with this science," Parson says. "I try to contribute to the debate by presenting the facts. Ultimately, I want readers to judge for themselves whether stem cell research should continue and the limitations that should or should not be set regarding its future. I hope that by reading my book—by understanding the science that has led up to the controversy, and the promise of what could be accomplished—they will walk away being able to make an educated decision."

The L.A. Times Book Prize, which began in 1980, recognizes remarkable achievement in nine categories of writing, ranging from fiction to poetry to science & technology. Winners will be announced at an April 22 gala ceremony in Los Angeles that kicks off the newspaper's 10th annual Festival of Books.

"We are thrilled that the L.A. Times Book Prize has chosen to honor this book, which deals with a very important breakthrough in medicine and biology," said Senior Editor Jeffrey Robbins, who acquired Parson's book. "One of the reasons we acquired this book was for its clear and balanced presentation of the basic science and social issues of stem cell research."

The Proteus Effect has received accolades from a number of publications, including placement on the Library Journal's list of the Best Sci-Tech Books for General Readers in 2004. Other reviews included:

"One of the most timely and topical popular science books of the year, this title gives the essential background, puts forth the possibilities, and also grapples with the sensitive moral issues involved with this kind of research." " Library Journal "Parson does a thorough and thoughtful job of discussing the potentials of stem cell medicine and the challenges, both scientific and political, that it is facing. By providing readers with enough solid information to make up their own minds on stem cell research, The Proteus Effect should have a pretty good legacy of its own. It may well be the most important science book of the year." " San Jose Mercury News

"A well-researched, highly readable book. ... Parson wonderfully describes the discovery of both types [embryonic and adult] of cells." " The New York Post "Ann B. Parson has written a timely and cogent account of the history of stem-cell research and the prospects for its future clinical applications. ... Most importantly, Parson highlights the complexities involved in the work and tempers the hype that stem-cell-generated cures are just around the corner." " The New Republic "For those seeking to understand the science of stem cells—and not just the politics—this book is a good start." " San Diego Union-Tribune "A breezy, easily accessible narrative of the people, results and ideas that have shaped the field. ... Parson engages the debate between supporters and opponents of human embryo research by allowing the main players to speak for themselves. She doesn't advocate for or against, although the book's subtitle leaves no doubt as to her own position. The final chapter provides a balanced assessment of the therapeutic potential of stem cells in both the short and the long term disease by disease and organ by organ. All in all, Parson admirably brings to life the stem-cell story from a tiny Maine fishing village to the battle for the American presidency in 2004." " Lee M. Silver in Nature

"[Parson] has the rare ability to make the complex world of science understandable for the general reader. ... Ms. Parson clarifies for the non-scientist what stem cells are, how they differentiate, what cell transplantation is, and explains the difference between embryonic and adult stem-cell research. ... The great virtue of The Proteus Effect is that it makes this complex and awe-inspiring scientific endeavor commonsensical to her readers, too." " The Standard-Times

"While her account is well researched and balanced, Parson writes with a journalist's eye for the human interest story, personalizing the history with narratives about scientists' experiments and discoveries. She concludes the volume with a realistic view of the possible benefits of stem cell research." " Book News

Parson is a science journalist who has covered a range of topics in the areas of medicine, technology, and the environment. She is co-author of Decoding Darkness: The Search for the Genetic Causes of Alzheimer's Disease. Parson is also co-author of Menopause. She has written dozens of articles for a range of publications, among them The Boston Globe, The New York Times, McCalls, The San Diego Union-Tribune, and Harvard Health Letter. From 1990 to 1998, she taught in Boston University's graduate program in science journalism. She currently resides in South Dartmouth, Massachusetts.

To read more about The Proteus Effect go to http://www.nap.edu/catalog/11003.html.

The Joseph Henry Press, trade imprint of the National Academies Press, was created with the goal of making books on science, technology, and health more widely available to professionals and the public. The National Academies Press is the publisher for the National Academies—National Academy of Sciences, National Academy of Engineering, Institute of Medicine, and National Research Council.