This reader-friendly manual provides a practical "hands on" guide to the culture of human embryonic and somatic stem cells. By presenting methods for embryonic and adult lines side-by-side, the authors lay out an elegant and unique path to understanding the science of stem cell practice. The authors begin with a broad-based introduction to the field, and also review legal and regulatory issues and patents. Each experimental strategy is presented with an historical introduction, detailed method, discussion of alternative methods, and common pitfalls. This lab guide for researchers also serves as a textbook for undergraduate and graduate students in laboratory courses. . Offers a comprehensive introduction to stem cell biology and culture for medical and biology researchers investigating diagnostics and treatments for various diseases . Presents a historical introduction, discussion of alternative methods, and common pitfalls for basic and advanced experimental strategies . Includes new chapters devoted to iPS cells and other alternative sources for generating human stem cells written by the scientists who made these breakthroughs