The editors (both of the Institute of Biomaterials and Biomedical Engineering, U. of Toronto, Canada) present 25 chapters detailing protocols for biomedical researchers, clinicians, and biomedical engineers interested in the manipulation of stem cells for de novo tissues regeneration and maintenance of organ homeostasis, covering the blood system, nervous system, epidermis, musculoskeletal system, vascular system, and pancreas and liver and a range of ontogenic stages, from the isolation and culture of stem cells to use in vivo. Some examples of specific topics include derivation and manipulation of murine embryonic stem cells, efficient gene knockdowns in human embryonic stem cells using lentiviral-based RNAi, ex vivo megakaryocyte expansion and platelet production from human cord blood stem cells, isolation and manipulation of mammalian neural stem cells in vitro, regeneration of skin and cornea by tissue engineering, template DNA- strand co-segregation and asymmetric cell division in skeletal muscle stem cells, derivation of contractile smooth muscle cells from embryonic stem cells, and reprogramming of liver to pancreas. The protocols include lists of all necessary materials and reagents, step- by-step instructions, and notes on troubleshooting and pitfalls. Annotation ©2009 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)