Local Cells Global Science

The text discusses the global movement of tissues, stem cells, and expertise in the field of biotechnology, specifically in India. It explores the impact of local and global governance on research and the sourcing of biogenic materials. The study also examines the potential exploitation of gender in this process and suggests the development of a moral economy. The book is based on an empirical, multi-sited ethnographic study and offers a comparative analysis of ethical, religious, and social issues in Europe, the United States, and India. It utilizes social anthropology and the social sciences to provide a unique and innovative perspective on the topic. The text will be of interest to postgraduates and professionals in the fields of STS studies, genetics, bioethics, and anthropology.

One of the first studies of an exciting new development in global biotechnology, this cutting edge text examines the extent of the transnational movements of tissues, stem cells, and expertise, in the developing governance framework of India. Documenting the impact of local and global governance frames on the everyday conduct of research, this groundbreaking book traces the journey of 'spare' human embryos in IVF clinics to public and private laboratories engaged in isolating stem cells for potential therapeutic application. The discussion also examines the gender dimension as a potential site for exploitation in the sourcing of embryonic and other biogenic materials, and suggests that a moral economy has developed in which the ethical values of the global North support and encourage the donation of abundant and ethically 'neutral' embryos by the South.This unique exploration is grounded in an empirical, multi-sited ethnographic study that takes a thoroughly comparative analysis of the ethical, religious and social issues in Europe, the United States, and organ donations already prevalent in India. In this theoretically-sensitive analysis, the authors use the resources of social anthropology and the social sciences in an innovative text which will appeal to postgraduates and professionals in the areas of STS studies, genetics, bioethics, and anthropology.