If you wish to grow or characterize embryonic stem cells or persuade them to differentiate into a particular cell type, then this book contains information that is vital to your success. The aim is to provide clear simple instructions and protocols for growing, maintaining and characterizing embryonic stem cells and details of the various methods used to make stem cells differentiate into specific cell types. The contents will be of interest to stem cell biologists, tissue engineers and scientists wishing to use embryonic stem cells for therapeutic purposes. Each chapter has been written and edited by internationally respected scientists working at the cutting edge of technological developments in human embryonic stem cells.