Ken Macleod and the European stem cell research consortium OptiStem have produced a CC-licensed educational comic about genomics called “Hope Beyond Hype.” It’s available as a free download, or as a &gbp;1 hardcopy, with translations to follow in many languages.
‘starts with the true life story of two badly burned boys being treated with stem cell generated skin grafts in 1983. We then follow the successes and setbacks of a group of researchers working together to use stem cells to cure blindness, whilst being introduced to knotty issues that are part of the process, including stem cell regulation and the controversial ethical issues surrounding the subject. Whilst some of the story lines sound like science fiction they are in fact all true, despite the fact the script was written by the well-known Scottish Science Fiction writer, Ken Macleod. Comic book artist Edward Ross illustrated the script with his clear, friendly and attractive artwork, whilst stem cell researchers from OptiStem provided the real-life examples of their research and experiences.’
Macleod is a hell of a science fiction writer, and he’s awfully good at comics, too.
OptiStem launches Hope Beyond Hype on International Clinical Trials Day