title: Stem cell research in Brazil: the production of a new field of science.
abstract: Based on a review of the literature published in the early twenty-first century by Brazilian researchers, the article offers an overview of stem cell research in Brazil. Three central topics were detected in these papers: (1) the funding of stem cell research in Brazil; (2) preclinical and clinical trials in Brazil; and (3) social anthropological analysis focused on ethical and legal matters. Our review identifies controversial questions in the construction of this scientific field, especially issues involving the media as a disseminator of values and of certain social representations, where new kinds of hope figure large. Within this climate of uncertainty, we find patients and their families energized by the promises of the "medicine of the future."
authors.affiliation: Professora, Instituto de Medicina Social/Universidade do Estado do Rio de Janeiro. Rua São Francisco Xavier, 524, Pavilhão João Lyra Filho, 6º andar, bloco E, sala 07. 20550-013 - Rio de Janeiro - RJ - Brasil. rtzorzanelli@hotmail.com.
authors.forename: Rafaela Teixeira
authors.initials: RT
authors.lastname: Zorzanelli
authors.affiliation: Doutoranda, Instituto de Estudos em Saúde Coletiva (Iesc)/ Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ). Avenida Horácio Macedo, s.n., bloco A, sala 7. 21941-598 - Rio de Janeiro - RJ - Brasil. angelasperoni@gmail.com.
authors.forename: Angela Vasconi
authors.initials: AV
authors.lastname: Speroni
authors.affiliation: Professora, Iesc/UFRJ. Avenida Horácio Macedo, s.n., bloco A, sala 7. 21941-598 - Rio de Janeiro - RJ - Brasil. raisengartm@terra.com.br.
authors.forename: Rachel Aisengart
authors.initials: RA
authors.lastname: Menezes
authors.affiliation: Professora, Faculdade de Enfermagem/Université de Montréal. CP 6128, succ. Centre-ville H3C 3J7 - Montréal - Québec - Canadá. aleibing@videotron.ca.
authors.forename: Annette
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Leibing