The Genetics Revolution: History, Fears, and Future of a Life-Altering Science

(Hardback)

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What will our lives be like fifty years from now What will we know about ourselves as humans, and how will that affect our lives It's impossible to know the future for certain, but one thing we do knowperhaps nothing will alter our future more than the Genetics Revolution of the past thirty-five years. This book clarifies the history and examines the possible impact of five major areas of genetic research: The Human Genome Project and genetic engineering, In vitro fertilization (IVF) and the technology of reproduction, The Human Genome Diversity Project, which is studying the variation of the human genome, Embryonic stem-cell research, Cloning. All of these areas of research produce two reactions among the general publichope for the improvement of people's lives, and fear of science out of control. The Genetics Revolution examines the scientific, social, and political impacts of the genetics on everyday lifein the past, in the present, and in the future. Each specific topic is contained within its own chapter for ease in accessing specific information. This is an ideal resource for students, teachers, and others preparing research papers. In addition, it integrates science and social science topics in a way that supports topics in the school curricula. The book contains documented, current information that both supports and challenges current thinking about genetics.

Reviews

Over the past 35 years, the field of genetics has been inundated with new discoveries, capturing worldwide attention. In The Genetics Revolution, Morgan addresses the intriguing research on recombinant DNA technology, in vitro fertilization, the human genome diversity project, stem cell research, and cloning. The book is divided into five sections: On the Brink of Altering Life, Beauty and the Beast, Fighting to Save a Gene Pool, Threading an Ethical Needle, and To Clone or Not to Clone: That Is the Question. The author describes hallmark genetic discoveries to frame each research topic in a historical perspective without belaboring the genetic experimental protocols. In addition, the book presents the merits of all the research areas and their potential benefit to society. Finally, it considers ethical, moral, legal, and political issues. Recommended. Upper-division undergraduates and above. * Choice *
The one topic that will probably be most useful for high school students is the recounting of the problems involved with the Human Genome Diversity Project. It is a topic in which the available information is sparse, but one that primarily involves sociology and anthropology aid is meaningful without an understanding of DNA sequencing. * VOYA *
To consider the future of genetic research, Morgan clarifies its history and examines five major research areas: the Human Genome Project and genetic engineering; in vitro fertilization and the technology of reproduction; the Human Genome Diversity Project; embryonic stem-cell research; and cloning. She also examines the scientific, social and political impacts of genetics on everyday life. * SciTech Book News *

Author Bio

Rose M. Morgan, PhD, is professor emerita of biology at Minot State University. She has published over 50 articles in refereed national and international scientific journals, as well as several other books. She is listed in Who's Who in Science and Engineering, Who's Who in Medicine and Healthcare, and Who's Who in America. Currently, she is an independent scholar.