Issues and Dilemmas of Biotechnology: A Reference Guide

(Hardback)

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Description

Recent advances in biotechnology in areas as diverse as agriculture, the environment, food, and healthcare have led to much debate and media attention. This unique reference resource for advanced high school students and teachers explores the science behind these new technologies and examines the stakeholders and their stakes in the various debates. The author presents views of scientists, doctors, insurance companies, and big businesses, among others, on such issues as genetic testing, patenting of human gene sequences, cloning, and genetically engineered food. Each chapter addresses a specific issue with the goals of helping readers understand all the different ways biotechnology is being explored and implemented in our lives today, as well as to critically perceive the arguments being made concerning these issues. Students will learn there is more to biotechnology than cloning sheep, that it is also used for such purposes as making cheese and beer. Each topic is presented as a Case Study describing of a range of technologies and a diversity of stakeholders that will allow users to draw their own conclusions. This introduction to the technologies and the debates surrounding them also encourages students to take advantage of the many available sources for further research, particularly on the Internet.

Reviews

A well-organized book for advanced high school students, undergraduates and teachers....it is accurate and comprehensive.-Choice
Recommended for purchase for the high school level and above. Any academic library should consider this title for their collection-American Reference Books Annual
Schacter has managed to pack an amazing amount of information into this short book. The science and technology dominates and is very much up to date....I found the book informative and would recommend it to my students....Schacter has not succumbed to the temptation to exaggerate either the sucess or the dangers of biotechnology, but has pointed out the strengths and weaknesses of the methods as part of her commitment to provide readers with the technical base to make their own judgments if and when the situation arises. The book should provide a welcome antidote to both the hype and the panic surrounding advances in biotechnology.-Journal of Chemical Education
"A well-organized book for advanced high school students, undergraduates and teachers....it is accurate and comprehensive."-Choice
"Recommended for purchase for the high school level and above. Any academic library should consider this title for their collection"-American Reference Books Annual
"Schacter has managed to pack an amazing amount of information into this short book. The science and technology dominates and is very much up to date....I found the book informative and would recommend it to my students....Schacter has not succumbed to the temptation to exaggerate either the sucess or the dangers of biotechnology, but has pointed out the strengths and weaknesses of the methods as part of her commitment to provide readers with the technical base to make their own judgments if and when the situation arises. The book should provide a welcome antidote to both the hype and the panic surrounding advances in biotechnology."-Journal of Chemical Education

Author Bio

BERNICE SCHACTER is a biotechnology consultant and visiting professor at Wesleyan University.