The Genetic revolution : scientific prospects and public perceptions

Bibliographic Information

The Genetic revolution : scientific prospects and public perceptions

edited by Bernard D. Davis

Johns Hopkins University Press, c1991

  • : pbk

Available at  / 14 libraries

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Note

Based on conference proceedings sponsored by the American Academy of Arts and Sciences

Includes bibliographical references (p. [283]-284) and index

Description and Table of Contents

Volume

ISBN 9780801842351

Description

Remarkable advances in molecular genetics have brought benefits ranging from more flavorful tomatoes to inexpensive human insulin produced in bacteria. But not everyone welcomes the inevitable "genetic revolution." Perhaps because experts and the general public belatedly recognized that the benefits of other technologies have come at great cost--pollution of the environment, exhaustion of natural resources, even damage to the atmosphere--many assume that similarly unintended and unforeseen harmful consequences are inevitable for biotechnology. What monsters and disasters, they wonder, will accompany the miracles of this latest advance?In The Genetic Revolution Bernard D. Davis and other experts address such fears with clear explanations of molecular genetics, its practical applications in biotechnology, its legal implications, and its surprising historical context. In fact, "biotechnology" is as old as civilization itself--and was originally called "domestication": the adaptation of initiallywild organisms, by empirical genetic selection, to meet human needs. And the scientific record shows that, unlike more recent technologies based on the physical sciences, the great benefits of domestication have been remarkably free of harmful side effects. Defenders argue that the new techniques of genetic engineering will simply increase the speed, precision, and range of domestication. However, the purpose will remain the same: to strengthen those traits, in animals, plants, or microbes, that make the organism more useful for humans.To ensure that all sides of the debate are heard, Davis has chosen outstanding contributors with a wide range of viewpoints--from apprehensive toenthusiastic--and a variety of backgrounds, including political science, law, and government regulation, as well as biology and medicine. With the latest information on the likely impact of genetic engineering in agriculture, animal husbandry, ecology, and medical research and practice, The Genetic Revolution introduces scientific facts and informed opinions to an emotional and often confusing public discussion.
Volume

: pbk ISBN 9780801842399

Description

Remarkable advances in molecular genetics have brought benefits ranging from more flavorful tomatoes to inexpensive human insulin produced in bacteria. But not everyone welcomes the inevitable "genetic revolution." Perhaps because experts and the general public belatedly recognized that the benefits of other technologies have come at great cost--pollution of the environment, exhaustion of natural resources, even damage to the atmosphere--many assume that similarly unintended and unforeseen harmful consequences are inevitable for biotechnology. What monsters and disasters, they wonder, will accompany the miracles of this latest advance?In The Genetic Revolution Bernard D. Davis and other experts address such fears with clear explanations of molecular genetics, its practical applications in biotechnology, its legal implications, and its surprising historical context. In fact, "biotechnology" is as old as civilization itself--and was originally called "domestication": the adaptation of initiallywild organisms, by empirical genetic selection, to meet human needs. And the scientific record shows that, unlike more recent technologies based on the physical sciences, the great benefits of domestication have been remarkably free of harmful side effects. Defenders argue that the new techniques of genetic engineering will simply increase the speed, precision, and range of domestication. However, the purpose will remain the same: to strengthen those traits, in animals, plants, or microbes, that make the organism more useful for humans. To ensure that all sides of the debate are heard, Davis has chosen outstanding contributors with a wide range of viewpoints--from apprehensive toenthusiastic--and a variety of backgrounds, including political science, law, and government regulation, as well as biology and medicine. With the latest information on the likely impact of genetic engineering in agriculture, animal husbandry, ecology, and medical research and practice, The Genetic Revolution introduces scientific facts and informed opinions to an emotional and often confusing public discussion.

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Details

  • NCID
    BA13629571
  • ISBN
    • 0801842352
    • 0801842395
  • LCCN
    91011019
  • Country Code
    us
  • Title Language Code
    eng
  • Text Language Code
    eng
  • Place of Publication
    Baltimore
  • Pages/Volumes
    xvi, 295 p.
  • Size
    23 cm
  • Classification
  • Subject Headings
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