Review by Choice Review
Genomic science has been the subject of headline news stories on and off for the past 30 years. Today, new methods of gene editing have revived speculations about human enhancement, and easy access to personal genealogical and biomarker analysis brings up conversations about genetic predetermination. Public attitudes about genomics range from a welcome acceptance of the technologies to a condemnation of scientists trying to "play God." This book methodically approaches genomics with a brief historical analysis of the gene revolution focused on genetic manipulation. It starts with the evolution of genetics from ancient selective breeding trials to modern precision genetic technologies. Brief, accurate, and simple to understand descriptions of biological foundations of each genetics concept are provided. New discoveries, such as CRISPR, are mentioned. Parrington (molecular and cellular pharmacology, Univ. of Oxford, UK) then gives critical analyses of cloning, genetic modification, gene therapy, and tissue engineering. Each pro and con is discussed without bias. The book explains the pursuit of genomics and genetic modification as being driven by the mechanistic view of science that compels scientists to investigate and manipulate life as if it were a machine. The work ends with prognostications of how genomics may influence the future of civilization. This book will enhance bioethics and biotechnology collections. Summing Up: Recommended. All readers. --Brian R. Shmaefsky, Lone Star College - Kingwood
Copyright American Library Association, used with permission.
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
Parrington (The Deeper Genome), a molecular biologist from the University of Oxford, unabashedly-if incompletely-makes a case "for genetic engineering as a vital tool for understanding life and manipulating it for human benefit." He states that humans have always modified the plants and animals with which they've interacted, but revolutionary scientific techniques are (or soon will be) dramatically simplifying that process. Most of the possibilities he discusses remain many years in the future, but they are astounding: growing replacement organs for transplant, creating virus-resistant plants and animals, reconceptualizing treatment for mental illness, and more. Parrington discusses a host of recent studies, but his target audience remains unclear. At times he writes for readers unaware of basic biological principles, as when he describes basic Mendelian genetics, but at other points he assumes far greater knowledge. Though Parrington recognizes that there are myriad ethical implications associated with each of the techniques described, he touches on possible controversies in a far too superficial manner. He spends more time detailing the criticisms raised by Margaret Atwood in her dystopian MaddAddam trilogy than he does addressing those posited by bioethicists or concerned environmental scientists. Parrington presents some interesting material, but the book is too disjointed to work as a whole. (Nov.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
(c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved
Review by Choice Review
Review by Publisher's Weekly Review
