Exploding the gene myth : how genetic information is produced and manipulated by scientists, physicians, employers, insurance companies, educators, and law enforcers /

Hubbard and Wald eloquently examine many societal problems resulting from the revolution in molecular biology, but they fail to discuss any of the benefits that will accrue from this research. Who can argue with their concerns regarding an individual's inherent loss of privacy and civil liberties by the potentially discriminatory use of such genetic testing procedures as DNA-based identification systems, preemployment screening and genetic monitoring by employers, and genetic testing conducted in schools and by insurance companies? The authors state that the possible benefits from this revolution are dwarfed by the menace it poses to society--an opinion not shared by all scientists. This reviewer agrees with the authors when they state "such decisions must not be left to the technical experts [alone]" since many focus only on their reductionist world of discovery and emphasize technical solutions to many societal problems. However, the presentation here does not move us any closer to possible solutions. Ideally, this book could serve as an introduction to dialogue between scientists and the public. Recommended to small groups of informed, concerned citizens who are interested in discussing the ethical, biological, and economic ramifications of the current molecular revolution. General; advanced undergraduate through professional. J. R. Palisano; Emory and Henry College

Harvard biologist Hubbard and freelance writer Wald are leading critics of ``the myth of the all-powerful gene.'' In a hard-hitting critique of genetic determinism and biotechnology, they attack scientists who cite DNA sequences as the presumed basis for a genetic tendency to cancer, high blood pressure, alcoholism and criminal behavior. Such researchers are guilty of leaps of faith and logic, charge the authors. Arguing that genetic screening tests may increase discrimination against people with perceived shortcomings, Hubbard and Wald criticize the Human Genome Project, whose goal is to map the entire sequence of the three billion DNA and RNA subunits that make up our genes. Claims that this project will lead to cures for a wide range of diseases are unfounded, contend the authors. They demonstrate that DNA matching or ``fingerprinting,'' touted by criminal prosecutors as a foolproof forensic tool, is actually fallible. Their expose of the fallacies and pitfalls of genetic testing in schools, the workplace, and by doctors and insurance companies makes this an important handbook. (May) (c) Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved

Harvard biologist and feminist Hubbard and her son (as well as her Nobel laureate husband, George Wald) have long championed the antibiotechnology cause, raising the specter of genetic determinism, eugenics, and social control (read ``fascism'') that they see as imminent in genetics research. Their point of view is that of old-fashioned liberals, winning praise from the Richard Lewontins, Barry Commoners, Ralph Naders, and other defenders of the common man (and woman) and the natural environment against government bureaucrats, scientific reductionists, and others viewed as profiteers or manipulators and exploiters of humankind. In so doing, the authors serve a corrective function, offering the kind of countervailing sensibility that's so important in a democratic society. But, here, they go too far in their zeal, discounting the value of much genetics research and of the human genome project in particular. Certainly, we need safeguards regarding the collection and use of genetic data to prevent discrimination and abuses in education, employment, and insurance, as well as to prevent gene testing for such arbitrary purposes as sex selection and so on. But to deny the importance of genetic research in finding clues to development and aging, plus the causes and cures of disease, is to throw the baby out with the bathwater. Interestingly, in contrast to Andrew Kimbrell in The Human Body Shop (reviewed below), Hubbard and Wald disavow claims that genes have been (or will be) discovered for intelligence, homosexuality, alcoholism, etc.; meanwhile, Kimbrell acts as though such putative genes will determine how we select offspring in the future. The moral of the story is that the pendulum swings both ways, but the truth lies somewhere in the middle. (Seven illustrations)