Synopses & Reviews
Synopsis
Genetics and its related technologies are revolutionizing the world. The media is regularly dominated by controversy over the latest genetically modified (GM) food, scientists are absorbed in human gene therapy, and the human genome sequence is available on the Internet. Now that the focus on safety has been replaced by questions of ethics, debate about prospective genetic legislation and development requires an enlightening and informative resource. By demystifying genetic engineering and exploring the basic biology of the living world, A Terrible Beauty is Born explains how clones and cloning technology are extensions of processes that occur regularly in nature. The book reflects upon the unlimited possibilities presented by contemporary genetic manipulation, explains how recent extraordinary outcomes have been achieved, and discusses the possibilities for this controversial technology. It also describes how these processes have the potential to bring enormous benefits when used wisely, but also carry unfathomable dangers if abused. As the awesome power of genetics is released upon the public, this book sheds light on the subject by explaining how genetic technology can be used for agricultural development, pharmaceutical purposes, and medical miracles. The author rises above the media frenzy to present the facts, fundamentals, and future directions of this emerging technology.
Synopsis
Genetics and its related technologies are revolutionizing the world. The media is regularly dominated by controversy over the latest genetically modified (GM) food, human gene therapy or cancer chip technology. Maverick scientists are in the process of cloning humans, and the human genome sequence is available on the Internet. Fifty years ago we did not know what a gene was; today the awesome power of genetics is being released on an unsuspecting public, and with it a whole series of ethical dilemmas undreamt of even ten years ago. The question now has become not can we? but should we? By demystifying genetic engineering and exploring the basic biology of the living world, A Terrible Beauty is Born explains how clones and cloning technology are in many ways extensions of processes that occur constantly in nature. Used wisely these processes have the potential to bring enormous benefits; abused, they carry with them potential dangers that we ignore at our peril.