Biotechnology Unzipped: Promises and Realities, Revised Second Edition

By Eric S. Grace and a Joseph Henry Press book

Book Overview

In this update to the very popular first edition of the same name, skilled science popularizer Eric Grace helps readers understand what biotechnology is and what implications it holds for all of us.

Following on the heels of the success of the first edition, this thoroughly updated version offers an in-depth and accessible review of the basics of biotechnology. Accomplished science communicator Eric Grace focuses on the ethical implications involved, the wide range of public opinions both at home and abroad, the role of the media in communicating a complicated science topic, and the formidable problems associated with patenting life itself. With an emphasis on medicine, agriculture, and the environment, Grace explores the promises and realities of biotechnology. He deals frankly with the fact that biotechnology is first and foremost a commercial activity, often driven by big business and directed by the bottom line. And as biotechnology is used more frequently in medical diagnosis and treatment, we are witness to significant setbacks and reversals, dimming hopes that were prevalent when the first edition was released.

But we are also witness to the burgeoning use of the technology in forensic science where DNA analysis has become commonplace in solving crimes. Likewise, DNA analysis has been a boon to studies of human history and evolution, revealing ancient details originally thought lost to us. At the same time, new uses for genetically altered bacteria are being discovered that help us clean up the environment by breaking down or sequestering toxic chemicals. While the public remains concerned about biotechnology, there is increasing awareness of the potential benefits. This updated edition of Biotechnology Unzipped helps put the many issues in perspective and provides answers to the most important questions.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0309096219
• ISBN13: 9780309096218
• Release Date: August 2006
• Publisher: Joseph Henry Press
• Length: 255 Pages
• Weight: 1.00 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.6" x 6.1" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

The cutting edge of biotech's promise

Eric Grace is a science writer with a Ph.D. in zoology: his BIOTECHNOLOGY UNZIPPED: PROMISES AND REALITIES may sound technical but is surprisingly accessible, appearing in a revised second edition to provide chapters covering health, environmental concerns, and biotech applications. The first edition, which appeared in 1997, was on the cutting edge of biotech's promise: since then much has happened, and this second edition updates details for the latest studies and issues. Diane C. Donovan California Bookwatch

Great intro for the layperson

After seeing so much in the news about biotechnology, I was in search of an introductory book that would explain the basics of genetic manipulation. This book starts from the very basics--how are genes related to DNA and chromosomes, what are enzymes and proteins, then more sophisticated concepts such as gene splicing and monoclonal antibodies. While this book won't make anyone an expert scientist, the text and diagrams are clear and concise. I read articles about biotech in the newspapers and business magazines, and this book is a useful primer for those in search of further detail. After the overall introduction, the author describes biotech applications in several fields, which become a bit of a laundary list after awhile. I would have found fewer, in-depth case studies more interesting. Nevertheless, if you're looking for an informative introduction to biotech, I highly recommend this book.

compelling

BIOTECHNOLOGY UNZIPPED is the most compelling evaluation of biotechnology I have read since Harsanyi & Hutton's GENETIC PROPHECY of almost 20 years ago. What makes this book so insightful is the "tradeoffs" perspective that Grace brings to the subject. In every instance where a particular technique is either in development or on the market, the possibilities for selective breeding, or genetic engineering, or composite materials, all hold both a promise and a peril. Grace, who has a Ph.D. in Zoology and considerable experience as a science writer, attempts to provide enough critical information in each case so that the reader will get a sense of what considerations are involved in any particular "biotechnology solution". What we learn about biotechnology from him is that every biotechnology decision has the following characteristics: * Costs and revenues (developments cost $millions, so the goal is profits) * Winners and losers (the rich could get lucky, the poor and vulnerable may not) * Benefits and detriments (solutions generate unintended & unwanted consequences) * Enthusiasts and detractors (arguments arise on all sides of biotechnology issues) The reason that the public is so ambivalent about biotechnology is that its supporters have been so inept at making their case. Biotechnology advocates seem to think that their's is just a problem of an "uninformed public" whom they can re- assure because they have "the facts". They obviously don't appreciate the most important principle of new-age public relations, namely, "They don't care how much you know until they know how much you care". What Grace shows is that the public does have cause to be concerned. There are no simple problems, no silver bullets, and no final solutions, even if biotechnology boosters pretend there are. If biotechnology advocates become willing to address these concerns, AND learn to manage the expectations of their stakeholders, then they can begin to earn the respect that will otherwise continue to elude them. Grace's book helps clarify all of this. Well done!

an excellent primer for non-scientists and students

"Grace has.....the rare ability to take a complex subject and make it understandable to the average reader, without being patronizing." Globe and Mail"Grace has managed the difficult feat of producing a lively, informative and readable guide for non-scientists." Maclean's"Grace makes his complex subject easy to digest by dividing each chapter into palatable sections with clever subheads and often humorous sidebars..." The New York Times"....a must read for anyone concerned about the impact of biotechnology on society." Bob McDonald, CBC Radio's "Quirks and Quarks""...a comprehensive and coherent introduction to the complex world of genetic engineering." Quill and Quire"...presents a history of the field, discusses the pros and cons of cross-species gene transfer, and covers the implications for medicine, the environment and agriculture." Publisher's Weekly"Grace first gets readers up to speed on the history of genetics and genetic manipulation, then briefly visits a number of applications of biotechnology and the relevant ethical dilemmas." Science News"He presents information clearly, simply and makes it interesting." Futurific"With its excellent illustrations and accessible style, Biotechnology Unzipped is highly recommended for teachers, health professionals or anyone interested in the impact of biotechnology on our lives." Rapport, magazine of the National Institute of Nutrition"Scientist and writer Eric Grace helps sort facts from corporate rhetoric in his new book Biotechnology Unzipped." The Western Producer