Genetic Engineering

by Mark Y. Herring

Overview

Genetic engineering has quickly become one of the more controversial issues of our time. Herring provides a detailed history of the debate in a fair and balanced manner, using proponents' points of view to make individual cases, both pro and con. Narrative chapters cover such topics as the Human Genome Project, gene splicing, cloning, genetically altered foods, and DNA and crime-solving.

Students and the general public will find a comprehensive survey of the genetic engineering debate. Appendices include statements from Robert P. George and Peter Singer, two of the most prominent scholars on the subject, and a bibliography of print and electronic resources for further research.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780313334733
Publisher:	Bloomsbury Academic
Publication date:	12/30/2005
Series:	Historical Guides to Controversial Issues in America
Pages:	244
Product dimensions:	6.14(w) x 9.21(h) x 0.56(d)

About the Author

Mark Y. Herring is Dean of Library Services at Winthrop University. He has worked in librarianship for more than two decades. He has written numerous books, articles, and scores of reviews for magazines and jourbanals both in and out of the library profession, including The Pro-Life/Choice Debate (Greenwood, 2003).

Table of Contents

List of Illustrations
Preface
Introduction
"It's Alive!" Public Perceptions of Genetic Engineering
History of Genetic Engineering from Mendel to (Genome) Maps
Splicing, Dicing and Cloning to Asilomar and Beyond
Frankenfood or Miracle Grow? Agriculture Applications of Genetic Engineering
Well, Hell-o Dolly: Animal Applications of Genetic Engineering
Where No Man (or Woman) Has Gone Before: The Human Genome Project
The Doctor Will See You Now: Genetic Engineering and the Treatment of Diseases
Just the Facts Ma'am: Genetic Engineering, DNA Evidence and the Courts
Endgame: Genetic Engineer, Future Trends, Current Recommendations
Appendix
Index

Editorial Reviews

Herring takes a balanced approach in his description of this controversial issue, starting with a review of public perceptions of genetic engineering and the history of the field from Mendel onward. He explains the techniques and how they apply to plants, animals and humans, the treatment of disease, the use of DNA in court cases, and future trends. General readers and students will find the well-chosen biography especially helpful.” —SciTech Book News

“The book explores issues surrounding research into stem cells, cells' building blocks; eugenics, breeding for desirable traits; cloning, cell and laboratory implants; and gene splicing, introducing a new gene into genetic matter, among other things.” —Heraldonline.com/The Herald

From the Publisher