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While the collapse of the Soviet Union has diminished the force of George Orwell's 1984, the other great dystopian tract of the twentieth century, Alduous Huxley's Brave New World, is timelier than ever. The ongoing process of genetic science may well revolutionize medicine and human reproduction, and it may end by giving us the ability to transform the human species itself. This new power has raised hopes that we will solve a range of genetically based problems that afflict us. It has also evoked fears that we are on the verge of a 'post human' future in which precious but necessary norms regulating individual and social life will be set aside. Will we have the moral and political wisdom to avoid the pitfalls in using new biotechnologies? Genetic Prospects considers the resources from which the needed norms and maxims might be drawn, scrutinizing carefully the contributions of common sense, religion, and moral sentiment. Taken together, the essays in this volume apply philosophical analysis to address three kinds of questions: What are the implications of genetic science for our understanding of nature? What might it influence in our conception of human nature? What challenges does genetic science poses for specific issues of private conduct or public policy?
Genetically engineered (GE) crops were first introduced commercially in the 1990s. After two decades of production, some groups and individuals remain critical of the technology based on their concerns about possible adverse effects on human health, the environment, and ethical considerations. At the same time, others are concerned that the technology is not reaching its potential to improve human health and the environment because of stringent regulations and reduced public funding to develop products offering more benefits to society. While the debate about these and other questions related to the genetic engineering techniques of the first 20 years goes on, emerging genetic-engineering technologies are adding new complexities to the conversation. Genetically Engineered Crops builds on previous related Academies reports published between 1987 and 2010 by undertaking a retrospective examination of the purported positive and adverse effects of GE crops and to anticipate what emerging genetic-engineering technologies hold for the future. This report indicates where there are uncertainties about the economic, agronomic, health, safety, or other impacts of GE crops and food, and makes recommendations to fill gaps in safety assessments, increase regulatory clarity, and improve innovations in and access to GE technology.
Why do we behave the way we do? Biologist Paul Ehrlich suggests that although people share a common genetic code, these genes "do not shout commands at us...at the very most, they whisper suggestions." He argues that human nature is not so much result of genetic coding; rather, it is heavily influenced by cultural conditioning and environmental factors. With personal anecdotes, a well-written narrative, and clear examples, Human Natures is a major work of synthesis and scholarship as well as a valuable primer on genetics and evolution that makes complex scientific concepts accessible to lay readers.
Addressing the pear genome, this book covers the current state of knowledge regarding genetic and genomic resources, breeding approaches and strategies, as well as cutting-edge content on how these tools and resources are being / soon will be utilized to pursue genetic improvement efforts that will combine fruit quality, high productivity, precocious fruit bearing, and long postharvest storage life, along with elevated levels of resistance to various major diseases and insect pests. Throughout, the book also explores potential opportunities and challenges in genomic analysis, sequence assembly, structural features, as well as functional studies that will assist in future genetic improvement efforts for pears. The pear (Pyrus), an important tree fruit crop, is grown worldwide, and has several economically relevant cultivars. In recent years, modern genetic and genomic tools have resulted in the development of a wide variety of valuable resources for the pear. In the past few years, completion of whole genome assemblies of ‘Dangshansuli’, an Asian pear, and ‘Bartlett’, a European pear, have paved the way for new discoveries regarding for example, the pear’s genomic structure, chromosome evolution, and patterns of genetic variation. This wealth of new resources will have a major impact on our knowledge of the pear genome; in turn, these resources and knowledge will have significant impacts on future genetic improvement efforts.
Discover the fascinating world of genetics in this comprehensive and engaging guide, which delves into the very core of life itself. From the simplest organisms to the complexities of the human body, this book unravels the mysteries of heredity, molecular biology, and evolution, providing readers with a deeper understanding of the intricate workings of life. Written in a friendly and conversational tone, this guide is designed to be accessible to readers of all backgrounds, from curious novices to seasoned enthusiasts. Subtle humor is sprinkled throughout, making the learning experience both enjoyable and informative. Each chapter is meticulously crafted to build upon the previous one, ensuring a coherent and captivating journey through the world of genetics. In this book, you will explore the history of genetic research, from Mendel's groundbreaking work with pea plants to the awe-inspiring advances in biotechnology and genome editing. Along the way, you will encounter the renowned scientists who have shaped our understanding of genetics, and gain insights into the ethical considerations that accompany the ever-evolving field. You will also discover key terms and concepts that will help you navigate the complex world of genetics, as well as additional resources to further your understanding and satisfy your curiosity. This book will inspire you to delve deeper into the subject, spark your imagination, and fuel your passion for genetics. Embark on an extraordinary journey through the microscopic world that lies at the heart of every living organism, and unlock the secrets that govern the blueprint of life. This book will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the incredible science of genetics and the wonders of the natural world.
Raising hopes for disease treatment and prevention, but also the specter of discrimination and "designer genes," genetic testing is potentially one of the most socially explosive developments of our time. This book presents a current assessment of this rapidly evolving field, offering principles for actions and research and recommendations on key issues in genetic testing and screening. Advantages of early genetic knowledge are balanced with issues associated with such knowledge: availability of treatment, privacy and discrimination, personal decision-making, public health objectives, cost, and more. Among the important issues covered: Quality control in genetic testing. Appropriate roles for public agencies, private health practitioners, and laboratories. Value-neutral education and counseling for persons considering testing. Use of test results in insurance, employment, and other settings.
Genetics is the study of heredity and how it affects plants and animals, while biotechnology is the application of modern DNA marker, isolation, and transfer technologies toward improving plant and animal agricultural productivity, environmental remediation, and the treatment of disease. Genetics and Biotechnology are relatively new fields of study and use biotechniques to genetically improve economically important plants and animals. This field holds tremendous promise for meeting the food and fiber needs of the developing world. Students are prepared for immediate employment or for graduate study in plant and animal biotechnology, molecular biology, genetics, or the health professions. Genetic manipulation of whole organisms has been happening naturally by sexual reproduction since the beginning of time. The evolutionary progress of almost all living creatures has involved active interaction between their genomes and the environment. Active control of sexual reproduction has been practiced in agriculture for decades - even centuries. In more recent times it has been used with several industrial microorganisms. It involves selection, mutation, sexual crosses, hybridisation, etc. Biotechnology has so far been considered as an interplay between two components, one of which is the selection of the best biocatalyst for a particular process, while the other is the construction and operation of the best environment for the catalyst to achieve optimum operation. The overall objective of this book is to provide a professional level reference work with comprehensive coverage of the molecular basis of life and the application of that knowledge in genetics, evolution, medicine, and agriculture.
Genetics and Genetic Engineering explores the great discoveries in genetics-the study of genes and the inherited information they contain. Genetic engineering alters the genetic make-up of an organism using techniques that remove heritable material or that introduce DNA prepared outside the organism either directly into the host or into a cell that is then fused or hybridized with the host. This involves using recombinant nucleic acid (DNA or RNA) techniques to form new combinations of heritable genetic material followed by the incorporation of that material either indirectly through a vector system or directly through micro-injection, macro-injection and micro-encapsulation techniques. Genetic engineering, also called genetic modification, is the direct manipulation of an organism's genes using biotechnology. It is a set of technologies used to change the genetic makeup of cells, including the transfer of genes within and across species boundaries to produce improved or novel organisms. New DNA is obtained by either isolating or copying the genetic material of interest using recombinant DNA methods or by artificially synthesizing the DNA. A construct is usually created and used to insert this DNA into the host organism. The first recombinent DNA molecule was made by Paul Berg in 1972 by combining DNA from the monkey virus SV40with the lambda virus. As well as inserting genes, the process can be used to remove, or "e;knock out"e;, genes. The new DNA can be inserted randomly, or targeted to a specific part of the genome. This book will prove equally useful for physicians, nurses, animal breeders, and laboratory technicians-in fact, everyone whose daily work involves genetics and genetic engineering.