A Companion to Genethics (Blackwell Companions to Philosophy)

Book Description

The completion of the human genome project in 2000 dramatically emphasized the imminent success of the genetic revolution. The ethical and social consequences of this scientific development are immense. From human reproduction to life-extending therapies, from the impact on gender and race to public health and public safety, there is scarcely a part of our lives left unaffected by the impact of the new genetics.A Companion to Genethics is the first substantial study of the multifaceted dimensions of the genetic revolution and its philosophical, ethical, social, and political significance. It brings together the best and most influential contemporary writing about genethics. Newly commissioned essays from prominent figures in the current debate provide a wide-ranging and fascinating scholarly analysis of all the issues that arise from this explosive science.

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Solid and compelling

The Ethics of Human Gene Therapy
LeRoy Walters , and Julie Gage Palmer
Manufacturer: Oxford University Press, USA
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 0195059557

Book Description

The authors of this absorbing new book describe the science of gene therapy in terms easily accessible to the non-specialist, and focus on the controversial ethical and public policy issues surrounding human interventions in human heredity. After a brief survey of the structure and functions of DNA, genes, and cells, Walters and Palmer discuss three major types of potential genetic intervention: somatic cell gene therapy, germ line gene therapy, and genetic enhancements. They start with the current techniques of gene addition, using non-reproductive (somatic) cells in an effort to cure or treat disease. Next they address the technical problems and moral issues facing attempts to prevent disease through genetically modifying early human embryos or sperm and egg cells. These changes would be passed on to future generations. Chapter 4, in many ways the most original part of this volume, confronts the issue of employing genetic means to improve human abilities and appearance. Depending on the techniques employed, such enhancements could affect not only the individuals receiving the intervention but their offspring as well. Three types of genetic enhancements are considered: physical alterations to improve size, reduce the need for sleep, and decelerate aging; intellectual enhancements of memory and general cognitive ability; and moral enhancements for control of violently aggressive behavior. The authors maintain that genetic modifications should be evaluated individually rather than be condemned in principle or as a group. The final chapter summarizes the public review process that human gene therapy proposals have been undergoing in the United States since 1990. Five appendices, providing technical background information along with a complete list of questions raised in the national public review process, supplement the discussion.

Customer Reviews:

Solid and compelling.......2000-10-12

Walters and Palmer present here a solid argument regarding the impending technology of human gene therapy. They walk through the science carefully, but the core of the book is on the development of criteria for when trials in gene therapy would be acceptable. While this reviewer does not agree with every stand they take, the book will be a classic in the ethics of gene therapy because of its careful argument and thorough analysis.

Genome: Story of Most Astonishing Scientific Adventure-Attempt to Map All Genes in Body

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Genetic Hocus-Pocus
This is the future!
Disappointing Revision
A discerning report about the impact of genetic research

Genome: Story of Most Astonishing Scientific Adventure-Attempt to Map All Genes in Body
Michael Waldholz , and Jerry E. Bishop
Manufacturer: Simon & Schuster
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Curing Cancer : Solving One of the Greatest Medical Mysteries of Our Time

ASIN: 0671670948

Book Description

Told with the pacing of a great suspense novel, Genome tells the very real story of what could be the most ambitious scientific research project ever undertaken: the attempt to identify all the genes in the human body; estimated to number from 50,000 to 100,000. These genes, located in the nucleus of the human cell, contain the blueprints for thousands of proteins that make up the body's tissues and vital organs, from muscles to brain cells, as well as the instructions for making the thousands of chemicals that literally give us life.

By mapping the human genome, scientists can study and even reproduce the chemical components that run the human machine. This knowledge will revolutionize the treatments for and the prevention of diseases. In this newly updated edition, the authors explain how we may soon have the ability to control our genetic fate. This unprecendented power, however, presents society with new dangers. In Genome, we learn much about the fascinating challenges...both scientific and ethical...that lie ahead.

Customer Reviews:

Genetic Hocus-Pocus.......2000-05-29

Excellent survey of 2 decades of progress in genetics, 1970-1990. The updated part of the book is a 15 page Epilogue, hardly doing justice to the past explosive decade. Authors put great conflict and human interest into their stories, e.g., the couple, each carrying the recessive gene for cystic fibrosis, had each given it to both of two daughters before they realized they were playing genetic casino. They "realized their gamble only after they've already lost the bet." The questions of whether to offer a new gene test for a serious malady when no treatment was available were especially troubling to the researchers.

Authors present a scary picture for the future role of medicine and physicians. Doctors will have to order genetic profiles to avoid malpractice. In pharmacogenetics, drug companies will take one's blood to develop personalized medicine to avoid side effects. The profile will allow them to peek into your health, your personality, your IQ potential and physical skills. With that genetic profile they can, with their pals the insurance companies, become tyrannical Big Brothers.

Authors try to raise red flags about future genetic discrimination. They don't seem to realize how much of current discrimination is already based on genetics. Society has been coping with discrimination for centuries. They mention the probable arising of a biological underclass (perhaps like the caste of untouchables in India?) and see that a genetic profile could become a scarlet letter following one throughout one's life. Employers would get the data and make a group unemployable. But aren't there already laws protecting the handicapped? In the near future most everyone will be seen with defective genes and partially handicapped.

Perhaps, however, Author's concern about a hereditary meritocracy is just genetic hocus-pocus. One's current illusions of choice and one's ignorance of the current genetic basis to behavior are likely to continue. The realization that one typo in the replication of a gene can cause a defect or disease is not likely to change one's current illusions of self control. The vast number of 3 billion interrelated nucleotides will more than likely always keep both science and lay people amazed at the complexity of human life.

This is the future!.......2000-04-06

A difficult but very important book! As a non-scientist, I had to go slowly and carefully through the chapters, remembering the key technical words. But it is more than worth the trouble. This is our future and we must think about not only the medical promise involved, but the cultural implications it brings. By all means read it!

Disappointing Revision.......2000-02-19

Several years back, I received the initial edition of Genome as a gift. And what a gift it was! I've read it cover to cover many times, and it has sparked in this lay reader a sincere interest in genetic research. It conveyed the excitement of discovery in an understandable and readable way.

Then I started looking for additional books that survey the status of genetics research in the same way Genome did. I always wished that another, updated version of Genome would come along. Lo and behold, one did!

And now for the disappointing news. The "updated version" doesn't deliver. One short epilogue chapter is added to cover all of the happenings in the field in the past 10 years! Even the pictures are poor in quality, implying to me a rush to press on the part of the publisher. What happened with the experiemental treatments for DMD? What's new on the race to uncover the secrets of cancer? How goes the battle for our ethics to catch up with the science? No answers to be found here that date from any time after early 1990.

All this said, the material is still exciting to read, and I would recommend it to someone testing the waters in genetic research. But for those who's interest was sparked by the original Genome, this update isn't worth the money.

A discerning report about the impact of genetic research.......1997-10-23

My dad has worked closely with Mike Waldholtz in revealing the dynamics of genetic research as it moves from a descriptive science into an actual tool in medicine. Like many other journalists his age, Jerry is retired, and spends many hours plying his grandchildren with gold coins.

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New Biology and Genetic Diseases
Bakhtaver S. Mahajan , and Medha S. Rajadhyaksha
Manufacturer: Oxford University Press, USA
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0195647696

Book Description

It is now recognized that heritable diseases are due to defective structure or function of specific genes. The knowledge of various developments in genetics can greatly reduce individual human suffering as well as the economic and social costs to the society. Simultaneously, this deluge of genetic information also poses several ethical, legal and social dilemmas which must be resolved by broad discussions at the popular level. This is possible only if the common people have the knowledge of at least the basics of this field. This richly illustrated book will be a small but significant step in this direction. The focus is on thallasaemia, a major inherited disease in India.

Protocols for Gene Transfer in Neuroscience: Towards Gene Therapy of Neurological Disorders

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Protocols for Gene Transfer in Neuroscience: Towards Gene Therapy of Neurological Disorders

Manufacturer: John Wiley & Sons
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Spiral-bound

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ASIN: 0471957666

Book Description

Protocols for Gene Transfer in Neuroscience Towards Gene Therapy of Neurological Disorders Edited by P. R. Lowenstein University of Manchester, UK and L. W. Enquist Princeton University, USA The brain and the cells that compose it have always presented unique barriers to any kind of outside interventions, including drug delivery, surgical procedures and the genetic manipulation of cells. However, these barriers are now being bypassed by the new technology of gene delivery. Protocols for Gene Transfer in Neuroscience is the first practical guide to gene delivery, providing over 150 easy to follow, step-by-step protocols, together with troubleshooting hints and the theoretical background needed for neuroscientists to understand, adapt and expand the technology as needed. Written by a team of international expert neuroscientists, geneticists, molecular biologists and biochemists, Protocols for Gene Transfer in Neuroscience describes the latest techniques from the top gene-delivery labs, ranging from physical transfection techniques, through the use of a wide range of viral vectors, to retrovirally transduced cell and bone marrow transplantation. Several variations of a single protocol are given, thus demonstrating how different labs have solved a common problem in different ways. The protocols are also indexed and cross-referenced so that an investigator can find all the details required for a particular problem.

Stem Cells from Cord Blood, in Utero Stem Cells Development and Transplantation Inclusive Gene Therapy

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Stem Cells from Cord Blood, in Utero Stem Cells Development and Transplantation Inclusive Gene Therapy

Manufacturer: Springer-Verlag Telos
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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Altered Fates: Gene Therapy and the Retooling of Human Life

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An excellent review of genetics and its applications
A chilling look at the race to develop a new technology.
Altered Fates is Gene Therapy explained

Altered Fates: Gene Therapy and the Retooling of Human Life
Jeff Lyon , and Peter Gorner
Manufacturer: W. W. Norton & Company
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 0393315282

Amazon.com

I worked as a programmer for the Human Genome Mapping Library Project with the Howard Hughes Medical Institute several years ago, and have been waiting for thebook that could clearly explain to my friends and relatives what it was that I and the thousands of other folks sequencing human DNA were really up to.

Finally, Lyon and Gorner have written a book that deals with the most profound and compelling implications of this work: gene therapy, or the possibility of bypassing symptoms of diseases by dealing instead with their root genetic. Although this well-researched and comprehensive volume might be a bit much for the casual reader, it is a masterful and colorful work filled with facts, personalities, and politics that would appeal to anyone with a real interest in understanding the history -- and possible futures -- of gene therapy.

Customer Reviews:

An excellent review of genetics and its applications.......1999-04-12

In approaching the topic from an historical point of view this book explains very clearly the issues and technology involved, and and manages to do so in plain english. A very thorough coverage of both the potential of gene therapy and the ethical considerations. It is very readable for someone with no technical background and at the same time manages to explain its subject matter in sufficient detail to satisfy the scientifically inclined reader. Overall a very well researched and written book.

A chilling look at the race to develop a new technology........1997-11-26

Finally, a book that touches upon issues facing all new technological revolutions... How egos, personalities and simply put, cash all come together to develop a scientific journey- and reminds us that people often forget or don't care to look at the outcome of their actions. At what expense should an evolution-altering technology such as gene therapy continue to be developed? This book raises far more questions about ethics than it chooses to answer. It certainly brings into light more controversy than the individual personalities involved ever cared to address while they were doing the research and development of what could be a beautiful yet frightening new technology. A tragic and chilling look at a group of scientists who refuse to look further down the road at the possible ramifications of their actions. It shows how science has become de-sensitized, much like many other capitalistic ventures which are easily guided by the ego and the interplay of an individual's next personal accomplishment, rather than the technology's effect on humanity and its' sacred and fragile future.

Altered Fates is Gene Therapy explained.......1997-11-24

Altered Fates is a book that rewards the loyal reader with a memorable explanation of this complex and sometimes daunting field. The science and technology are humanized as they take on the characteristics of the people at work on them and the politics that operates at all levels. Nowhere in the history of human invention have the selfish and selfless motivations of man simultaneouly coexisted, cooperated and collided. It is a must read for the beginner and the experienced practicioner in need of a perspective realignment.

Gene Therapy (Special Topics in Biology Series)

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Gene Therapy (Special Topics in Biology Series)
Michael A. Palladino , and Mary Colavito
Manufacturer: Benjamin Cummings
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Gene Therapy: Treating Disease by Repairing Genes (New Biology)

ASIN: 0805338195

Book Description

KEY MESSSAGE: Will gene therapy one day become the ultimate application of genetic technology? Gene Therapy, the newest booklet in the Special Topics in Biology Series, addresses this question by exploring gene therapy as a complex technology for delivering therapeutic genes as a way to treat and cure human genetic diseases. Author Mary Colavito provides an overview of the basic science involved in gene therapy methods and chronicles the history of gene therapy by discussing successful and ongoing gene therapy treatments as well as adverse outcomes in some cases of gene therapy. Also discussed are challenges that must be overcome for gene therapy to become a more reliable and readily accessible approach for treating a multitude of genetic diseases that affect humans. Gene Therapy: Methods Currently Employed, Partial Successes and Ongoing Trials, Setbacks, Challenges, Future Approaches For all readers interested in gene therapy as a complex technology for delivering therapeutic genes as a way to treat and cure human genetic diseases.

GENE THERAPY (Human Molecular Genetics Ser.))

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GENE THERAPY (Human Molecular Genetics Ser.))

Manufacturer: Garland Science
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 185996205X

Book Description

Gene Therapy describes the delivery systems now available to target a given tissue with specific gene or oligonucleotide sequences, and explores the utility of animal modules as test systems. In the context of selected disease states, it summarises in vitro and in vivo studies and clinical trials performed to date.

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Genes and Resistance to Disease

Manufacturer: Springer
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Hardcover

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ASIN: 3540667245

Book Description

The advances in human genetics that have ocurred during the past 20 years have revolutionized our knowledge of the role played by inheritance in health and disase. It is clear that our DNA determines not only the emergence of catastrophic single-gene disorders, which affect millions of persons worldwide, but also interacts with environments to predispose individuals to cancer, allergy, hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, psychiatric disorders and even to some infectious diseases. Overall, the study of longevity and the demonstration of genes favouring a long lifespan suggest that such protective systems exist. In recent years, the study of genetic polymorphisms has made clear that some alleles have beneficial effects. These discoveries can substantially improve our understanding of the interactions between genetics and the environment, between pathogenetic mechanisms and new treatments.

Book Description

Highly readable and nontechnical, this illustrated survey explores the nature and causes of lightning. Topics include ball lightning, St. Elmo's Fire, the workings of lightning rods, the effects of lightning on trees and buildings, the formation of thunderstorms, how to photograph lightning, and other fascinating subjects.

Customer Reviews:

inspirational.......2007-06-08

it was a good present for my uncle who has been struck by lightning.

Very informative.......2005-09-09

If you want to learn about lightening without too much science this is a great book. Very well written by a top scientist in the field.

Good information source.......2005-09-07

An excellent little book on lightning, especially for its price. Fairly non-technical, it gives a fine overview of nearly all the known characteristics of different types of lightning, and many hints of how to protect oneself from its effects. Answers nearly all the common questions about lightning. An excellent book for any person to read who lives in lightning country, which means just about anyone, anywhere.

Best book to learn about lightning and related subjects.......2002-04-08

Within my awareness, this is the best author on the physics of lightning (voltage, current, charge, speed, event sequence, frequency of occurrence, length/width of channel, temperature, etc). Related subjects such as injuries, death rate, damage, protection, thunderstorms, harnessing power, etc are also discussed. The book could use updating with data acquired in the last 16 years (1986-2002). An improvement to the book could be more info on lightning protection. Another book by Uman, 'Lightning', is less general and more technical about the physics of lightning.

Interesting book........2000-10-21

I recommend this book to all who have any interest in natural science. I was personally surprised at how interesting of a read this book was. Ulman did well brining to "light" topics that have plagued me about lightning since my childhood. He also satiated my engineering taste for technical aspects of the electrical phenomena. Photographs and diagrams add well to the text and support the facts presented without overburdening the reader with too much information.

The Florida Survival Handbook, New, Expanded 3rd Edition (All you ever wanted to know about: hurricanes, buying Florida real estate, surviving the sun, sharks, Florida's universities, America's lightning capital, the citrus state, the Florida alligator, building energy smart, the Everglades, 500 years of Florida history, the manatee)

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The Florida Survival Handbook, New, Expanded 3rd Edition (All you ever wanted to know about: hurricanes, buying Florida real estate, surviving the sun, sharks, Florida's universities, America's lightning capital, the citrus state, the Florida alligator, building energy smart, the Everglades, 500 years of Florida history, the manatee)

Manufacturer: New Horizons Press of Sarasota
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback
ASIN: 0963449826

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The Florida Survival Handbook, New, Expanded 3rd Edition (All you ever wanted to know about: hurricanes, buying Florida real estate, surviving the sun, sharks, Florida's universities, America's lightning capital, the citrus state, the Florida alligator, building energy smart, the Everglades, 500 years of Florida history, the manatee)
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Manufacturer: New Horizons Press of Sarasota
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

Rumble and Bolt: A Comforting Story About Thunder And Lightning

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Rumble and Bolt: A Comforting Story About Thunder And Lightning
Gary Currant
Manufacturer: Penton Kids
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Board book

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ASIN: 1591259134

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