genetics books

	Modern Genetic Analysis & Student CD-ROM: Integrating Genes and Genomes
	By: Anthony J.F. Griffiths ISBN: 0716747146 Publisher: W. H. Freeman Release Date: 15 March, 2002 Bioscience book rank: 611511	This book takes a while to get to the point and has a tendency to repeat itself. Aside from all the digressions and redundancy, not a bad read. I'm very impressed with the excercises in the end of every chapter. The excercises are fun and not too difficult.<br>The material is very well illustrated. Again, good work . Genetics has traditionally been taught with the topics in historical order, starting with Mendel and only later reaching molecular genetics. However, it is much more logical to explain Mendelian genetics in the context of molecular genetics. (No other science abandons a logical building-up of concepts in return for historical chronology!) Griffiths and colleagues are the first to write a text with this preferable and long-overdue approach. Their overall organization is the best that I've seen. While many of the chapters are very well written, there are some parts of the book that are substandard and hopelessly jumbled, such as the chapter on mutational mechanisms and DNA repair. As this is a first edition, I am optimistic that these problems will be ironed out in the second edition. Another criticism is that the figures are adequate but not outstanding; the artists should take lessons from their colleagues who worked on Genetics: From Genes to Genomes by Hartwell and colleagues. Despite its drawbacks, I prefer this text to others that are available.
	Forest Genetics
	By: T.L. White, W.T. Adams, D.B. Neale ISBN: 0851993486 Publisher: CABI Release Date: 15 June, 2002 Bioscience book rank: 919485
	Robinson's Genetics for Cat Breeders and Veterinarians
	By: Carolyn M. Vella, Lorraine M. Shelton, John J. McGonagle, Terry W. Stanglein ISBN: 0750640693 Publisher: Butterworth-Heinemann Release Date: 15 October, 1999 Bioscience book rank: 743910	it was on back order from another place, i finally got it and its this little book......not worth the wait, was upset about all the stuff i knew already was in it, it was supposed to be this great book......if you already have an understanding for genetics and diseases then dont bother paying for this book. for the novice person, its a little over whelming i think....informational for them but not for me. The authors of Robinsons' Genetics for Cat Breeders and veterinarains are two breeders who have written on breeding and showing (Vella and McGonagle), a geneticist (Shelton) and a practicing veterinarian (Stanglein). This book simply and directly covers the subject of genetics, incorporating the lastest scientific advances, while at the same time reflecting the practical knowledge of experienced breeders. <p>The whole subject of genetics is covered: principles of heredity; breeding systems and inbreeding; coat and color inheritance; color variations; breeds; and genetic anomolies. The heart of this book is the material on breeding systems and practices, and selective breeding and inbreeding. The evaluation of cats for breeding purposes and comparisons between possible mates are explored in considerable depth. The chapter on genetic anomolies is up-to-date and quite comprehensive. <p>The new Fourth Edition is good news for all serious fanciers. Not only does it continue Robinson's work, it actually makes the best guide to feline genetics better! This is a very straightforward book which details every aspect of feline genetics. It is very readable and informative on the facts and also on breeding theories. The writers coming from four different disciplines is helpful, along with a glossary which explains the terminology. It would be a very good investment for an experienced person or novice breeder (me).
	Encyclopedia of Genetics
	By: Bryan D. Ness, Jeffrey A. Knight ISBN: 1587651491 Publisher: Salem Press Release Date: June, 2004 Bioscience book rank: 922629
	Linear Genetic Programming (Genetic and Evolutionary Computation)
	By: Markus F. Brameier, Wolfgang Banzhaf ISBN: 0387310290 Publisher: Springer Release Date: 11 December, 2006 Bioscience book rank: 856157
	Molecular Biology: Understanding the Genetic Revolution
	By: David P. Clark ISBN: 0121755517 Publisher: Academic Press Release Date: 07 June, 2005 Bioscience book rank: 685971	Overall it is a nice textbook with helpful illustrations and diagrams. I used this book as a review to general molecular biology and the text went into more detail than I needed for my general needs.
	Tomorrow's Table: Organic Farming, Genetics, and the Future of Food
	By: Pamela C. Ronald, R. W. Adamchak ISBN: 0195301757 Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA Release Date: 18 April, 2008 Bioscience book rank: 721254
	Clones, Genes, and Immortality: Ethics and the Genetic Revolution (Life Sciences Miscellaneous Publications)
	By: John Harris ISBN: 0192880802 Publisher: Oxford University Press, USA Release Date: 14 May, 1998 Bioscience book rank: 634284	This work focuses on the ethical dilemnas created, and likely to be created by the latest developments in biotechnology. It is written with great knowledge and moral sensitivity. And I sense it to be a first- rate work. <br />It raises many interesting questions, a great share of which I had never considered. This is especially true in regard to the lengthy discussion around our ethical obligation to pre-natals. Harris considers the present research being done on embryos, the ethical dilemnas connected with that, the whole question of 'origins and terminuses' the question of 'wrong or wrongful life'. He considers the kinds of commercial exploitation which the new biotechnology might lead to. And he discusses one of the major questions which humanity is on the threshhold of facing : The whole question of human enhancement, of 'wonderwoman and superman' as he calls it. Here one especially interesting point is his belief that 'enhancement of intelligence' is not in the cards as intelligence involves so many different genetic variables. But he does consider those kinds of 'enhancement' which would eliminate before birth certain diseases, or even tendencys to certain diseases. He too considers the question of how such enhancement might affect the community in general. He makes a long list of advantages and disadvantages for the creation of a new medically invulnerable 'new breed.' <br />Among the advantages are: <br />1)"In creating immunities and protections for its members it reduces the 'at risk' population and will inevitably free resources for 'normal humans.' <br />2)A range of health costs will be reduced. <br />3) It will be attractive to employers as illness and absenteeism will be less prevalent. <br />4) Professions requiring long training will be particularly eager to have such a new breed. <br />5)The new breed will be less vulnerable to environmental risks. <br />Among the disadavantages. <br />1)Among people immune to certain environmental pollutants the interest in eliminating such pollutants will decline. <br />2) Members of a 'new breed' will be perceived by others as being unfairly advantaged. <br />3)Globally the unfairness would be even greater as the new breed would come from the technologically advantaged nations. <br />Harris without arrogance and with great insight outlines some of the dilemnas we face. <br />This is an important book for all those considering the kinds of changes Mankind may be confronting, or may be inducing for itself. <br />2) <br /> Discussions and debates on the ethics of genetic engineering these days are frequently accompanied by ridicule and vituperation. An objective observer interested in the issues may be revolted by this situation, and with complete justification. Genetic engineering is a powerful technology, and its ramifications for all life on Earth, both human and non-human, entail that everyone, especially those directly involved in its practice, be very aware of the deep moral issues involved in its use. Scare tactics by those against genetic engineering, exaggerated claims by those supporting it, and very bitter verbal and written exchanges have characterized both sides of the debate, and therefore a calm, rational approach is gravely needed. <p> The author takes such an approach in this book, and this makes it one of the few in print that would be of interest to those readers who want to take a look at the issues without any masks. The author is clearly supportive of genetic engineering, but that is not to say that every reader will finish the book with the same attitude as the author, for the clarity in which he poses his arguments may allow a reader to formulate alternative points of view. There are many interesting discussions in the book, and it will no doubt, if read with an open, scientific mind, serve as a refreshing alternative to current ones on the subject. <p> Another virtue of the book is that a reader need not be an expert in genetics in order to follow the presentation, for the author defines the necessary terminology. For example, very early in the book he is careful to differentiate between genetic manipulations of the 'somatic line' and those of the 'germ line', the former limited to cells of individuals and not inherited by their progeny, the latter effecting the genomes of individuals and their offspring. Germ line manipulation has been the main topic of confrontation, although somatic line manipulation has also taken a hit recently, due to some problems that have arisen with gene therapies. <p> Many possible scenarios and consequences of genetic engineering are overviewed in the book. For example, the author discusses the possibility, which has been done with various animals, of inserting additional genes into human beings, creating then a 'transgenic' human, this being done primarily to enhance various capabilities. The author though is quick to point out that such procedures have not yet been perfected for use in humans and may therefore be dangerously disruptive. Another fascinating possibility discussed in the book is 'parthenogenesis', this being the process in which unfertilzed human eggs can be stimulated to grow without fertilization, giving a near clone of the mother. He also notes though that there is some evidence that parthenogenetically stimulated embryos are not easily implanted. <p> These two examples are an illustration of the fact that all through the book the author exhibits a keen intellectual honesty about the issues at hand, carefully noting what is possible now and what is not for biotechnology. He is well aware that developments in genetic engineering come very quickly, and one must therefore exhibit diligence of the highest order. He also though presents a strong case for doing genetic engineering, in both humans and non-humans. Its possibilities are awesome for the quality of all life on the entire planet. <p> The technology of genetic engineering should be of concern to everyone alive today, and after studying this book, readers will gain much insight into its ramifications and its ethical foundations. More extensive research and testing will no doubt prove the viability of genetic engineering in most cases of interest. Those techniques proved unsafe or not viable should be abandoned without hesitation, but those showing promise should be used or applied immediately, with no guilt or hesitation. The new species of animals and plants, the new disease cures, and the ability to select the genetic makeup of offspring and even to eventually bring about transgenic humans, are some of the most exciting possibilities to contemplate for genetic engineering. <p> Shortly after the advent of flight, its critics stated that "if humans were meant to fly they would have had wings". <p> But (some) humans will eventually have wings....and they will fly. Oh boy. If you want confirmation of the apocalyptic cul-de-sac of secular humanism, read this book. A Brave New World, indeed! Writing as a senior member of numerous governmental and academic bodies that will ultimately decide upon the applications and limitations of genetic technologies, John Harris turns our moral code upside down. Among other sickening things he advocates are the genetic screening for disabilities in fetuses and subsequent abortions thereof, as well as the deliberate cultivation of fetuses as organ banks in adult humans. He lambastes a critic, Jeremy Rifkin, who is against the genetic crossings of humans and animals by claiming that the latter holds a "mystical" belief in the necessity of the separation of various species. What is more, he discounts the possibilities of authoritarian societies or leaders using cloning technologies for malicious ends. Yikes. Even though I am not myself a religious person, this kind of stuff looks like the "abomination and the desolation" to me; its almost enough to send me running for the hills.
	Moments of Truth in Genetic Medicine
	By: M. Susan Lindee ISBN: 0801881757 Publisher: The Johns Hopkins University Press Release Date: 26 August, 2005 Bioscience book rank: 785798	I loved this book. It gave me a new perspective on how genetic medicine is changing our lives and our world. As a friend of someone with a genetic disease, it helped me think about her life in new ways.
	The Genetic Inferno: Inside the Seven Deadly Sins
	By: John J. Medina ISBN: 0521640644 Publisher: Cambridge University Press Release Date: 15 October, 2000 Bioscience book rank: 806519	I gave this book four stars since sometimes it was a little tedious to read. However, the conception of the book is original, and the author anecdotes are well placed and very famlilar. He makes you feel as if you are really getting to know him. I liked his style and his original view, although personally I don't like Dante that much. This is a very good book for the layman, and might not be that interesting for someone with fair background in neurosciences. John Medina is a molecular biologist, bioengineer, and award winning teacher with a talent for metaphor and an unusual flair for explaining extremely technical ideas in understandable terms without losing the meaning in the details. His writing is clear and precise, his organization and diagrams are inspired.<p>"The Genetic Inferno: Inside The Seven Deadly Sins" is a new release from Medina for November, describing using the metaphors of Dante's books what is known about the molecular machinery underlying the human experience. While it becomes awkward in parts, it works magnificently through most of the book, transporting the reader back and forth between purgatory and the mundane vices and virtues of everyday life, all tied together by those tiny invisible molecular processes most of us never even think twice about.<p>The Genetic Inferno compares to Matt Ridley's "Genome" in that they are both about the genetics of human nature, but they approach it in very different ways. "Inferno" spends much more time elaborating clearly what is known about mechanisms lying between gene and behavior, while "Genome" samples particular genes and often speculates on their relevance to human life. Medina has a minimum of the kind of interesting digressions that make Genome so fascinating, but makes complex biochemistry and behavioral genetics highly accessible and puts them into good perspective.<p>One of the most interesting things about this book is that in spite of its heavy emphasis on the biological basis of human life, it mostly avoids reliance on evolutionary theory in order to emphasize the molecular mechanisms themselves and their relationship to behavior and experience. Yet it isn't an "anti-evolution" book, so much as it is one that explains human genes and behavior in a way that avoids evolution in favor of its strong metaphor and clear explanations for genes and behavior.<p>With great artistry, Medina accomplishes the difficult feat of at once making clear the gap between genes and behavior and making us aware that we are physical, chemical entities rather than puffs of spirit residing in a physical shell. At the same time, he makes the reader aware of the of how complex and wondrous the whole process is and how little we can claim to understand with certainty about its underlying higher order principles. He ends the book with:<p>"When one encounters a mysterious masterpiece filled with unknown but thrilling complexities, one is not left with the answer, one is simply left with a point of view."