genetics books

	Plant Conservation Genetics
	By: Robert J. Henry ISBN: 1560229977 Publisher: CRC Press Release Date: 20 June, 2006 Bioscience book rank: 1479148
	Genetic Turning Points: The Ethics of Human Genetic Intervention (Critical Issues in Bioethics Series)
	By: James C. Peterson ISBN: 0802849202 Publisher: EERDMANS, W.B., PUBLISHING COMPANY Release Date: 2001 Bioscience book rank: 430215	Genetic Turning Points provides an important link between genetics, genetic programs and ethics, examining the new choices and questions which arise through company interactions with humans. From clinical implications to the technology involved, this is written by a lay reader for lay readers and assumes no prior scientific grounding. In the past few decades the advances in bio-technology and genetics have been astounding. The scientific and technical breakthroughs have far out-stripped our ability to consider their ethical ramifications. The developments in the Human Genome project alone are raising many legal, ethical and social issues that need to be carefully thought through.<p>A number of books have appeared recently which examine these new developments, and their impact of society. One of the newest and most helpful discussions to date is this volume. Peterson has the advantage of not only having a PhD in ethics, but of having worked as a researcher in molecular and clinical genetics. So he knows about both worlds, and is able to deftly bring the two together in this incisive and comprehensive volume.<p>Writing from a Christian perspective, Peterson is able to discuss in detail the intricacies of genetic engineering without bogging the reader down in an overly technical fashion. He examines a number of the controversial issues: genetic testing, genetic screening, genetic surgery, genetic patents, genetic drugs, and genetic manipulation. While acknowledging the tremendous potential for good that the new genetic frontiers can offer, he is also keenly aware of the potential dangers and pitfalls.<p>Any one of these issues could warrant a whole book. Take the issue of genetic surgery. Many ethical questions are raised here. What exactly is a person? When we alter the physical attributes of a person, do we alter the person? Are we in fact creating people when we use genetic surgery? Could genetic surgery extend to behavioural issues as well? Peterson does a more than adequate job of laying out the issues and options, keeping the reader informed of the latest in scientific and ethical thinking on the debate.<p>Indeed, all the latest topics for debate are carefully examined: the Human Genome Project, the possibility of human cloning, and debates about human germline intervention versus somatic cell intervention. And all of this discussion avoids any kind of reductionism, whereby humans are reduced to their genetic make-up. The more we learn about genetics, the more we see their importance. But in spite of their importance, we also know that we are more than our genes. That is where philosophy and theology come in. Science by itself can only give us part of the picture. We need the bigger picture provided by religion and ethics.<p>Thus the value of this book. Conversant with the latest medical and bio-medical trends and practices, he is also well-versed in the Christian literature - both Catholic and Protestant. He does an admirable job of bringing these two streams together. This is a real advantage in an age where we tend to have either technical experts with no or little moral understanding, or ethical experts with no or little scientific and biological understanding. Such important issues are ill-served when either component is neglected or omitted.<p>While both components are nicely wedded in this volume, his conclusions on some matters - such as aspects of IVF - may not necessarily please everyone. And on some issues - for example, when does human life begin? - he carefully lays out the options without fully committing himself (although his sympathies do seem to lie with respect for life from conception). But readers can learn much both of the world of genetics and the realm of religion and ethics in this lively and informed book.<p>The genetic revolution will not go away. It is important that we all become as informed as possible on the issues involved. The way ahead is uncertain. As Peterson makes clear, the new revolution in genetics can be helpful if we are very careful. But there is a dark side to this development which must be eyed carefully. His final admonitions are worth mentioning: "Genetics does not so much make us automatically better as it can make us more capable. Genetic intervention, like many technologies, frees us from some constraints and increases our abilities and choices. Pursued as an end in itself it is at best a distraction, and when all-consuming, idolatry. If all we manage to do is relieve physical suffering and to control our physical world in the finest degree, our potential will be wasted."<p>In the end, the way the genetic revolution transforms life will in large measure be determined by how we, as informed citizens, keep the whole process in check. Run-away technology is always a danger. But new developments in bio-technology can be a blessing as well. Thus it is imperative that we all become as conversant with the issues as possible. Reading this book is a good place to begin.
	Race, Genetics & Society: Glayde Whitney on the Scientific and Social Policy Implications of Racial Differences
	By: Kevin Lamb ISBN: 1878465406 Publisher: Scott-Townsend Publishers Release Date: 07 November, 2002 Bioscience book rank: 1506784
	Genetics for Endocrinologists: The Molecular Genetic Basis of Endocrinological Disorders
	By: B. Glaser ISBN: 1901346188 Publisher: Remedica Release Date: April, 2003 Bioscience book rank: 1801177
	Genetic Toxicology and Cancer Risk Assessment
	By: Wai Nang Choy ISBN: 0824702948 Publisher: Informa Healthcare Release Date: 31 August, 2001 Bioscience book rank: 1720619
	Problems and Solutions for Strachan and Read's Human Molecular Genetics, 2nd Edition
	By: D. J. Matthes ISBN: 0471384143 Publisher: Wiley-Liss Release Date: 07 November, 2000 Bioscience book rank: 1583371
	Genetics in the Wild
	By: John C. Avise, Trudy Nicholson ISBN: 1588340694 Publisher: Smithsonian Institution Press Release Date: 17 August, 2002 Bioscience book rank: 1213387
	The Science Times Book of Genetics
	By: Nicholas Wade ISBN: 1558217657 Publisher: The Lyons Press Release Date: 01 December, 1998 Bioscience book rank: 1844134	This is a compendium of various stories run in the Science Times section of the NY Times newspaper from 1992 through 1997, addressing various issues related to genetics -- understanding how the human genome is being sequenced, cloning, ageing and gradual understanding of the process of cancer.<p>The features are written for an educated, but non-expert audience, with half a dozen diagrams to complement the content. My favorite article was on the research done on Caenorhabditis elegans, a small (1 mm long) soil nematode found in temperate regions. Although C.elegans has no economic impact on humans, its importance, which the article explains, is both in the primitiveness of the organism and the commonality it has with many human biological functions. The book explains this fascinating stuff very well to the layman. <p>As the editor notes, genetics is still in its "gestational stage," and the book is obviously limited in its snapshot into research. Indeed, only a few years later the first pass of sequencing the human genome was completed earlier than planned. <p>Two minor complaints about the book are the similarity in some of the stories and the lack of pointers to additional resources...
	Pathology And Genetics of Skin Tumours (World Health Organization Classification of Tumours)
	By: IARC ISBN: 9283224140 Publisher: World Health Organization Release Date: 01 January, 2006 Bioscience book rank: 694199	We need this book in own diagnostic process every day in Medical University- Pleven,Bulgaria.Pathology <br />With a word-excellence This book has been on backorder FOREVER, since march; first "1 to 3 weeks" then 10 to 15 days, and now back to 1 to 3 weeks"!!
	Medical Genetics: Its Application to Speech, Hearing, and Craniofacial Disorders (Genetics and Communication Disorders)
	By: Nathaniel H., M.D. Robin ISBN: 1597562580 Publisher: Plural Publishing Inc Release Date: 01 February, 2008 Bioscience book rank: 1846036