Genetic Engineering, Vol. 4 - Jenny Bryan - Hardcover

School Library Journal

Gr 6-10-A look at the history and development of the field from Mendel's early research to today's gene therapy. Discussions include cloning; the use of animals in research; genetic fingerprinting; prenatal testing; the question of nature v. nurture; and the inevitable question that the technology forces society to examine: ``Who is to judge which versions of genes are socially acceptable and which are not?'' The writing is clear and detailed. Most of the black-and-white and full-color photos and reproductions are informative, but a number are merely decorative. The discovery of 40 million-year-old insects in amber and the possibility of using genetic engineering to rescue animals from extinction are mentioned, and while Bryan cautions that Jurassic Park was just science fiction, her book might well lead readers to think about ethics involved, and not just ``what is scientifically possible.''-Christine A. Moesch, Buffalo and Erie County Public Library, NY

Julie Yates Walton

In genetic engineering, "hardly a week goes by without an important new discovery," writes Bryan, a medical journalist. The mind-bending speed of discovery, which will date this book shortly, makes it all the more vital right now. Bryan presents the complex topic with impressive lucidity and evenhandedness. No ethical question is left unturned. From the unknown risks of genetically altered tomatoes to the dilemma of aborting a fetus known to have cancer-prone genes, the author forces readers to formulate their own informed opinions. Going back to Darwin and Mendel, he takes readers through the accrual of knowledge about genes, breakthrough experiments, and controversies, such as the discovery of genes that may influence violent behavior and sexual orientation. Ample photographs and stimulating sidebars contribute to this well-managed presentation of a potentially overwhelming issue.