Genetic Engineering

Children's Literature

In the past decade scientists have unlocked many of the secrets of human, plant, and animal genes. While such genetic research holds the keys to potential advancements in scientific study it also produces complicated and sometimes troubling questions. One need only think of the moral, ethical, and social issues wrapped up in the possibility of human cloning to realize how multi-faceted issues related to genetic engineering are. In another instance, increasing global food production through genetic modification stands in opposition to the environmental and medical impacts such food might have. This title introduces readers to the processes, products, and potential applications of this field of human study. As part of the "21st Century Issues" series this illustrated work lives up to the uniformly high standards of the set. Author Paul Dowswell presents this—at times—highly complex information in a reader-friendly manner so they will come away with both a better understanding of the science involved in genetic engineering and the implications of its application. In the end, readers of this fine book will have to wrestle with the key questions connected to this field of scientific study, and determine whether just because something can be done, should it be. 2005, World Almanac Library, Ages 12 up.
—Greg M. Romaneck