Altered Fates: Gene Therapy and the Retooling of Human Life
May 26, 2010 by biotechbillboard.com
Product Description
A detailed narrative considers the unprecedented medical revolution in gene therapy, the combination of genetics and reproductive technology, and the replacement of defective genes to prevent disease, and includes the human passion, jealousy, politics, and drama behind the scenes.Amazon.com Review
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.
Buy from AMAZON Altered Fates: Gene Therapy and the Retooling of Human Life
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.
Rating: 4 / 5
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.
Rating: 4 / 5
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.
Rating: 5 / 5