An exploration into how recent leaps in the understanding of DNA offer both scientific promises and complex ethical issues probes the fundamental questions related to advances in DNA science, covering such topics as the business of genomics, the use of DNA technology to solve crimes, investment and economic issues, and the stem cell debate.
Gina Smith is an American entrepreneur, author, and journalist who co-wrote Steve Wozniak's 2006 autobiography iWoz. In 2001, Smith was named one of the 100 most influential people in technology by Upside magazine.
This book gave an overview of how far the science community has come in regards to biotechnology and in specific, DNA technology. It also touched on the implications that are begining to arise in the area of bioethics. I had hoped this would be more of an ethics piece than an introduction to molecular biology book, but it failed to do so. Half the book was spent reviewing basic biology (which most people with a high school education would know the gist of) and left out interesting details I was hoping to find. All in all, no surprises in this piece. If you want to learn about molecular biology and why DNA is important, I would recommend this book, otherwise, it's pretty run of the mill.
This is a very readable introduction to genetics and applications in medicine and technology. Certain features were distracting, such as random quotes, and Smith waters the information down a little too much in her quest to make the information understandable to all. A more in depth look at how DNA actually works would have allowed her to delve a little deeper into certain key issues.
A good general introduction to genomics and technology coming from molecular biology. A little too general though. More scientific detail would have made it more satisfying.