If our bodies could do more things, would our lives be better? Genome editing is a rapidly developing technology that can modify human genes. It can cure heritable diseases, but we could even make certain genetic “improvements” to healthy people. Should we change human embryos genetically to achieve such goals? Bringing together a leading molecular biologist and a Christian ethicist this book responds to the need for solid information and helpful orientation for a pressing moral issue. They explain relevant technical issues without the jargon, clarify the most important philosophical and religious arguments and bring empirical insights to the question of what helps us lead meaningful lives.

Is inheritable genetic modification the new dividing line in gene therapy? The editors of this searching investigation, representing clinical medicine, public health and biomedical ethics, have established a distinguished team of scientists and scholars to address the issues from the perspectives of biological and social science, law and ethics, including an intriguing Foreword from Peter Singer. Their purpose is to consider how society might deal with the ethical concerns raised by inheritable genetic modification, and to re-examine prevailing views about whether these procedures will ever be ethically and socially justifiable. The book also provides background to define the field, and discusses the biological and technological potential for inheritable genetic modification, its limitations, and its connection with gene therapy, cloning, and other reproductive interventions. For scientists, bioethicists, clinicians, counsellors and public commentators, this is an essential contribution to one of the critical debates in current genetics.

The advances that have been made in the realm of genetics are astounding. Not only has the entire human genome been mapped, but scientists have also discovered methods of modifying genes in people as well as plants and animals. With this progress has come a great debate about the ethics of genetic modification. People wonder if there should be limits to altering nature. Readers explore basic concepts of cellular biology, including DNA and genes. Then they are guided though the differing sides of the genetics debate and encouraged to take their own informed stance on the issues.

Genetically modified organisms (GMO) raise societal, political and ethical concerns. They inspire strong resistance or, conversely, enthusiastic assent. The aim of this publication is to give an overview of genetic engineering, starting with the history of the discovery of restriction enzymes continuing with technical aspects of transgenesis to its applications in research and ethical considerations. Be it the use of single engineered cells or GMO, these applications cover a broad array, ranging from disease-oriented research (but not only), to the promising perspectives of gene therapy. Historical and technical aspects give insights into the problems inherent to the creation of GMO, and illustrate the links and limits between genetic engineering, GMOs and gene therapy. A summary article in English and French structures the links between the different chapters and concepts. Scientists interested in genetic engineering of single cells or animal models, as well as in gene therapy, will find an up-to-date review on the use and perspectives of transgenesis. However, this publication is also recommended to the public interested in the definition of GMO, which encompasses a much broader array than the genetically modified crops covered by media.

Conceived with the aim of sorting fact from fiction over genetically modified (GM) crops, this book brings together the knowledge of 30 specialists in the field of transgenic plants. It covers the generation and detection of these plants as well as the genetic traits conferred on transgenic plants. In addition, the book looks at a wide variety of crops, ornamental plants and tree species that are subject to genetic modifications, assessing the risks involved in genetic modification as well as the potential economic benefits of the technology in specific cases. The book’s structure, with fully cross-referenced chapters, gives readers a quick access to specific topics, whether that is comprehensive data on particular species of ornamentals, or coverage of the socioeconomic implications of GM technology. With an increasing demand for bioenergy, and the necessary higher yields relying on wider genetic variation, this book supplies all the technical details required to move forward to a new era in agriculture.

With Wizard of Oz metaphors and new graphic organizers, illustrations, and sidebars, this revision helps teachers translate current research on learning, memory, and the brain into effective classroom practice.

Previous edition: published as by Elizabeth Arden. 2008.