Genetics and Gene Therapy shows the wide range of the debate and the very real significance that genetics and its associated developments have for human beings, individually and collectively. Few areas of science and medicine have resulted in the volume of academic and popular literature as has genetics. The so-called revolution in understanding of the causes of disease states, and even behavioural traits, has focussed public attention on the influence of genes in making us what we are. Rapidly, however, the potential benefits of such understanding were overtaken, in the public mind at least, by the question of the possible (negative) implications of genetic knowledge and associated technologies. The chapters in this volume show just how wide-ranging concern has become, ranging from regulation to cloning, with the fear of discrimination in between. Part One begins with a range of general discussions of about the genetic enterprise itself, followed by consideration of some specific questions. Part Two then addresses cutting edge debates in genetics.

"Human DNA: Law and Policy" provides the first international debate on a topic of universal concern. No book has brought together such a diverse range of multidisciplinary ethical and legal expertise on the highly controversial issues surrounding the use, storage, exchange and sale of the very stuff' of which we are made - human genetic material. Testing of human genetic material involves a variety of samples (pathological samples, newborn screening samples, samples leftover' after testing, and research samples), shared around the world. This places consent issues on an individual, familial, and societal level. The comparative and international perspectives presented reveal the transnational nature of genetic studies. This book focuses on the issues of DNA sampling and testing, consent and confidentiality, banking policies, genetic epidemiology and diversity. Since financial and technological pressures are inextricably linked to human genetics research, commercialization and patents are also examined. Academic researchers, policy makers and industry will benefit from the learned papers and reports of the discussion, which is rich in diversity of opinion, controversial in the diversity of policy and approaches presented, anchored on scientific facts and yet sensitive to cultural, political and economic differences.

Current therapies for most human genetic diseases are inadequate. In response to the need for effective treatments, modern molecular genetics is providing tools for an unprecedented new approach to the treatment of diseases; e.g. the direct manipulation of mutant genes or the input on new therapeutic genes. The treatment of human disease by gene transfer has now moved from the theoretical to the practical realm. With the initiation of clinical trials involving somatic gene therapy in different countries, a critical assessment of the different aspects involved with this new technique is necessary. This volume provides an overview on all these interdisciplinary aspects by some well known experts all over the world.

First multi-year cumulation covers six years: 1965-70.

This work integrates basic biotechnological methodologies with up-to-date agricultural practices, offering solutions to specific agricultural needs and problems from plant and crop yield to animal husbandry. It presents and evaluates the limitations of classical methodologies and the potential of novel and emergent agriculturally related biotechnologies.

The tools of molecular biology have revolutionised our understanding of gene structure and function and changed the teaching of genetics in a fundamental way. The transition from classical genetics to molecular genetics was initiated by two discoveries. One was the discovery that DNA has a complementary double helix structure and the other that a universal genetic code does exist. Both led to the acceptance of the central dogma that RNA molecules are made on DNA templates. The last twenty years have seen remarkable growth in our knowledge of molecular genetics, most of which is the outcome of recombinant DNA technology. This technology which is not limited to cloning, sequencing, and expression has created a biotechnology industry of its own, the purpose of which is to develop new diagnostic and therapeutic approaches in medicine. Both industries in collaboration with the biomedical community are now engaged in laying down the foundation of molecular medicine. The present volume seeks to provide a coherent account of the new science of molecular genetics. Its content however is by no means exhaustive, partly because of the publication explosion but more because of space restrictions. A rudimentary knowledge of genetics on the reader's part is assumed. Quite understandably, considerable emphasis is placed on major technical advances but not without expounding numerous new ideas and phenomena including alternative splicing, POR, DNA methylation, genomic imprinting, and so on.