About the Book
This accessibly written book introduces readers to DNA—one of the most important technologies for the manipulation of all forms of life, from simple bacteria to plants and animals. It also addresses the most important social, ethical, political, economic, and other issues raised by this form of technology.
The great strides made in our understanding of the structure and function of DNA in recent decades have led to applying this invaluable knowledge to use in serving humanity. For example, recent discoveries in the field of genetic editing have created the potential for the creation of life forms de novo, a possibility that results in profound ethical issues for the human race that are just beginning to be discussed. What other positive—and potentially negative—developments are coming our way with continuing advancements in DNA research? DNA Technology: A Reference Handbook provides an up-to-date historical overview and general technical background to the topic as well as a broad introduction to current issues related to the development of DNA technology, such as genetically modified organisms, the use of DNA technology in the forensic sciences, and genetic testing and genetic therapy.
Written by David E. Newton, an author and former teacher who has dedicated a lifetime to authoring educational texts on science and technology, this book examines the history of DNA technology from its discovery in the 1950s to the present day and covers recent advances, such as new methods for gene editing, including CRISP-Cas9 technology. Readers need to have little or no background knowledge of the technology of genetic engineering to improve their understanding of DNA-based technologies and how DNA research influences many current issues and debates in agriculture, food science, forensics, public health, and other fields. The single-volume work is particularly well-suited to students and young adults because of the range of references included that serve further study, such as a glossary of terms, a chronology, and an extensive annotated bibliography.
Table of Contents:
Preface to the First Edition,
Preface to the Second Edition,
1 Background and History,
Introduction,
Modifying Life: The Early History,
The Birth of Genetics,
The Road to DNA,
The Structure of DNA,
The Rise of Molecular Genetics,
Recombinant DNA Technology,
Cloning,
Transgenic Plants and Animals,
Practical Applications of Transgenic Organisms,
Research,
Pharmaceuticals,
Agriculture,
GM Products Resistant to Certain Pests,
GM Products Resistant to Herbicides,
GM Products with Nutritional Value or Other Benefits,
Industry,
Gene Therapy and Genetic Testing,
Genetic Testing,
Forensic DNA Testing,
Recent Advances in DNA Technology,
Conclusion,
References,
2 Problems, Issues, and Solutions,
Introduction,
Forensic Science,
DNA Databases,
DNA Fingerprinting Worldwide,
Low Copy Number DNA,
Genetically Modified Organisms,
The First Genetically Modified Animal: AquAdvantage Salmon,
Public Opinion about GM Foods,
Regulation of GM Crops and Food,
Labeling of GM Foods,
GM Foods in the European Union,
Xenotransplantation,
Pharming,
Genetic Testing,
Risks and Benefits,
Issues of Privacy and Confidentiality,
Regulation,
Genetic Counseling,
Gene Therapy,
Trends in Gene Therapy,
Regulations,
Cloning,
Therapeutic and Reproductive Cloning,
Controversies about Cloning,
Human Reproductive Cloning,
Therapeutic Cloning,
Regulations in the United States,
Cloning Issues Worldwide,
The Double-Edged Sword of CRISPR Technology,
Conclusion,
References,
3 Perspectives,
Introduction,
Optogenetics: Arpita Dave,
Africans Using Autosomal DNA Testing to Find Distant Family Members: LaKisha David,
Mandatory GMO Labeling Is the "Right to Be Deceived": Jon Entine,
A Brave New World for CRISPR/Cas9: Scientific Limitations and Ethical Considerations: Rachele Hendricks-Sturrup,
Genome Editing Opens Brave New World: Nerissa Hoglen,
Finding a Face in the DNA: Clara MacCarald,
CRISPR Controversies: Deirdre Manion-Fischer,
Modified DNA for Targeted Therapeutics: Manish Muhuri,
CRISPR and Beyond—What the Future Holds for Gene Editing: Sheila T. Yong,
Forensic Use of DNA Technology: Jon Zonderman,
4 Profiles,
Introduction,
Accreditation Council for Genetic Counseling (ACGC),
AgBioWorld,
American Board of Genetic Counseling (ABGC),
American Society of Bioethics and Humanities (ASBH),
American Society of Gene and Cell Therapy (ASGCT),
American Society of Human Genetics (ASHG),
W. French Anderson (1936– ),
Werner Arber (1929– ),
Armed Forces DNA Identification Laboratory (AFDIL),
Association of Forensic DNA Analysts and Administrators (AFDAA),
Oswald Avery (1877–1955),
Paul Berg (1926– ),
Biotechnology Innovation Organization (BIO),
Biotechnology Regulatory Services (BRS),
Herbert Boyer (1936– ),
California Certified Organic Farmer (CCOF),
Center for Bioethics and Human Dignity (CBHD), 185
Center for Food Safety (CFS),
Center for Genetics and Society (CGS),
Center for Genomics and Public Health (CGPH),
Erwin Chargaff (1905–2002),
Emmanuelle Charpentier (1968– ), 189
Mary-Dell Chilton (1939– ),
Coalition for Genetic Fairness (CGF),
Stanley N. Cohen (1935– ),
Council for Responsible Genetics (CRG),
Francis Crick (1916–2004),
Karl Deisseroth (1971– ),
Jennifer Doudna (1964– ),
European NGO Network on Genetic Engineering (GENET),
Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI),
Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO),
Rosalind Franklin (1920–1958),
Genetic Alliance,
Greenpeace,
Woo-suk Hwang (1953– ),
Innocence Project,
Institute for Responsible Technology (IRT),
International Bioethics Committee (IBC),
International Biopharmaceutical Association (IBPA),
International Centre for Genetic Engineering and Biotechnology (ICGEB),
Sir Alec Jeffreys (1950– ),
Gregor Mendel (1822–1884),
Johannes Friedrich Miescher (1844–1895),
Juan Francisco Martinez Mojica (1963– ),
Kary Mullis (1944– ),
National Human Genome Research Institute (NHGRI),
National Society of Genetics Counselors (NSGC),
Marshall Nirenberg (1927–2010),
Non-GMO Project,
Northwest Resistance against Genetic Engineering (NW RAGE),
Office of Biotechnology Activities (OBA),
Office of Public Health Genomics (OPHG),
Organic Consumers Association (OCA),
Ingo Potrykus (1933– ),
Presidential Commission for the Study of Bioethical Issues,
Hamilton O. Smith (1931– ),
Robert A. Swanson (1947–1999),
Dizhou Tong (1902–1979),
Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS),
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA),
U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA),
J. Craig Venter (1946– ),
James Watson (1928– ),
5 Data and Documents,
Introduction,
Data,
Table 5.1. Adoption of Genetically Engineered Crops in the United States, 1996–2015 (percentage of planted land, in acres),
Table 5.2. Types of Genetically Engineered Corn and Cotton in the United States, 2000–2015 (percentage of planted land, in acres),
Table 5.3. Number of Releases, Sites, and Constructs Authorized by Aphis for Evaluation,
Table 5.4. Number of Releases of Genetically Engineered Varieties by APHIS, by Crop, as of September 2013,
Table 5.5. Number of Releases Approved by APHIS by Gene Trait, to September 2013,
Table 5.6. Institutions with Greatest Number of APHIS Permits for Genetically Engineered Crops, to September 2013,
Table 5.7. CODIS Statistics for 15 Top States, as of February 2016,
Documents,
Daubert v. Merrell Dow Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (1993),
Executive Order 13145 (2000),
Regulations with Respect to Genetically Modified Foods: European Union (2003),
Alaska State Law on Genetic Privacy (2004),
Post-Conviction DNA Testing (2004),
United Nations Declaration on Human Cloning (2005),
Additional Protocol to the Convention on Human Rights and Biomedicine, Concerning Genetic Testing for Health Purposes (2008),
Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (2008),
Vermont Act 120 (GM Food Labeling) (2014),
Rule 702. Federal Rules of Evidence (2015),
Grocery Manufacturers Association, et al. v. William H. Sorrell, et al. Case No. 5:14-cv-117 (2015),
People v. Collins; NY Slip Op 25227 [49 Misc 3d 595] (2015),
Collection and Use of DNA Identification Information from Certain Federal Offenders 42 U.S. Code § 14135a (2016),
Issues of DNA Collection,
Maryland v. King 569 U.S. ___,
State v. Medina, et al. 2014 VT 69 (2014),
6 Annotated Bibliography,
7 Chronology,
Glossary,
Index,
About the Author,
About the Author :
David E. Newton, EdD, has been a freelance writer of nonfiction books and ancillary materials for young adults for nearly 55 years. He has published more than 400 textbooks, encyclopedias, resource books, research manuals, and trade books, as well as lab manuals, problems books, and other educational material.
Review :
This edition maintains the organization of the original, with sections for background and history; problems, issues, and solutions; profiles of individuals and organizations; data and documents; an extensive annotated bibliography; and a chronology. It will be most helpful to students needing a solid scientific background and looking for multidisciplinary information on various DNA technologies and related controversies. For libraries that own the previous edition and support programs in biology, biomedical science, or forensic science, purchase of this updated edition is necessary because the technology is advancing so quickly. Summing Up: Recommended. High school through undergraduate students; general readers.
