Life Lines: The Story of the New Genetics (Science & Society)

Surveys the field of genetics, discussing genetic analysis, cloning, other new research and developments, and their ethical aspects

Grade 7 Up-The Kidds take a rather dull approach to this dynamic subject. Beginning with early human discoveries about heredity, they concentrate on the work of a few key scientists, including Gregor Mendel, Thomas Hunt Morgan, and Barbara McClintock. In their descriptions of the development of genetic science from the 1920s through the 1950s, the authors present outlines of the actual physical and chemical processes used to analyze and manipulate genetic material. They also describe how Watson and Crick came to their famous discovery of how DNA works within cells, and summarize the process. They go on to present information on other discoveries made through genetic analysis, as well as some of the political and social implications. Apart from some minimizing of dangers and problems, their analysis is unbiased and their style is clear. The format of the book is highly conventional; all but a few of the illustrations are black-and-white portraits of scientists. Lisa Yount's Genetics and Genetic Engineering (Facts On File, 1997) focuses more on the social and political implications and has a much more attractive format, with superior bibliographies, text boxes, and diagrams. Nathan Aaseng's Genetics (Oliver, 1996) more effectively covers the scientific history, with clearer explanations of the controversies and rivalries. Clarice Swisher's Genetic Engineering (Lucent, 1996) and Linda Tagliaferro's Genetic Engineering (Lerner, 1997) both provide more background on current controversies and lists of organizations to contact for further research.
Jonathan Betz-Zall, Sno-Isle Regional Library System, Edmonds, WA
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

The study of genetics is certain to come to the forefront and demand our immediate attention in the 21st century, for modern geneticists now assert that ``all disease has a genetic link.'' The Kidds (Mother Nature's Pharmacy, p. 896, etc.) thoroughly examine the evolution of the study of genetics, from its first pioneer in the 1880s, George Mendel, to the current and complex Human Genome Project of the 1990s. The identification of malfunctioning genes, gene-replacement therapy, the use of genetics in crime detection, biohazards, cloning and its ethical considerationsall of these are carefully analyzed in this resource. Socially significant and timely, this latest book in the Science and Society series elucidates the concerns, controversies, and promises that genetic research holds for our ever-changing society. Intriguing, unsolved genetic mysteries conclude this inclusive text to spark the imagination and spirit of inquiry in the young mind. (b&w photos, index, not seen, glossary, bibliography) (Nonfiction. 12-17) -- Copyright ©1998, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.