Biotech Research

January 1, 2012

Gr 6-10-An overview of genetics for beginners, including the discovery of DNA by Crick and Watson, leads readers into the contemporary world of biotechnology, a world enhanced by the completion of the Human Genome Project in 2003. Orbiting contemporary issues such as recombinant DNA, stem cell and gene therapies, the production of biofuels, bioremediation, and the creation of biodegradable plastics, the authors address current issues and events and explain how they impact agriculture, medicine, industry, and the environment. The writing style is extremely clear and direct. This book is on a par with Alvin Silverstein, Virginia Silverstein, and Laura Silverstein Nunn's DNA (21st Century Bks, 2002), William Sofer's Introduction to Genetic Engineering (Butterworth-Heinemann, 1991), and Susan Aldridge's The Thread of Life: The Story of Genes and Genetic Engineering (Cambridge Univ., 1996). Matching their intensity, effective informational clarity, and level of excitement generated relative to the rapidly developing field, Biotech Research has the distinct advantage of being an up-to-date and timely addition to any collection. The inclusion of oleophilic (oil-eating) bacteria first developed by microbiologist Ananda Chakrabarty in 1981 and later modified by scientists in conjunction with the BP oil spill of 2010 clenches the realization that biotechnology is highly applicable to the real world. A mix of photos and occasional graphic illustrations complements the text.-Kathryn Diman, Bass Harbor Memorial Library, Bernard, ME

Copyright 2012 School Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

December 1, 2011
Grades 10-1 With a wide scope and dense detail, this title in the Inside Science series is an excellent choice for classroom discussion about controversial issues. Can science resolve the global hunger crisis by using biotechnology to produce more food while preserving the earth's natural resources? Genetic engineering of corn can increase the nutritional value and reduce the need for pesticides, but is there a risk? Should an embryo that shows a genetic predisposition to defects be terminated? And what about research into future technology, such as fuel to replace gasoline and lower greenhouse gases? Not everyone will agree with the statements, of course, but the disagreements will fuel classroom exploration of ongoing debates, from nature versus nurture to genetic manipulation.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2011, American Library Association.)

January 1, 2012
The authors examine cutting-edge research topics, from the Human Genome Project to genetically modified food. After some history of the field, the volume examines current basic and applied research studies, and the historical and contemporary scientists engaged in the work. Color photographs and diagrams accompany the dense text. Unfamiliar words are defined in text boxes. Reading list, websites. Ind.

(Copyright 2012 by The Horn Book, Incorporated, Boston. All rights reserved.)