The Science and Ethics of Engineering the Human Germ Line

With implications that go to the core of what it means to be human, the issues raised by genetic manipulation-especially cloning-havesparked a passionate debate among governmental, religious, andscientific quarters, as well as the media and the general public. Keeping to the actual science rather than speculation is of theutmost importance for an enlightened approach to this weightydiscussion. In clear, lively prose, The Science and Ethics ofEngineering the Human Germ Line: Mendel's Maze provides anauthoritative treatment of the principles of science and bioethicsthat bear upon such technologies as germ-line insertion andcloning. It offers a realistic assessment of possible applications, limitations, and new developments likely to arise in theseareas. Written by a top physician-investigator, this book progressesfrom the basics of building a living organism from inanimate partsthrough to recombinant DNA technology, assisted reproductivetechnologies, and gene transfer and germ-line engineering. Ethicalconsiderations are woven into this material throughout, while aspecial section covers the intellectual role played by varioussocial biases. As genetic and reproductive technologies spread from thelaboratory to the clinic-and society takes further notice-studentsand practitioners of biology and medicine, as well as theinterested general reader, will find The Science and Ethicsof Engineering the Human Germ Line: Mendel's Maze to be anessential and accessible guide to these important subjects.