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Welcome to the biotechnology edition of The Promethean!
In this issue, we introduce a new series, The Biotech Revolution, which explores many scientific and philosophical issues relating to the development and utilization of cutting-edge biotechnologies, as well as the possible impacts of these technologies on society.
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THE BIOTECH REVOLUTION
Relics of Eden: The Powerful Evidence of Evolution in Human DNA
Since the publication in 1859 of Darwin's Origin of Species, debate over the theory of evolution has been continuous and often impassioned. In recent years, opponents of "Darwin's dangerous idea" have mounted history's most sophisticated and generously funded attack, claiming that evolution is "a theory in crisis." Ironically, these claims are being made at a time when the explosion of information from genome projects has revealed the most compelling and overwhelming evidence of evolution ever discovered--coming not from our genes, but from so-called "junk DNA," leftover relics of our evolutionary history that make up the vast majority of our DNA.
In Relics of Eden, professor and research geneticist Dr. Daniel J. Fairbanks explores this powerful DNA-based evidence of human evolution. The "relics" are the millions of functionally useless but scientifically informative remnants of our evolutionary ancestry trapped in the DNA of every person on the p***t.
Dr. James F. Crow, emeritus professor of genetics at the University of Wisconsin and member of the National Academy of Sciences says of Fairbanks's approach, "Instead of the usual embryos and fossils, Fairbanks uses new molecular evidence. And he zeros in on a major controversy, the origin of humans and our relation to other primates. The arguments are presented with unusual clarity and they are overwhelmingly convincing."
Publisher's Weekly noted that in addition to "using comparative genomics, in which the human genome is compared to those of other primates, mammals, vertebrates, insects and bacteria...show[ing] how the human genome can only be explained as the evolutionary product of numerous pre-existing species," he also, "makes some interesting points regarding the canard that the sciences in general, and evolution in particular, are at odds with religion."
Fairbanks argues that science and religion are complementary ways to seek truth and that one does not dismiss the other. However, he urges the vast majority of Americans who hold religious convictions not to be fooled by the pseudoscience of Creationist and Intelligent Design advocates.
Dr. Daniel Hartl, Higgins Professor of Biology at Harvard University, concludes, "Brilliantly conceived, this excellent book shows how DNA sequences confirm the fact of human evolution. Wide ranging though not superficial, detailed though not technical, filled with fresh examples and engaging vignettes, the book is respectful of dissenting opinions but leaves literal creationists with no place to hide."
DNA: How the Biotech Revolution Is Changing the Way We Fight Disease
In addition to using evidence from DNA to chart our evolutionary history, scientists are now looking to genetic research to find cures for some of the most serious diseases plaguing humanity.
In DNA, biochemist and veteran lab researcher Frank H. Stevenson tells the story of how scientists on many fronts are succeeding in the battle against disease by exploiting the latest findings in genetics. From heart disease to AIDS and cancer, he helps you understand how the tools of biotechnology are being used to combat our most common afflictions. Stephenson examines a wide variety of health threats and illnesses: HIV infection, the many forms of cancer, asthma, diabetes, Alzheimer's, obesity, and even erectile dysfunction. Each is discussed in terms of root cause and treatment in plain, jargon-free language that not only educates, but entertains.
This is the ideal primer on the biotechnology revolution for the layperson. New Scientist calls it "a spirited riposte to those who argue that molecular biology and genome mapping will never make major contributions to human well-being...Crisply written in 40 mini-chapters, it makes a vivid introductory guide to an on-going revolution."
The Stem Cell Controversy: Debating the Issues
Second Edition
 Stem cells, which have the remarkable potential to develop into different parts of the body, are harvested from aborted fetal tissue or newly fertilized cells. Proponents of stem cell research argue that scientists are making legitimate use of already aborted fetuses and it is unfair to deprive those who are suffering of the benefits of a potentially revolutionary therapy. Yet this practice has raised sharp criticisms from the Religious Right, who charge that science is capitalizing on an abhorrent act.
Given the medical potential for treatment of currently incurable diseases by stem cell research, as well as the moral dilemmas this technology poses, should such research be permitted? What moral, religious, or political objections might be raised?
Philosophers Michael Ruse and Christopher A. Pynes, in The Stem Cell Controversy, have compiled a valuable, up-to-date, and newly revised collection of articles by noted experts to address all aspects of the debate. The contributors--scientists, medical practitioners, philosophers, theologians, historians, and policy analysts--offer a variety of perspectives to give readers the critical tools they need to shape an informed position on the topic, including a deeper understanding of the science behind the research, its medical cures and promises, and the moral, religious, and policy concerns surrounding this controversial issue.
Metapsychology says, "...T he book is a must-have for anyone interested in this topic in particular, or in biomedical ethics in general. This is certainly one of the best and most extensive introductory anthologies to the issue of stem cell research I have encountered."
Ethical Issues in New Reproductive Technologies
Second Edition
In the last few decades, as new reproductive technologies have been developed, couples desiring children have increasingly turned to various medical interventions when natural conception has been unsuccessful. These new technologies have also raised ethical concerns from various quarters, including medical ethics committees, the American Fertility Society, and the Roman Catholic Congregation for the Doctrine of Faith.
According to Science Books and Films, "This book provides many potentially interesting hours of discussion for college courses in ethics and morals. Health care professionals, particularly those who counsel infertile couples, will find it an accurate, up-to-date reference source book. Infertile couples, their friends, and their families will find, from the many different viewpoints expressed, guides for personal and societal decisions."
New to this edition are a glossary that provides succinct definitions of highly technical terms and websites for further information, as well as a thorough index.
This excellent collection of expert articles will stimulate appreciation of the complex and multitiered character of moral decision making as it is experienced by patients, medical professionals, and legislators and jurists charged with preserving, protecting, and justly applying the principles of society.
Science and Ethics: Can Science Help Us Make Moral Judgments?
 A number of the above titles dealt with new ethical dilemmas created by the development of new biotechnologies. However, this title raises a slightly different question, namely, "Can science help us to solve our moral problems?"
Many people today believe that moral principles are derived from religion. Their critics point out that the great religions often vehemently disagree about what is good, bad, right, and wrong. On the other side of a great divide stand many who say that there are no ethical standards at all and that morality is merely a question of personal taste or cultural relativity.
Science and Ethics presents a unique collection of authors who generally maintain that science can help us make wise choices and that an increase in scientific knowledge can help modify our ethical values and bring new ethical principles into social awareness.
Among the wide-ranging topics discussed are bio-genetic engineering, stem cell research, organ transplants, human enhancement, abortion, euthanasia, psychiatry, and psychotherapy.
Editor Dr. Paul Kurtz, professor emeritus of philosophy at SUNY Buffalo and a Fellow of the American Association for the Advancement of Science, maintains that there is a modified form of naturalistic ethics that is directly relevant to both science and ethics and provides guidelines for our moral choices.
Monsters and Critics says, "Thought provoking and controversial...it provides valuable insights into coping with some of the more difficult issues of our time." | |
We hope you have enjoyed this issue of The Promethean. Feel free to send us any suggestions, comments, or questions you may have. Email us:
marketing@prometheusbooks.com
Happy New Year!
The Marketing Department
Prometheus Books, Publishers
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