Beyond Evolution : The Genetically Altered Future of Plants, Animals, the Earth... and Humans

by Dr. Michael W. Fox

• ISBN13: 9781558219014
• ISBN10: 1558219013
• Format: Trade Book
• Copyright: 1999-09-01
• Publisher: The Lyons Press

Summary

For all that humans have dominated -- and sometimes ruined -- the earth and its dominions, not until very recently have we had the ability to create new forms of life, from pest-resistant tomatoes and super-lactating cows to crossbreeds of goat and sheep. Cloning is no longer the stuff of science-fiction, and prenatal genetic alterations are not a pipe dream; these are scientifically viable alternatives. Such previously unimagined possibilities raise difficult questions, and in Beyond Evolution Michael Fox addresses the reality of today and the potential of tomorrow: How does genetic alteration affect animals' quality of life? Do bioengineered plants and animals make financial sense, and how do they impact the world economy? What are the dangers of genetically altered organisms, and what safeguards, if any, are being taken? Where, how, and by whom is bioengineering being done -- and, most importantly, why? From a cure for cancer to runaway fatal viruses, from juicy oranges to unstoppable deforestation, from cloned sheep to the end of all life on earth -- the genetically altered future offers innumerable opportunities, and perhaps even more dangers. Here is a call for the rational, careful exploration of that future.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments	9	(2)
Introduction	11	(10)
CHAPTER 1 In the Beginning	21	(22)
CHAPTER 2 Genetic Imperialism: The New World Order of Biotechnology	43	(14)
CHAPTER 3 Agribusiness and Biotechnology: New Crops and Food Problems	57	(18)
CHAPTER 4 Does Genetic Engineering Have a Place in Organic Agriculture?	75	(18)
CHAPTER 5 Genetically Engineered Animals and the New "Pharm" Animal Factories	93	(30)
CHAPTER 6 How Prevalent--and Safe--Are Genetically Engineered Foods?	123	(22)
CHAPTER 7 Biotechnology and Genetic Pollution	145	(12)
CHAPTER 8 Scientific and Bioethical Issues in Genetic-Engineering Biotechnology	157	(30)
CHAPTER 9 Corporate Ethics in Biotechnology: Hard Choices, Soft Paths	187	(14)
CHAPTER 10 Where Do We Draw the Line?	201	(10)
CHAPTER 11 Saving the Seeds of Humanity from Spiritual Corruption	211	(10)
Notes	221	(10)
Glossary	231	(6)
Selected Bibliography	237	(8)
Resources	245	(4)
Index	249