The Conversation on Biotechnology

The Conversation on Biotechnology is a collection of essays by leading experts in biotechnology that provides foundational knowledge on a range of topics, from CRISPR gene sequencing to the ethics of GMOs and designer babies.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 264 pages
Publication date: 01 August 2023
Publisher: Johns Hopkins University Press

This comprehensive collection of essays, penned by esteemed experts in the field of biotechnology, serves as an essential foundation for understanding a diverse range of topics. Spanning from the intricate process of CRISPR gene sequencing to the ethical considerations surrounding GMOs and designer babies, these thought-provoking pieces offer invaluable insights into the cutting-edge advancements and potential risks associated with this rapidly evolving field.

In The Conversation on Biotechnology, editor Marc Zimmer has assembled a diverse array of essays from esteemed scholars and experts in the United States. These contributors present a comprehensive primer on the latest developments in biotechnology research, exploring the vast possibilities it presents while also raising important ethical concerns. The book delves into diverse topics, ranging from an overview of CRISPR technology and gene editing in genetically modified organisms (GMOs) to the ethical dilemmas surrounding designer babies and other applications of biotechnology in humans.

The essays in this collection cover a wide spectrum of subjects, encompassing the spectacular use of light to fire individual neurons in the brain, the development of plant-based meats, and the potential for curbing diseases through genetically modified mosquitoes. They also provide a retrospective look at 40 years of opinions on in vitro fertilization (IVF) babies, reflecting on the societal and ethical implications of this technology.

Contributors to this collection include Nathan Ahlgren, Ivan Anishchenko, Trine Antonsen, Jennifer Barfield, Pedro Belda-Ferre, Ari Berkowitz, Adeline Boettcher, Jason Delbourne, Kevin Doxzen, Mo Ebrahimkhani, Eleanor Feingold, J. Benjamin Hurlbut, Cecile Janssens, Samira Kiani, Amanda Kowalczyk, Mariana Lamas, Andrew Lapworth, Rebecca Mackelprang, Kathleen Merrigan, Saman Naghieh, Sean Nee, Dimitri Perrin, Christopher Preston, Jason Rasgon, Penny Riggs, Jason Robert, Oliver Rogoyski, Gary Samore, Sahotra Sarkar, George E. Seidel, Patricia A. Stapleton, Craig W. Stevens, Paul B. Thompson, Christopher Tuggle, Vikramaditya G. Yadav, and many others.

The Critical Conversations series, of which this collection is a part, aims to gather essays from top scholars on timely and important topics. These essays were originally published on the independent news site The Conversation U.S., providing a platform for intellectual discourse and exploration. By compiling these essays in one volume, readers gain access to a wealth of knowledge and insights on a range of subjects that are shaping our world today.

In conclusion, The Conversation on Biotechnology serves as a valuable resource for anyone seeking to gain a deeper understanding of the complex world of biotechnology. Through the insightful essays of leading experts, this collection provides a comprehensive primer on the latest research, ethical considerations, and potential applications of this rapidly evolving field. Whether you are a student, researcher, or simply interested in the implications of biotechnology for health and society, this book is an essential read.

Weight: 272g
Dimension: 203 x 127 x 18 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781421446141