Books in The Biotechnology Revolution series

Since the early 2th century, when Hans Spemann first twinned salamander embryos, scientists have made astounding progress in the science and technology of cloning. They have now developed the means to apply cloning in research, agriculture, and medicine. With advancements in cloning techniques for stem cell research, scientists have been able to explore human diseases at a cellular level, attempting to better understand the cellular mechanisms involved in disease. Readers explore the history, science, applications, and ethical issues of cloning. Sidebars profile pioneers in the field, including John Bertrand Gurdon, Ian Wilmut, Shinya Yamanaka, and James Thomson.

From tissue engineering that produces artificial skin for burn patients to the use of nanotechnology for precise drug delivery, recent advances in bioengineering have fundamentally changed both the world in which we live and the bodies within which we live. Among the topics covered in this invaluable compendium are homeostasis, biological and artificial control systems, diagnostic imaging, prostheses, biomaterials, environmental engineering, and various subfields of bioengineering. Readers will become familiar with the most exciting and significant developments in this important field.

Modern science has made remarkable advances in genetics. This volume covers the foundations of genes and heredity to give readers a solid understanding of what modern genetics has been built on, before examining the ways in which genetic testing is used to assess genetic risk. Also featured are the many ways researchers and medical professionals are using gene therapy to improve lives, as well as bioethical considerations and social ramifications inherent in going even further with genetics.