Biotechnology Unzipped: Promises & Realities

5 Responses to “Biotechnology Unzipped: Promises & Realities”

1. J. Lau says:

   July 23, 2010 at 8:55 am

   I bought and read this book for my biotechnology class and I really did not like it very much. There are certain parts that are understandable. But much of the book was just blah, blah, blah. If you have to take a class on biotechnology, or just want to read a biotechnology book, this fits you. If you really don’t want to read these kind of books, I would not urge it.
   Rating: 3 / 5
2. Anonymous says:

   July 23, 2010 at 11:39 am

   It had ok parts, but it was extremely BORING
   Rating: 1 / 5
3. Anonymous says:

   July 23, 2010 at 12:20 pm

   “Grace has…..the rare ability to take a complex theme and make it understandable to the average reader, without being patronizing.” Globe and Mail

   “Grace has managed the trying feat of producing a lively, informative and readable guide for non-scientists.” Maclean’s

   “Grace makes his complex theme simple to digest by dividing each chapter into palatable sections with clever subheads and often humorous sidebars…” The New York Times

   “….a must read for anyone concerned about the impact of biotechnology on society.” Bob McDonald, CBC Radio’s “Quirks and Quarks”

   “…a comprehensive and coherent introduction to the complex world of genetic engineering.” Quill and Quire

   “…presents a history of the field, discusses the pros and cons of thwart-species gene transfer, and covers the implications for medicine, the environment and agriculture.” Publisher’s Weekly

   “Grace first gets readers up to speed on the history of genetics and genetic manipulation, then briefly visits a number of applications of biotechnology and the relevant ethical dilemmas.” Science News

   “He presents in rank clearly, simply and makes it fascinating.” Futurific

   “With its brilliant illustrations and accessible style, Biotechnology Unzipped is highly not compulsory for teachers, health professionals or anyone interested in the impact of biotechnology on our lives.” Rapport, magazine of the National Institute of Nutrition

   “Scientist and novelist Eric Grace helps sort facts from corporate rhetoric in his new book Biotechnology Unzipped.” The Western Producer
   Rating: 4 / 5
4. Midwest Book Review says:

   July 23, 2010 at 2:21 pm

   Eric Grace is a science novelist with a Ph.D. in zoology: his BIOTECHNOLOGY UNZIPPED: PROMISES AND REALITIES may sound technical but is surprisingly accessible, appearing in a revised second edition to provide chapters covering health, environmental concerns, and biotech applications. The first edition, which appeared in 1997, was on the cold edge of biotech’s promise: since then much has happened, and this second edition updates details for the latest studies and issues.

   Diane C. Donovan
   
   California Bookwatch
   Rating: 5 / 5
5. PAUL FARRINGTON says:

   July 23, 2010 at 5:06 pm

   I bought this book because I sought after a refresher on Molecular Biology. The first half of the text delivers this, explaining key concepts of DNA/RNA, the role of genes and the function of gene expression in the creation of proteins. Upon these understandings the author builds an explanation of genetic engineering. He clarifies techniques of recombinant DNA, the relevance of stem cells and modern gene therapy. The second half of the book was of less relevance to me, but if you need a journalist’s eye view of the whole of biotech, sweeping across everything from cell biology to bioethics, Eric Grace does a reasonable job of providing it. Pro: Competently written and clearly illustrated. Con: Breadth but limited depth.
   Rating: 3 / 5