2 comments about Understanding Biotechnology.

1. I just finished reading this book for an independent novel project for my Biology 104 course. Throughout the reading of this grammatical-error-strewn book, I realized something. This book had no real-world implications. It was written for the common person to understand biotechnology in their daily lives. However, the book flowed at such an esoteric level, explaining only a quarter of the bio-heavy terms it used, that it was impossible to understand unless you were a bio major. Then I realized: if you're a bio major, you've already understood these concepts. Again, no real world applications.
   
   To make matters at hand worse, the book was incredibly dull. Most of the topics it covered were explained so dully, with such drab examples, that I continually fell asleep. I won't mention that I was reclining in a, well, recliner. But it was pretty mundane. The diagrams and pictures in this book are a joke. One is Pacman eating a blob, which corresponds with "some bacteria eat toxins and eliminate pollution."
   
   I found the bioterrorism section, a fascinating subject, to be also mundane, and extremely uninformative. Some pathogens, such as cholera, were given a sentence description which simply said "this is used in bioterrorism". Thanks. I'm REALLY understanding biotechnology.
   
   Don't read this book. I'm sure there are much better ones that will help you understand these important biological concepts.



2. Covering topics like genetic engineering, cloning, gene therapy, forensics and bioremediation, this is a highly informative book that not only deals with the science but the laws, social and economic implications of biotechnology.
   
   For those interested in knowing more about these topics before they invest in biotechnology, this book is packed with plenty of useful information. However, the information is presented in a technical, not very reader-friendly way.
   
   I suggest keeping it as as reference book and zooming in on specific topics when you need information on them.

No comments about Microfluidics for Biotechnology (Microelectromechanical Systems).

5 comments about Pandora's Picnic Basket: The Potential and Hazards of Genetically Modified Foods.

1. My thoughts have been centered on Geneticaly Modified food for some time, so was delighted to discover Allan McHughen's book "The Potential and Hazards of Genetic Modified Foods' on Amazon.com. Living in S. Africa, we are very much aware of the shortage of food for large numbers of people on the African continent as well as in many other areas of the world. The need is not just bulk to ease the pangs of hunger, but food with high nutritional value. There is also a need for the scientific knowledge of how to grow proper food in carefuly nourished ground. I do hope that the scientific value to the human race can outweigh the risk of any commercial gain, and that the people who's needs are the greatest, can benefit from the work being done.



2. The author Allen McHughen promises the reader an unbiased view on GM, especially the potential and hazards or risks associated with it. In the end however, he clearly explains the benefits, but belittles the REAL problems of GM which he avoids. It is a gross manipulation of the truth. He is funded by MONSANTO, a totally pro GM company whose products have ruined farmers in India. He calls all the hazards of GM mere myths - invented by the media. He fails to address any hazards and tells only half the truth. How can he provide an unbiased viewpoint when he has genetically modified food himself? If you read VERY carefully between the lines you will realize he contradicts himself several times. The uncareful reader is easily swayed by his complex yet empty arguments into thinking that GM is only good and has no risks. It is just a book of lies!!



3. When I wanted to learn more about GM, I looked for a book to read that was based on science, not on rhetoric from activists that have only preconceptions and no real understanding of science. That is why I chose this book. Alan McHughen is not only a scientist, but he has done research on GM plants. This gives him a unique perspective into the pros and cons of GM plants and the GM process. He does a good job of describing the science behind GM, which is essential to understand for anyone interested in GM. Then he goes on to describe the application of GM technology and current issues. He emphasizes that one should separate the process of GM from the products of GM; something that the media and activist groups rarely do, further clouding the issue. If you would like to learn facts about GM so that you can decide for yourself, then this book is for you.



4. It easier to destroy an atom instead a prejudice , stated in certain opportunity Albert Einstein.
   Are you anxious for knowing the advances about the genetically designed food? The public education will turn off the opposed voices and peregrine interpretations about the superstitions weaved around this new subject.
   Hughes affirms that sixty per cent of the processed aliments contain some trans genetic product and we have been consuming them without ulterior consequences .
   He points out two positive aspects behind this newness technique : Those improvements will help to mitigate the hunger in the world and reduce also, the ecological impact in the intensive agriculture .
   A reference reading which undoubtedly forms part of one additional consequence of the Third Wave existence .



5. I've read 6 or 7 books on GMO's, pro and con. This book portends to be neutral in the beginning, but in fact it sets forth a pro GMO opinion. Sorry, I'm not convinced.

2 comments about Disinfection, Sterilization, and Preservation (Disinfection, Serilization & P).

1. I have used this book for many years and it never ceases to amaze me how comprehensive it is. This book covers all modes of microbiological control. This is a must have for all Quality Assurance and Quality Control Professionals in the Food, Pharmacetical and Allied industries.



2. A comprehensive review of this book appears in the March-April 2002 issue of "Biomedical Instrumentation and Technology", Vol. 36, No. 2, p. 141. The book is an important part of a library for anyone engaged in technologies or products dependent on sterilization or disinfection.

No comments about Biotechnology (Technical Japanese Series).

5 comments about The Immortal Cell: One Scientist's Quest to Solve the Mystery of Human Aging.

1. Such a fascinating look into the competitive world of scientific discovery and the breakthroughs that are being uncovered every minute behind closed doors. I love when he gets really technical into the science of the telomere and how this research can both help explain the immortal nature of cancer cells as well as the mortal nature of somatic cells. Shows how truly groundbreaking stem cell research can be (reverting mortal cells into immortal embryonic ones)! GREAT READ and highly recommended!



2. In The Immortal Cell, Michael D. West tells about his lifelong search for solutions to aging and age-related illnesses.
   
   West's quest starts with an ideal of compassion: if we can help it, why should we keep suffering from Alzheimer, Parkinson, macular degeneration, atherosclerosis, and so many illnesses associated with aging?
   
   West first thought religion and the bible would provide him with answers to his questions about life and death. One is surprised that a bright young man with a scientific mind would have fallen for creationism for as long a period of time as ten years, but West finally recognized that creationism does not resist serious analysis and that at the end of the 20th century, it is just nonsense. Because of this however West has kept a certain understanding for the point of view of the more conservative religious parties.
   
   West then tells of the scientific quest, amidst fierce competition between scientists and even corporations, to understand the mechanics of cellular aging: the discovery of the importance of telomeres, those chromosome ends that turn out to be associated with the cellular clock; the discovery of telomerase, the enzyme able to repair telomeres; the discovery of the tight relationship of such research with cancer research; the first experiments to rewind the cellular clock by implanting somatic cells DNA into egg cells; the cloning of the first mammals; and the experiments to produce embryonic stem sells in vitro, from somatic DNA and egg cells.
   
   The most important result is the proof that cellular aging is not a fatality, as one could have thought initially: it is caused by a mechanism that we are now able to somewhat tweak. From there, there are two main therapeutic perspectives. First, the idea of fixing the aging cells of the body. A lot of research remains to be done in this area. So far, nobody has managed to find a mechanism to reliably deliver a fix to a significant number of cells, and the fix itself has yet to be developed. Second, the idea that any somatic cell can be used to produce embryonic stem cells. This opens the door to building tissues and even entire organs in vitro. Such tissues and organs could be then grafted to the donor without risk of rejection. The perspectives go from implanting skin and bone marrow cells to finding a cure for diabetes and atheroscleriosis. Ultimately, it may allow for entire organ replacement.
   
   West is probably a better scientist than philosopher, but in the last chapter of the book, he makes a good case for therapeutic cloning, including addressing some religious questions regarding "life" with very sound arguments.
   
   The Immortal Cell is a good and easy read. I had fairly high expectations about it because it was very well rated online, and I was a little disappointed by several aspects of the book. West could have communicated even better the excitement this research should generate. He neglects related developments such as the impact nanotechnology research could have.
   
   He also fails to address exciting but disruptive perspectives. If in fact cellular therapy becomes one day mainstream, there is a clear possibility that humans could see their life expectancy increase dramatically, from about 80 years today in developed countries to... 100? 120? 150? 200? 1000? The social impact of such a change would be enormous. It is quite possible that West does not wish to speculate about such subjects so as not to disrupt current research. After all, his own work has put him in the middle of the controversy about research on human embryonic stem cells and human cloning.



3. This book is a narrative account of the author's attempts over the years to study aging. There was a lot of discussion about stem cells. I was hoping for more commentary on immortality, but he talked a lot about therapeutic uses of stem cells instead. The talk of immortality was mostly restricted to getting individual cells to reproduce indefinitely, rather than finding the fountain of youth. There were characters here and there who were introduced and faded away, but by and large the focus was on the author's character.
   
   If you're looking for a dreamy, fountain of youth type of book, this is not really it. That is what I was looking for, so I was disappointed to see it was merely a recounting of events without a whole lot of future vision or insights. I think there are other books on immortality out there you may want to try.



4. After reading so many positive reviews, I ordered the book, and expected to learn in-depth insight into the immortality of cells.
   I was disappointed. This book is more of the author's personal story of pursuing the goal of revering aging rather than detailed look into the biological nature of aging. There are tidbits of gems here and there, but the density is low. If you are looking for amserious discussion of the subject matter, this book is not for you.



5. This amazing book reads like a Michael Crichton novel; full of suspense, moral predicaments, and uncertainies, with the added bonus of it being a true story. The author truly captures the intensity of being on the cutting edge of controversial science; give this to your kid and they will give up on 'cops and robbers' and want to be a scientist when they grow up. Read it yourself, and you will gain new insight into the controversy. Highly recommended.

No comments about Science, Society, and the Supermarket: The Opportunities and Challenges of Nutrigenomics.

No comments about Antibody Engineering: Methods and Protocols (Methods in Molecular Biology) (Methods in Molecular Biology).

No comments about Natural Products Isolation (Methods in Biotechnology) (Methods in Biotechnology).

No comments about Modelling Molecular Structure and Reactivity in Biological Systems (Special Publications).