Playing God? Engineering with Genes

"Playing God?" explains the exciting developments in genetics and how they can be of benefit to us, and to future generations. How can human genes make new drugs and vaccines against disease, including AIDS? How will implanting genes be able to prevent cancers, cystic fibrosis and muscular dystrophy? Should we experiment on embryos to correct physical defects in the womb? Will the developing world suffer or reap the benefit of genetic research? What will happen to the agriculture of the future? What are the issues of cloning and transgenic animals? John Newell argues that it has never been more important to create a clearer public understanding of the awesome potential of genetic engineering to debunk popular myths and fears as well as to question its implications. Genetics are here to stay, the science of the 21st century. Decisions on the future development of genetics affect us all. What lies ahead for the human race?