From Publishers Weekly:
The nucleus of every cell in our bodies contains 50,000-100,000 genes. In an international "gene mapping" effort, scientists are attempting to determine the precise location of each gene on specific chromosomes. Although much of this research has been conducted in only the last 10 years, already the genes for Huntington's disease, muscular dystrophy and cystic fibrosis have been located, as well as "susceptibility genes" that predispose one to heart disease and, possibly, to alcoholism. Evidence links certain defective genes or the absence of other genes, to various cancers. The authors, both Wall Street Journal reporters, here offer an expert guided tour through the new world of genetic mapping, pausing to consider ethical dilemmas posed by genetic diagnosis of the unborn, privacy issues and potential use of individual genetic profiles by employers or insurance companies. First serial to Longevity and American Health.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.
From Library Journal:
The best way to evaluate this book is in comparison with Lois Wingerson's Mapping Our Genes ( LJ 6/1/90). The subject of both books is the government-funded program to map every gene in human DNA and the medical, ethical, and scientific questions that effort raises. Many of the stories and the persons are the same in both books, and both are creditable efforts to explain this fascinating project. Still, Wall Street Journal reporters Bishop and Waldholz are unafraid to describe more technical details, and their book is broader in scope, compellingly written, and ultimately the more satisfying. Wingerson focuses more on the test patients and their families, and this human approach will appeal to many. Both are recommended, but Genome is the first choice for most libraries, and the only one truly suited for academic libraries.
- Gregg Sapp, Montana State Univ. Lib., Bozeman
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.
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