Biotechnology Unzipped: Promises and Realities

Sandy Campbell is a reference librarian in the Science and Technology Library at the University of Alberta.

The field of biotechnology can be difficult for the layperson to
understand. While there is much in the public press on the outcomes of
biotechnology, from cloned sheep to designer vegetables, the science
behind those outcomes is probably mysterious to most. Eric Grace has
done a good job of demystification in this plainly written and
straightforward book. After reviewing the basic science, he provides
chapters on the applications of biotechnology to medicine, agriculture,
the environment, forestry, and fisheries. His discussions of ethical
problems in such areas as the patenting of human genes are admirably
balanced. His book, which is supported by many helpful illustrations, is
recommended for introductory biotechnology courses, public libraries,
and academic libraries.