The "nature versus nurture" controversy dates back to at least the nineteenth century. How much of a role does genetics or environment play in accounting for reasoning skill and other intellectual aptitudes? At a time when the public school system in the United States is under attack, this debate has taken center stage in arguments about what accounts for differences in academic achievement. Maximizing Intelligence convincingly argues that, while both genetics and environment play a role in a child's intelligence, environmental factors, especially at an early age, are of primary importance.
Genetics Basis for medicine in the 21st century An introduction to genes, diseases and genetic tests By Dr. Achim Regenauer, Chief Medical Director of Munich Reinsurance Company, and Professor Dr. Jörg Schmidtke, Director of the Centre for Human Genetics at the Medical University of Hannover
Not only covering the newsworthy topics of contemporary biology -such as gene therapy and the Human Genome Project -this book also provides a well-rounded introduction to the fundamental concepts and practical applications of genetics. Written specifically for nonbiologists, Genes and DNA covers all the basic concepts from classical and molecular genetics to quantitative and population genetics, including cloning and genetic diseases, and discusses the many applications of genetics to the world around us, from genetically modified foods to genetic testing.
With minimal technical terminology and jargon, the book's strength is in its attention to the comprehension of concepts. The authors provide balanced coverage of controversial topics and encourage the reader to think independently, always stressing the scientific background and current facts. Throughout the text, innovative "Try This At Home" boxes and supplemental sidebars engage readers.
Written for anyone wondering why we are the way we are, "The Genomic Revolution" is a timely and important collection that spans the science, the promise, and the potential pitfalls of a field moving so quickly that its achievements may alternately delight and trouble us, but almost always surprise us.
From the discoveries of Watson and Crick to the appearance of Dolly the Sheep, the last fifty years have ushered in a revolution of knowledge in how organisms develop, function, and replicate.
Reilly has assembled an enjoyable series of vignettes that are understandable to the novice but contain lessons for the professional geneticist.
Reilly is trained in both genetics and law, and these advances are marvels that offer unprecedented investigative powers both for the scientist and for the police detective. At the same time, we are faced with disquieting challenges to our privacy.
Do these scientific capabilities mean that the banking of DNA samples from every citizen is inevitable? You will be convinced by Reilly's arguments that we are moving rapidly in that direction unless we educate ourselves and choose to object.
