Book Summary of Application of Biotechnology: Environmental and Policy Issues by John R. Fowle III, (ed)
Citation:
Application of Biotechnology: Environmental and Policy Issues, John R. Fowle III, (ed), (Colorado: Westview Press, 1987), 224 pp
This Book Summary written by: T.A. O'Lonergan, Conflict Research Consortium
Application of Biotechnology: Environmental and Policy will be of
interest to those who seek to broaden their understanding of the history and use
of biotechnology. The work is a collection of the work of multiple authors and
is divided into three parts, the first of which addresses the historical context
of the development of biotechnology. The first essay examines the so-called 'biological
revolution' and the tools and products which resulted from the development
of biotechnology. The next essay focuses upon the development of gene
splicing and the social-historical context within which the deliberate
release of such genetically altered species was, and continues to
be, debated. The final essay in this first part examines the National
Institute of Health's guidelines and field testing of genetically
engineered plants and microorganisms.
Part two is focused upon ecological issues. The application of introduced
species models to the assessment of biotechnology is the topic of the first
essay in this section. Richard E. Lenski examines the infectious spread
of engineered genes. The final essay in this section discusses the
contributions from the field of ecology to the evaluation of
environmental risks from biotechnology. The final part of the book
offers six perspectives on the future of biotechnology, the first of which
asserts that a mobilization of scientific expertise will be required for the
safe and effective use of biotechnology. Terri Goldberg offers
suggestions for moving toward public participation in biotechnology.
The third essay in this section offers an industry view of the public policy
issues in the development of biotechnology. This is followed by an
examination of federal activities in risk assessment and risk
management in biotechnology. The last essay save one is devoted to the
topic of biotechnology and the public purpose. Specifically, the authors
address a public agenda for biotechnology for consideration by the United
States Congress. The final essay reviews the national policy issues
associated with the commercial development of biotechnology.
Application of Biotechnology: Environmental and Policy is a careful
examination of the historical context and contemporary issues surrounding the
development and use of biotechnology. The list of references which follow each
essay will prove useful to the reader who wishes to pursue the subject further.
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