The Science and Ethics of Engineering the Human Germ Line (eBook)

Dr. Gordon graduated from Columbia University with a major in Biology in 1971. He obtained a Ph.D. Yale University in 1978, receiving an award for the best Ph.D. thesis in Biology that year. In 1980 Dr. Gordon graduated with honors from Yale University Medical School. In the two years following medical school Dr. Gordon, in collaboration with Frank H. Ruddle at Yale University, produced the first "transgenic" mouse, a mouse with genes from another species inserted into the germ line. Since then he has pioneered new techniques for assisting fertilization in human in vitro fertilization and has published many research papers, reviews and opinion papers on the science and ethics of gene transfer and related reproductive technologies. He is an internationally recognized authority in the area of germ line gene transfer.

Preface.

Acknowledgments.

PART I.

1. Setting the Table.

2. Building a Living Organism from Inanimate Parts.

3. Molecular Biology and Recombinant DNA Technology.

4. Transmitting the Genetic Information to Future
Generations.

5. Developmental Biology.

6. Reproductive Biology and Assisted Reproductive
Technologies.

7. Methods and Strategies for Gene Transfer and Engineering of
the Germ Line.

PART II.

8. Introduction to the Ethics of Reproductive Genetic
Technologies.

9. Future Developments and Applications of Genetic Engineering
Technology.

10. What If? Ethical and Legal Aspects of Germ Line Genetic
Manipulation.

A Brief Epilogue: Understanding Our Biases.

Index.

"...will help us engage in a sensible and productive discussion to
decide collectively the role genetic technologies should play in
our future." (The Quarterly Review of Biology, December
2004)

"Academic, hospital, and corporate health sciences libraries
would welcome this title as an asset to their collections."
(E-STREAMS, July 2004)

"...an essential and accessible guide to these important
subjects. Dr. Gordon and John-Wiley Corporation jointly deserve a
pat in the back for producing a beneficial and 'eye-opening' book."
(Annals of Biomedical Engineering, August 2004)

"...elucidates the background of genetic manipulation for
the layman...recommended..." (Choice, Vol. 41, No. 8,
April 2004)

"...this book succeeds in demystifying many of the issues
surrounding germline genetic manipulations..." (Science
Books & Films, April 2004)

"This powerful ethical message, combined with Gordon's
scientific acumen, make for a simultaneously accessible and
thoughtful book." (Yale Journal of Biology and Medicine,
July 2003)