5 Of The Best - books on genetic engineering - Brief Article

HELENA PAUL OF THE GAIA FOUNDATION RECOMMENDS FIVE BOOKS THAT GIVE THE LOWDOWN ON GENETIC ENGINEERING.

Genetic Engineering -- Dream or Nightmare?: The brave new world of bad science and big business by Dr Mae-Wan Ho; Gateway Books.

Ho explains how genetic engineering, using techniques which are designed to cross species barriers, will lead to effects which we cannot possibly predict. She deals with the origins of genetic engineering technology and its application in food and medicine. She demystities the science and criticises its reductionism. She examines the often ugly assumptions underlying current genetic engineering technology and calls for a new science which engages with wholeness and complexity.

GM Free: A shopper's guide to genetically modified food by Sue Dibb and Dr Tim Lobstein; Virgin Publishing Limited.

This is a field guide for supermarket hunter-gatherers. It begins with brief guidance to the basics of GE, the companies involved and the claims wade. It looks at safety and labelling, gives contact details and policies of the main UK supermarket chains and an A-Z listing of products. Although many supermarkets have gone GE free in the UK in their own brands since this book was produced, the issues are still very much alive worldwide.

Genetic Engineering, Food, and Our Environment by Luke Anderson; Green Books.

A clear, easy to understand guide which explores the technology, the risks to human health and the environment, the way in which genetic modification is being promoted and the interests behind its introduction. The book is strong on the potential environmental impact of genetically engineered crops and its impact on farming both in the developed and developing world. Gives both basic information and explanations for the general reader and detailed references for those who want to follow up particular aspects of the GE debate.

Eat Your Genes: How genetically engineered food is entering our diet by Stephen Nottingham; Zed Books.

It examines many of the same issues as Dr Mae Wan Ho's book, but in a less passionate style. It moves through the issue from the basic concepts through insect resistant and herbicide resistant crops to impacts on the Third World. It is very easy to quickly refer to specific issues or cases, which are described concisely. The chapter on the Third World provides useful evidence and arguments against the claim that GE will feed the world.

The Biotech Century: Harnessing the gene and remaking the world by Jeremy Rifkin, Tarcher/Putnam Books.

This looks at the social and philosophical implications of GE into the future and argues that modern biotechnology and computing are coming together to create a new scientific revolution and world-view, It warns clearly of the dangers of eugenics, showing its deep roots in US history. There is a good chapter on the flaws in risk assessment, It calls on us to pause on the threshold of unleashing this technology to ask ourselves what it will mean, warning us not to confuse creativity with the ultimate shopping trip.

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