"The Unfolding Gene Revolution: The Ideology, Science, and Regulation of Plant Biotechnology" unravels the development of plant biotechnology, specifically genetic engineering. Dr. Eufemio T. Rasco, Jr. comprehensively reviews the basic sciences relevant to biotechnology and the art and science of genetic engineering in a simple, non-technical and humorous way. To highlight important scientific discoveries, he incorporates some scientist's profiles, the circumstances during the discovery, and the outcome of these discoveries as they relate to the present understanding of the science. Important details of some scientific facts are presented in boxes which add significance and realism to his discussions.
The author presents existing global biosafety regulations that address possible risks associated with genetic engineering. Discussion on risk management strategies to minimize the risks and improve the biosafety of the development and use of the genetically modified (GM) products are supported with recent scientific data. He dissects the Philippine biosafety regulation system, pinpointing its flaws and makes suggestions for its improvement, to make it less restrictive without losing its essential purpose.
The usefulness and wide applications of biotechnology, the social and environmental impact of genetic engineering and its products, and an analysis of the many controversies and issues surrounding the technology, are discussed in order to highlight important aspects that will benefit developing countries, and to suggest ways to speed-up the technologies' utilization and adoption.
This book is highly recommended for people who appreciate an easy to read and understandable treatment of science, are inquisitive of the government interventions for the technologies' adoption, and are looking for a way to learn the intricacies of the art, science and future prospects of genetic engineering.
About the author
Eufemio Tam Rasco is a plant breeder and Professor of Science, Technology and Society in the University of the Philippines in Mindanao (UP in Mindanao). He pioneered in the breeding of tropical vegetables in the Institute of Plant Breeding, University of the Philippines Los Baños. He is a member of the National Research Council of the Philippines.
Table of contents
| Chapter | |
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1
|
Before GMOs |
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2
|
Evolution: the Ideology of Genetic Engineering |
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3
|
Discovering the Secret of Life |
|
4
|
Building the Tool Kit for Plant Genetic Engineering |
|
5
|
Transforming a Plant: Lessons From a Bacterium |
|
6
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Making a GMO |
|
7
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Is Genetic Engineering Inherently Risky? |
|
8
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Fear by Association |
|
9
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Assessing the Safety of GM Foods and Crops |
|
10
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Rules That Invite Violation |
|
11
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Rewarding Innovation, Sharing Benefits |
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12
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Making GMOs Better, Safer |
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13
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Pharming and Metabolic Engineering |
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14
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Agricultural Biotechnology Without Controversy |
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15
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Making Plant Biotechnology Work for the Philippines |
