Review by Johan Erasmus -- The New Eugenics
Posted: 11 Mar 2021, 12:28
[Following is a volunteer review of "The New Eugenics" by Conrad B. Quintyn.]
The New Eugenics by Conrad B. Quintyn, Ph.D. is a non-fiction book about how biological life is proactively being modified by Homo sapiens, with consequences yet unknown. The first chapter starts with a comparison of new eugenics with the notorious old eugenics. In short, the latter was about selective breeding to 'improve the stock' of humanity, whereas new eugenics is about altering genes of organisms (including humans) at a cellular level to achieve medical, ecological, and financial goals. These include curing diseases, changing the natural environment, and changing the traits of organisms. Subsequent chapters explain how the application of bio- and bionanotechnological practices such as cloning, in vitro fertilization, gene therapy, gene editing tools (such as ZFNs, TALENS, and the famous CRISPR/Cas 9 system) is utilized. The discovery of the accurate and fascinating CRISPR/Cas9 system has landed a shared Nobel Prize in Chemistry, indicating much promise. However, gene and environmental interactions are complex and still relatively poorly understood, indicating something else: these interactions (along with viruses) continue to ruffle our understanding of the fundamental definition of life. The theme that runs throughout the book then is the question of whether public safety and scientific progress really can coexist.
Quintyn observes warning signals as many scientists push the envelope, make confident statements about ‘rewriting the code of life’, and possibly imagine achieving some divine level. As heritable long-term effects are often overlooked and societal pressures of achieving prestige, fame, and fortune build (or, dare I say, blind), the author raises reasonable concerns. To name but a few, CRISPR/Cas 9 technology has already spread across borders as a relatively cheap and user-friendly market commodity, reports of germline editing in humans have made headlines, and unknown privately funded research on embryonic stem cells continues. Flashbacks to the old eugenics arise along with a potential recurrence of the former stigmatizations and inequality. The important lesson for me is that genetic engineering has tremendous potential in disrupting natural selection pressures and altering the DNA of organisms in ways that may not prove safe, effective, or ethical. With this tremendous power should come tremendous responsibility from international organizations, that are arguably indifferent to safety, effectiveness, and ethics.
What I liked most about The New Eugenics was how remarkably interesting and informative it was -from the smallest detail to the bigger, philosophical picture. The author’s academic background is evident in his work because the content is so thoroughly researched and sourced, it could very well serve as a complete literature review of modern developments in eugenics. Many technically complex and academically challenging concepts are further explained in parenthesis, and every chapter incorporates the main theme of the book to a greater or lesser extent. I especially liked how every chapter started with one or two thought-provoking quotes, guiding the reader to a broader understanding of the topic addressed. A glossary is also included, emphasizing the commitment of the author to the accessibility of his work.
There was hardly anything about the book that I did not like. However, I do feel I should mention that the author’s writing style should be considered academic and that despite his laudable efforts to explain concepts simply and carefully, the technical dynamics of genetics and molecular biology may prove challenging to the average reader. A basic understanding of biology might be a prerequisite for reading and enjoying this book. Additionally, the author is skeptical in that biotechnological treatments may be affordable only to the rich. This might be true in some countries, but generally, the law of supply and demand eventually drives down the cost of technology. Furthermore, if this subject is considered from a cosmological evolutionary perspective, the irresponsible utilization of any technology seems to me, inevitable. Other readers may disagree.
Despite noticing a few typos, I easily rate The New Eugenics 4 out of 4 stars. As biotechnology moves at lightning speed, Quintyn urges scientists and policymakers to proceed with caution. If unfettered, it may pose serious threats to all life on this planet. This book stresses that genome modifications of interconnected and interdependent living organisms should be no exception. I have learned a lot, and this book was an absolute pleasure to read.
I recommend this book to anyone with an interest in genetics, biotechnology, and biology in general. I especially recommend this book to ambitious scientists and all students of life sciences.
******
The New Eugenics
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
The New Eugenics by Conrad B. Quintyn, Ph.D. is a non-fiction book about how biological life is proactively being modified by Homo sapiens, with consequences yet unknown. The first chapter starts with a comparison of new eugenics with the notorious old eugenics. In short, the latter was about selective breeding to 'improve the stock' of humanity, whereas new eugenics is about altering genes of organisms (including humans) at a cellular level to achieve medical, ecological, and financial goals. These include curing diseases, changing the natural environment, and changing the traits of organisms. Subsequent chapters explain how the application of bio- and bionanotechnological practices such as cloning, in vitro fertilization, gene therapy, gene editing tools (such as ZFNs, TALENS, and the famous CRISPR/Cas 9 system) is utilized. The discovery of the accurate and fascinating CRISPR/Cas9 system has landed a shared Nobel Prize in Chemistry, indicating much promise. However, gene and environmental interactions are complex and still relatively poorly understood, indicating something else: these interactions (along with viruses) continue to ruffle our understanding of the fundamental definition of life. The theme that runs throughout the book then is the question of whether public safety and scientific progress really can coexist.
Quintyn observes warning signals as many scientists push the envelope, make confident statements about ‘rewriting the code of life’, and possibly imagine achieving some divine level. As heritable long-term effects are often overlooked and societal pressures of achieving prestige, fame, and fortune build (or, dare I say, blind), the author raises reasonable concerns. To name but a few, CRISPR/Cas 9 technology has already spread across borders as a relatively cheap and user-friendly market commodity, reports of germline editing in humans have made headlines, and unknown privately funded research on embryonic stem cells continues. Flashbacks to the old eugenics arise along with a potential recurrence of the former stigmatizations and inequality. The important lesson for me is that genetic engineering has tremendous potential in disrupting natural selection pressures and altering the DNA of organisms in ways that may not prove safe, effective, or ethical. With this tremendous power should come tremendous responsibility from international organizations, that are arguably indifferent to safety, effectiveness, and ethics.
What I liked most about The New Eugenics was how remarkably interesting and informative it was -from the smallest detail to the bigger, philosophical picture. The author’s academic background is evident in his work because the content is so thoroughly researched and sourced, it could very well serve as a complete literature review of modern developments in eugenics. Many technically complex and academically challenging concepts are further explained in parenthesis, and every chapter incorporates the main theme of the book to a greater or lesser extent. I especially liked how every chapter started with one or two thought-provoking quotes, guiding the reader to a broader understanding of the topic addressed. A glossary is also included, emphasizing the commitment of the author to the accessibility of his work.
There was hardly anything about the book that I did not like. However, I do feel I should mention that the author’s writing style should be considered academic and that despite his laudable efforts to explain concepts simply and carefully, the technical dynamics of genetics and molecular biology may prove challenging to the average reader. A basic understanding of biology might be a prerequisite for reading and enjoying this book. Additionally, the author is skeptical in that biotechnological treatments may be affordable only to the rich. This might be true in some countries, but generally, the law of supply and demand eventually drives down the cost of technology. Furthermore, if this subject is considered from a cosmological evolutionary perspective, the irresponsible utilization of any technology seems to me, inevitable. Other readers may disagree.
Despite noticing a few typos, I easily rate The New Eugenics 4 out of 4 stars. As biotechnology moves at lightning speed, Quintyn urges scientists and policymakers to proceed with caution. If unfettered, it may pose serious threats to all life on this planet. This book stresses that genome modifications of interconnected and interdependent living organisms should be no exception. I have learned a lot, and this book was an absolute pleasure to read.
I recommend this book to anyone with an interest in genetics, biotechnology, and biology in general. I especially recommend this book to ambitious scientists and all students of life sciences.
******
The New Eugenics
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon