Review of The New Eugenics

[Adele Roberts]

[Following is a volunteer review of "The New Eugenics" by Conrad B. Quintyn.]

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4 out of 4 stars

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Towards the end of the twentieth century the world learned that scientists in Scotland successfully cloned the first mammal, Dolly, the Finnish Dorset sheep, by SCNT (somatic cell nuclear transfer). What was little understood by the majority of news readers then and now, are the myriad failed lab trials of scientists over many decades world wide, before this enormous feat was celebrated in 1997. We learn much of what happens under microscopes in obscure laboratories only after the fact, and then not even all. The rate at which new disease-fighting options become available and unorthodox medical treatments are offered to a small percentage of the population wave red flags in the arenas of social justice, ethics and environmental health.

In The New Eugenics Conrad B Quintyn raises concerns shared by professionals and the general public about the frantic speed in which scientific advances are made, approved, and applied without sufficient knowledge of the long-term effects on humans, animals and the environment. He explains the research and practice of cloning, artificial reproduction technology, genetic modification, and nanotechnology, and demonstrates how the ideas of “biocolonialism” and “transhumanism” are the natural results of the shift in goals of modern scientists. The specific examples he describes of failed experiments are enlightening.

I was mildly interested in this topic before I read The New Eugenics, but can form a more educated opinion now as a result of the rational and clear way in which the author describes the serious negative impacts on our diverse world that genetic engineering and DNA manipulation could affect. It was a difficult read for a non-scientific-oriented mind like mine, nevertheless written in an understandable manner with definitions of terms included in the text and in a glossary. I appreciate the fact that he is clearly not against scientific advances or new technologies, but, as per his quote of David Berreby, he calls attention to the current mindset “where belief matters more than fact, and perception shapes reality”.

The book asks more questions than it offers answers, and prompts further questions about what our job description as stewards of planet earth really is. Does it mean “taking matters in our own hands” - speeding up nature’s processes, making perfect humans, etc? Who decides the limits, or what is moral? How much research is motivated by a desire for fame and fortune? Is there a more responsible, humble and transparent way to treat disease?

I rate The New Eugenics 4 out of 4 stars because of the timeliness of Quintyn’s whistle blow and the quality of his writing.

Anyone eager and willing to read the facts on the big topic of genetic engineering will gain valuable insights. I recommend it especially to patients considering genetic therapy as a helpful look at the other side of the coin. The book appeals to professionals in the field and non-scholars alike.

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The New Eugenics
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[Yulisa Sanchez]

What a valuable book, filled with a wealth of information regarding scientific advancements. Personally, I am quite interested in this other side of science, where we find how deep and complicated new scientific achievements come about. Thanks for the great review!

[Sarah Sonbol]

Being in the scientific field myself, this book looks intriguing. I believe that many advances in the field of medicine were actually due to many unethical experiments led by inhumane scientists. However, nowadays, although I believe that this type of scientists still exists, there are many regulations trying to prevent unethical behaviour. Of course, the question raised in the book on who decides the limits, or what is moral is of great importance. Thanks for the great review.

[Adele Roberts]

Thanks for your comments!