Review of The New Eugenics
-
shirel karkay
- Posts: 10
- Joined: 16 Jan 2022, 11:33
- Currently Reading:
- Bookshelf Size: 14
- Reviewer Page: onlinebookclub.org/reviews/by-shirel-karkay.html
- Latest Review: Mark Victor Hansen, Relentless by Mitzi Perdue
Review of The New Eugenics
[Following is a volunteer review of "The New Eugenics" by Conrad B. Quintyn.]
The New Eugenics: Modifying Biological Life in The Twenty-First Century by Conrad B. Quintyn addresses the advancements of genetic engineering, the ethical concerns, and consequences that the use of these life-changing technologies entails.
Upon hearing or reading the word “eugenics” the mind defaults to Mengele and his torturous experiments. Relax, for this is now dubbed “old eugenics.” “New eugenics” have good intentions and potential benefits if we entrust this high tech only to appropriate applications.
Taking a cautious stance, Quintyn explains why the rapid development of new ways to play with biology can be detrimental to our planet and its life. The New Eugenics is exceptionally well-researched, detailing the history and mechanics of how GMOs, IVF, and CRISPR came to be and work. The author presents the logistics of the science along with the pros, cons, and intentions of the geneticists, biologists, researchers, and doctors who strove to find and utilize these revolutionary technologies and treatments.
The first few chapters are inordinately thorough in describing the technicalities of the scientific process used to modify DNA. Be prepared to delve into lengthy paragraphs about recombinant and altered genes! In my eyes, this is the most unfavorable feature of the book. Although tiring, understanding how these concepts are applied to our world is essential in perceiving just how much power is in the hands of the scientists wielding the pipettes and microscopes. Quintyn illustrates several cases of genetic manipulations that achieved noble goals of improving a crop’s nutritional value (creating what is known as Golden Rice), or in vitro fertilization (a prodigious feat, first successful in 1978 with the conception and birth of Louisa Brown). In other respects, numerous accounts of initial success were subsequently discovered as harmful. A condensed example mentioned: scientists aiming to find a way to prevent cancerous growths conducted experiments on the p53 gene of mice. At first, after inactivating the gene, the mice grew normally. This would indicate a successful treatment, if it were not for that fact that with time the mice ended up developing tumors in manifold tissues. All this and I’ve yet to mention that Quintyn warns any modification to a gene could be potentially hereditary, creating a ripple effect with each generation broadening the possible ramifications. As substantiated by his many citations, the reader sees how our future could greatly shift for better or worse. Failed experiments, accidents, or adverse effects aside, one day our world’s scientific knowledge will advance enough to be able to perform genetic modifications as routinely as organ transplants or cosmetic enhancements. “Can this be done?” becomes, “what will this do to our future?”
My favorite aspect of The New Eugenics is how the intriguing information presents difficult ethical questions to ponder. After reading, not only will you feel like an erudite for having finished such an advanced text, the gravity of what these genetic exploitations hold and where they could lead us begins to ruminate. Quintyn’s presentation evokes deep contemplation: Where is the line? When does a genetic treatment become an elective enhancement, and when is an enhancement acceptable without being unfair to others? These issues demand examination, and soon. Nanotechnology and genetic engineering are advancing faster than we can keep track. The New Eugenics emphasizes our urgent need for a worldwide consensus on how far these technologies should be allowed to develop as well as who can use them and when.
As with all important discussions and decisions, before all else, one must be well-informed. I sincerely wish this topic will be considered on the world stage in addition to at cafes, conferences, and academic debates. I did not encounter any significant grammatical errors or misspellings. Being professionally edited and extremely thought-provoking, I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. I highly recommend reading Conrad B. Quintyn’s work, as cognizance is the first step to get the global attention a pressing matter such as this deserves. The content is especially relevant to science buffs or those with a concern for humanity, or anyone with a craving for education. Hopefully, The New Eugenics is heeded before any misadventures can revert us to a world reminiscent of the old eugenics.
******
The New Eugenics
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
The New Eugenics: Modifying Biological Life in The Twenty-First Century by Conrad B. Quintyn addresses the advancements of genetic engineering, the ethical concerns, and consequences that the use of these life-changing technologies entails.
Upon hearing or reading the word “eugenics” the mind defaults to Mengele and his torturous experiments. Relax, for this is now dubbed “old eugenics.” “New eugenics” have good intentions and potential benefits if we entrust this high tech only to appropriate applications.
Taking a cautious stance, Quintyn explains why the rapid development of new ways to play with biology can be detrimental to our planet and its life. The New Eugenics is exceptionally well-researched, detailing the history and mechanics of how GMOs, IVF, and CRISPR came to be and work. The author presents the logistics of the science along with the pros, cons, and intentions of the geneticists, biologists, researchers, and doctors who strove to find and utilize these revolutionary technologies and treatments.
The first few chapters are inordinately thorough in describing the technicalities of the scientific process used to modify DNA. Be prepared to delve into lengthy paragraphs about recombinant and altered genes! In my eyes, this is the most unfavorable feature of the book. Although tiring, understanding how these concepts are applied to our world is essential in perceiving just how much power is in the hands of the scientists wielding the pipettes and microscopes. Quintyn illustrates several cases of genetic manipulations that achieved noble goals of improving a crop’s nutritional value (creating what is known as Golden Rice), or in vitro fertilization (a prodigious feat, first successful in 1978 with the conception and birth of Louisa Brown). In other respects, numerous accounts of initial success were subsequently discovered as harmful. A condensed example mentioned: scientists aiming to find a way to prevent cancerous growths conducted experiments on the p53 gene of mice. At first, after inactivating the gene, the mice grew normally. This would indicate a successful treatment, if it were not for that fact that with time the mice ended up developing tumors in manifold tissues. All this and I’ve yet to mention that Quintyn warns any modification to a gene could be potentially hereditary, creating a ripple effect with each generation broadening the possible ramifications. As substantiated by his many citations, the reader sees how our future could greatly shift for better or worse. Failed experiments, accidents, or adverse effects aside, one day our world’s scientific knowledge will advance enough to be able to perform genetic modifications as routinely as organ transplants or cosmetic enhancements. “Can this be done?” becomes, “what will this do to our future?”
My favorite aspect of The New Eugenics is how the intriguing information presents difficult ethical questions to ponder. After reading, not only will you feel like an erudite for having finished such an advanced text, the gravity of what these genetic exploitations hold and where they could lead us begins to ruminate. Quintyn’s presentation evokes deep contemplation: Where is the line? When does a genetic treatment become an elective enhancement, and when is an enhancement acceptable without being unfair to others? These issues demand examination, and soon. Nanotechnology and genetic engineering are advancing faster than we can keep track. The New Eugenics emphasizes our urgent need for a worldwide consensus on how far these technologies should be allowed to develop as well as who can use them and when.
As with all important discussions and decisions, before all else, one must be well-informed. I sincerely wish this topic will be considered on the world stage in addition to at cafes, conferences, and academic debates. I did not encounter any significant grammatical errors or misspellings. Being professionally edited and extremely thought-provoking, I rate this book 4 out of 4 stars. I highly recommend reading Conrad B. Quintyn’s work, as cognizance is the first step to get the global attention a pressing matter such as this deserves. The content is especially relevant to science buffs or those with a concern for humanity, or anyone with a craving for education. Hopefully, The New Eugenics is heeded before any misadventures can revert us to a world reminiscent of the old eugenics.
******
The New Eugenics
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon
Latest Review: Mark Victor Hansen, Relentless by Mitzi Perdue
