Book Summary of Application of Biotechnology: Environmental and Policy Issues by John R. Fowle III, (ed)

Application of Biotechnology: Environmental and Policy Issues, John R. Fowle III, (ed), (Colorado: Westview Press, 1987), 224 pp

Application of Biotechnology: Environmental and Policy will be of interest to those who seek to broaden their understanding of the history and use of biotechnology. The work is a collection of the work of multiple authors and is divided into three parts, the first of which addresses the historical context of the development of biotechnology. The first essay examines the so-called 'biological revolution' and the tools and products which resulted from the development of biotechnology. The next essay focuses upon the development of gene splicing and the social-historical context within which the deliberate release of such genetically altered species was, and continues to be, debated. The final essay in this first part examines the National Institute of Health's guidelines and field testing of genetically engineered plants and microorganisms.

Part two is focused upon ecological issues. The application of introduced species models to the assessment of biotechnology is the topic of the first essay in this section. Richard E. Lenski examines the infectious spread of engineered genes. The final essay in this section discusses the contributions from the field of ecology to the evaluation of environmental risks from biotechnology. The final part of the book offers six perspectives on the future of biotechnology, the first of which asserts that a mobilization of scientific expertise will be required for the safe and effective use of biotechnology. Terri Goldberg offers suggestions for moving toward public participation in biotechnology. The third essay in this section offers an industry view of the public policy issues in the development of biotechnology. This is followed by an examination of federal activities in risk assessment and risk management in biotechnology. The last essay save one is devoted to the topic of biotechnology and the public purpose. Specifically, the authors address a public agenda for biotechnology for consideration by the United States Congress. The final essay reviews the national policy issues associated with the commercial development of biotechnology.

Application of Biotechnology: Environmental and Policy is a careful examination of the historical context and contemporary issues surrounding the development and use of biotechnology. The list of references which follow each essay will prove useful to the reader who wishes to pursue the subject further.