Altered Fates Gene Ther Retooling [Hardcover]

Jeff Lyon (Author), Lyon (Author), Peter Gorner (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0393035964 | ISBN-13: 978-0393035964 | Publication Date: January 1995 | Edition: 1

A detailed narrative considers the unprecedented medical revolution in gene therapy, the combination of genetics and reproductive technology, and the replacement of defective genes to prevent disease, and includes the human passion, jealousy, politics, and drama behind the scenes.

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com Review

I worked as a programmer for the Human Genome Mapping Library Project with the Howard Hughes Medical Institute several years ago, and have been waiting for thebook that could clearly explain to my friends and relatives what it was that I and the thousands of other folks sequencing human DNA were really up to.

Finally, Lyon and Gorner have written a book that deals with the most profound and compelling implications of this work: gene therapy, or the possibility of bypassing symptoms of diseases by dealing instead with their root genetic. Although this well-researched and comprehensive volume might be a bit much for the casual reader, it is a masterful and colorful work filled with facts, personalities, and politics that would appeal to anyone with a real interest in understanding the history -- and possible futures -- of gene therapy.

From Publishers Weekly

In 1990 Ashanthi DeSilva, a four-year-old suburban Cleveland girl with a life-threatening, hereditary immune disorder, made medical history when doctors at the National Institutes of Health successfully treated her by inserting new genetic material into her cells and reprogramming them to produce an essential enzyme. The first half of this epic, magnificent history of gene therapy retraces years of tortuous research culminating in that breakthrough, which was the work of NIH molecular biologist William French Anderson and his colleagues. Also highlighted is National Cancer Institute immunotherapist Steven Rosenberg, who uses gene therapy to destroy cancerous cells. In the book's second half, Lyon and Gorner, who won a 1987 Pulitzer for their Chicago Tribune series on gene therapy, survey the field's potential to diagnose and treat cystic fibrosis, heart disease, cancer, schizophrenia, manic depression, alcoholism and many other illnesses and to retard the aging process. The authors are optimistic that gene therapy will revolutionize medicine. Author tour.
Copyright 1995 Reed Business Information, Inc.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 636 pages
• Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company; 1 edition (January 1995)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0393035964
• ISBN-13: 978-0393035964
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.1 x 1.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.4 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,594,274 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An excellent review of genetics and its applications, April 12, 1999

By 

Graeme Whelan "Col 3:23" (Melbourne, Australia) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Altered Fates: The Genetic Re-engineering of Human Life (Paperback)

In approaching the topic from an historical point of view this book explains very clearly the issues and technology involved, and and manages to do so in plain english. A very thorough coverage of both the potential of gene therapy and the ethical considerations. It is very readable for someone with no technical background and at the same time manages to explain its subject matter in sufficient detail to satisfy the scientifically inclined reader. Overall a very well researched and written book.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Altered Fates is Gene Therapy explained, November 23, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: Altered Fates: The Genetic Re-engineering of Human Life (Paperback)

Altered Fates is a book that rewards the loyal reader with a memorable explanation of this complex and sometimes daunting field. The science and technology are humanized as they take on the characteristics of the people at work on them and the politics that operates at all levels. Nowhere in the history of human invention have the selfish and selfless motivations of man simultaneouly coexisted, cooperated and collided. It is a must read for the beginner and the experienced practicioner in need of a perspective realignment.

3 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A chilling look at the race to develop a new technology., November 25, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: Altered Fates Gene Ther Retooling (Hardcover)

Finally, a book that touches upon issues facing all new technological revolutions... How egos, personalities and simply put, cash all come together to develop a scientific journey- and reminds us that people often forget or don't care to look at the outcome of their actions. At what expense should an evolution-altering technology such as gene therapy continue to be developed? This book raises far more questions about ethics than it chooses to answer. It certainly brings into light more controversy than the individual personalities involved ever cared to address while they were doing the research and development of what could be a beautiful yet frightening new technology. A tragic and chilling look at a group of scientists who refuse to look further down the road at the possible ramifications of their actions. It shows how science has become de-sensitized, much like many other capitalistic ventures which are easily guided by the ego and the interplay of an individual's next personal accomplishment, rather than the technology's effect on humanity and its' sacred and fragile future.