DNA: How the Biotech Revolution Is Changing the Way We Fight Disease [Hardcover]

Frank H. Stephenson (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: January 30, 2007

In the fall of 2005, leading scientists from the National Cancer Institute announced the beginning of the cancer genome atlas project, a large-scale endeavour to map every gene implicated in cancer and the first step toward development of new therapies for treating this still baffling disease. This spin-off of the human genome project is only the latest exciting research advance in a decades-long quest to fully understand the biochemistry of the human body and thereby gain insights into the secrets of health, disease, and ageing. Biochemist and veteran lab researcher Frank H. Stephenson tells the compelling story of how scientists on many fronts are succeeding in the battle against disease. With a gift for making the complexities of genetics and biochemistry understandable to the average reader, Stephenson offers a fascinating tour of the mechanisms of our body and the therapeutic techniques that are gaining in sophistication and effectiveness every year. From heart disease to AIDS and cancer, he helps you understand how the tools of biotechnology are being used to combat our most common afflictions. Stephenson examines a wide variety of health threats and illnesses: HIV infection, the many forms of cancer, asthma, diabetes, Alzheimer's, obesity, and even erectile dysfunction. Each is discussed in terms of its root cause and treatment in plain, jargon-free language that not only educates but also entertains. This is the ideal primer on the biotechnology revolution for the layperson. Stephenson offers many insights into both the diseases that destroy health and the great promises that biotechnology offers for preserving and prolonging a healthy life.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Frank H. Stephenson, Ph.D. (Pacifica, CA), has worked in the biotechnology industry for many years. He is the author of Calculations for Molecular Biology and Biotechnology, as well as book chapters and articles on biochemistry.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 312 pages
• Publisher: Prometheus Books; 1 edition (January 30, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 159102482X
• ISBN-13: 978-1591024828
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.3 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,185,155 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars It's a primer on biotechnology for lay readers, October 19, 2007

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: DNA: How the Biotech Revolution Is Changing the Way We Fight Disease (Hardcover)

DNA: HOW THE BIOTECH REVOLUTION IS CHANGING THE WAY WE FIGHT DISEASE comes from a biochemist and lab researcher who tells how scientists are using biotech to battle disease. While DNA could have been featured in our 'Health' section, it's reviewed here for its wider importance to not only health but science libraries, as well as general public lending libraries where patrons hold an interest in science and health new advancements. It's a primer on biotechnology for lay readers and assumes no prior scientific or health knowledge to prove quite accessible - and surprisingly lively.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

5.0 out of 5 stars DNA, November 18, 2010

By 

Van C. Gordon (Sacramento,Ca.95835) - See all my reviews
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Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: DNA: How the Biotech Revolution Is Changing the Way We Fight Disease (Hardcover)

Great book!! If you want to know about dna this is the book to get!!! I like how he puts this book into lamen's lingo. Very good book!!