Intervention: Confronting the Real Risks of Genetic Engineering and Life on a Biotech Planet (Paperback)

~ Denise Caruso (Author)
Key Phrases: animal biotechnology, substantial equivalence policy, tricky calculus, Roundup Ready, National Academies, Flavr Savr (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

I learned more about biotechnology from this book than any other I've read ... Caruso lays out in chilling detail exactly why even (perhaps especially) those of us who are strong supporters of science and innovation ought to be extremely concerned about the unintended consequences of contemporary biotechnological industrial research.... ['Intervention'] offers such clear thinking it becomes a step towards solutions. And when the person ringing the alarm bell is no luddite, but one of our brightest technology writers, the alarm demands our attention. --Alex Steffen, founder, Worldchanging.com

In Intervention, Denise Caruso challenges scientists to do a better job of evaluating the safety of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) and communicating unbiased findings to the public ... One of the major strengths of the book is its accessibility to a general audience. ... Sadly, many of the experts and industry representatives whom she targets are unlikely to read the book, although they should. --Allison Snow, Ph.D., in 'Nature'

Perhaps the most balanced and readable look yet at assessing the risks of genetic engineering. ... One can only hope that the meticulously-argued 'Intervention' will receive a wide reading in Washington, where our national risk assessment policies are forged. Otherwise, it's hard to imagine that we will manage to avoid another thalidomide or Chernobyl, but this time with potential damages that could span continents and last for generations. ... 'Intervention' makes a strong case that it doesn t have to be that way. --Michael Rogers, 'The Practical Futurist,' MSNBC

Product Description

Recipient of a Silver Medal for science writing in the 2007 Independent Publishers Book Awards, INTERVENTION challenges two of the most sacred tenets of modern society, innovation and technology, from the perspective of the unique risks they present. Using genetic engineering as its model, it paints a vivid picture of the scientific uncertainties that biotech risk evaluations dismiss or ignore, and lays bare the power and money conflicts between academia, industry and regulators that have sped these risky innovations to the market. 'Intervention' champions an alternative method for assessing the risks of technology, developed by the world's top risk experts, that can eliminate such conflicts, help regain public trust in science and government, and drive research and development toward more useful, safer products.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 272 pages
• Publisher: The Hybrid Vigor Institute (November 20, 2006)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0615135536
• ISBN-13: 978-0615135533
• Product Dimensions: 8.9 x 5.7 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (15 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #357,064 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A thoughtful analysis of a difficult issue, December 5, 2006

By	Peter Carpenter (Atherton, CA USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Denise Caruso successsfully brings her considerable writing and science policy skills to bear on a fundamentally important issue. Society is confronted by increasingly complex and difficult decisions as science progresses and the scientific community itself is seldom well equipped or credible to serve as the advocate. Caruso provides a critical bridge between the advances of science and the needs and values of society.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Essential Reading, March 12, 2007

By	P. Shanks - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Caruso is trying to operate in the difficult space between unquestioning supporters of biotech and reflexive opponents of the technology. Her careful examination of the regulatory process becomes an indictment of it, but also points a way towards reform. The book is particularly good on questioning both the "benefit" and the "risk" sides of the risk/benefit equation, and in pointing out the repeated tendency of regulators to look only at what they know they can see, rather than asking deeping and wider questions.

I gather that the original publisher backed away from the book because it was not sensational enough. That in itself is an indictment not only of publishing but of our civil discourse, because this is an important book that deserves a wide audience. Scientists should read it to get a broader perspective; non-scientists should read it because we are all being affected by decisions on the use of biotechnology.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This a great, important and accessible book , December 27, 2006

By	Daniel Goldman - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This a great book - well thought out, written and informative. The title may sound intimidating, but the content is very accessible.

I like having a fairly complete and accurate picture to understand an issue that is important to me. Food safety and disease avoidance are important to me.

Denise Caruso's Intervention gave me a clear, rationally and historically grounded understanding of the issues surrounding our latest capabilities to alter our environment, AND how the government should move forward to better protect Americans. I enjoy having a framework, with facts, to better understand biotech and my world.

This book is a great and important read for everyone interested in maintaining a livable biosphere for humans.