Welcome to Biotech Nation: My Unexpected Odyssey into the Land of Small Molecules, Lean Genes, and Big Ideas (Hardcover)

by Moira A. Gunn (Author)
Key Phrases: frozen zoo, conventional maize, stem cell lines, United States, David Kessler, San Francisco (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Review

“The great thing about Gunn's approach to biotech is that she understands not only the science but the politics and economics as well...The book is a great place to get some grounding in GM (genetically modified) foods, stem cells, biofuels, new cancer research, and many other areas of biotech...If you're thinking of shifting some of your digital tech investments over to biotech, following the commonsense advice: Before you invest, read the prospectus. And before you read the prospectus, do some reading in the field. Moira Gunn's book is a very good place to start.”

-Strategic Finance Magazine

"For readers with no background in biotechnology, or those who deal in it every day this book will appeal to all because of the practical language used throughout and Dr. Gunn's captivating sense of humor...I highly recommend this book to anyone with an interest in biotechnology and the stories behind some of it's most innovative offerings and controversial issues." -- About.com Biotech / Biomedical

Review

“...A great place to get some grounding in GM (genetically modified ) foods, stem cells, biofuels, new cancer research, and... biotech.”

-Strategic Finance magazine

"...makes the complex science understandable for just about anybody."

-BioWorld Today

“Recommended for all science and technology collections.”

-Library Journal

"I highly recommend this book to anyone with an interest in biotechnology...and the stories behind…it's most innovative offerings." -- About.com Biotech / Biomedical

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 272 pages
• Publisher: AMACOM; 1 edition (June 13, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0814409237
• ISBN-13: 978-0814409237
• Product Dimensions: 9.4 x 6.2 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #341,579 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 Dangerous Commitment , June 30, 2007

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

This book is dangerous. Most of us have a life and have to be productive on many levels. When one stays up until 2 or even 3 am (depending upon whether or not you are an Eveyln Woods Reading Dynamics graduate) it is hard to maintain your normal schedule. As an art history and history buff I did not imagine this book would have such universal appeal. For example,Brooke Shields bares all -- especially on her ankle and this book holds the definitive answer to the evolution question. One chapter leads to the next and it is fun and riveting. Have fun and beware, you will become absolutely borish on the topics covered by this book at your next cocktail party.........It is a great read worthy of several re-reads. It is on my bookshelf next to the computer. Enjoy.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Who knew?, July 14, 2007

By	Margaret Brownlee "Janie Brownlee" (Orlando, FL) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Moira Gunn is to biotech what "Click and Clack" is to cars! And as with Cartalk, I thought the "Biotech Nation" subject would be beyond me until my sister sent me a copy for my birthday. I felt compelled out of politeness to at least attempt it. I was stunned and pleased to find the book was an absolute joy, and I had no idea I could understand these complex concepts...but Dr. Gunn makes it easy, fun and fascinating. I've already bought copies for presents and feel as if I have a much better understanding of what makes our world go around!

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Yes, Biotech can be FUN, July 3, 2007

By	David R. Thompson (San Francisco, CA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

With her usual zesty style and humor, Moira takes what could be a very dry subject and brings it fully to life, full of drama and fun. I've lived in the Bay Area for 20 years, even worked at Genentech, and had no IDEA there was so much going on this most important sector of the economy. In Silicon Valley, we're constantly seduced by the latest hype around the IPod or IPhone but all the truly amazing, life-saving work that goes on right under our noses is barely understood by most people. Moira's right, it's like falling down the rabbit hole in your own back yard. Highly recommend it.