DNA: How the Biotech Revolution Is Changing the Way We Fight Disease (Hardcover)

~ Frank H. Stephenson (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

Foreword by Herbert Boyer, Founder of Genentech

In the fall of 2005, leading scientists from the National Cancer Institute announced the beginning of the cancer genome atlas project, a large-scale endeavor 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 aging. 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.

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: 9.1 x 6.2 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #795,472 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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

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