Merino, Noel. Genetic Engineering.

Merino, Noel.  Genetic Engineering.  Cengage (Gale/Blackbirch/Greenhaven)     2013  227p  ISBN 978-0-7377-6425-3  series: Opposing Viewpoints     jr/sr  E   Nonfiction 

Dealing with a topic that concerns and affects many people of all ages, this book uses selected readings to look at genetic engineering as well as its effects on society and the environment. These are written by a wide variety of authors who discuss the issue in ways readers will find accessible, engaging, and relevant to their lives. The readings cover a fairly diverse array of opinions and issues surrounding genetic engineering, from the idea of designer offspring to the risks or non-risks of consuming genetically modified foods. Most of the pieces are between six and ten pages in length, and each includes an overview of the piece and three questions for readers to consider as they read it.  It is relatively important to note that articles in Greenhaven Press anthologies are often edited to meet page length requirements, and the original titles of works may be changed to clearly present the main thesis and indicate the author's opinion.  This means readers must assume that the material has not misrepresented the original author's opinion, or else be able to find the source material and verify the matter. It is not difficult to find original sources, however, as the editors make every effort to cite the source on the first page of each article.  At the end of each chapter there is a list of suggested readings on related subjects, and the last portion of the book includes a section on organizations to contact for more information.

The Opposing Viewpoints series presents previously published writings on a variety of controversial subjects in order to demonstrate alternative or opposing views and encourage readers to think critically about assumptions and bias.  

Summary: This title offers balanced pro/con articles about the issues surrounding genetic engineering both in food products and in people. These articles are written by a wide variety of authoritative voices that discuss the issues in ways readers will find accessible, engaging, and relevant to their lives.     

Genetic engineering                                  --Bethany Geleskie

Heos, Bridget. Stronger Than Steel.

Heos, Bridget.  Stronger Than Steel.  Houghton Mifflin      2013  80p   ISBN 978-0-547-68126-9    series: Scientists In the Field (HM)#8  ms/hs  Hardback   VG-BNS  Nonfiction

Spider silk is stronger than steel, stronger than Kevlar and, possibly, a major material of the future to be used in multiple applications from medical to military.  Scientists at the University of Wyoming and Utah State University have been working to make spider silk more available through genetic engineering.  By altering the DNA of goats, bacteria, silk worms, and alfalfa to incorporate that of golden orb weaver spiders, larger quantities of silk can be produced.  The book begins with a discussion of spider silk and its qualities and continues with an explanation of DNA.  It follows the work of Dr. Randy Lewis in his labs and describes how the transgenic goats are produced and how their milk is treated to isolate the spider silk proteins.  The book also reviews the similar processes used in altering the DNA of alfalfa, bacteria, and silk worms to produce spider silk.

This is the newest addition to the superb series Scientists in the Field, and it offers an intriguing look into the science of genetic engineering.   Written in an engaging manner, it is filled with excellent color photographs that showcase both the human and goat participants.  It does not shy away from some of the difficulties present with genetic engineering: the necessity of euthanizing extraneous animals, the possibilities of pollen spread of genetically altered plants, and other ethical concerns.  It ends with a glossary, a list of additional sources, and an index.

This exemplary series contains various outstanding titles about scientists who work in the natural world and make science and nature study more accessible and interesting to budding naturalists.  These books offer an incredible look into hidden worlds at the frontiers of human knowledge.  The text is clearly written and the awesome photographs are carefully presented and enhance the text.  It is highly recommended for middle- and high-school libraries.

Summary: Spider silk is stronger than steel, stronger than Kevlar and, possibly, a major material of the future to be used in multiple applications from medical to military.  Written in an engaging manner, this book describes how transgenic goats are produced and how their milk is treated to isolate the spider silk proteins in it.  The book also reviews the similar processes used in altering the DNA of alfalfa, bacteria, and silk worms to produce spider silk.      

Genetic engineering, Spiders                                      --Susan Ogintz