San Antonio College Library

Displaying a remarkable ability to convey complex ideas in an entertaining and illuminating way, geneticist Steve Jones takes the reader on a fascinating tour of the world of human genetics, explaining how the field began, the darker uses genetics has been put to in history, the role genes play in shaping who and what we are, and the effects that new genetic discoveries have had on our basic theories of evolution. Over the last decade, the study...

"Each of Reilly's five fascinating tales about genetic disorders raises ethical questions that loom in our future. Many children born deaf have two copies of a particular gene mutation, and it is now possible to identify couples at risk for bearing deaf children even if they have no family history. But is deafness a disease? On that question, hearing parents of deaf children often sharply disagree with deaf adults. As the science progresses, will...

Until now, human evolution has been exceedingly slow. But now, it will soon be possible for parents to consciously choose the genes of their children. The ramifications could be enormous, with each generation smarter, more technologically proficient, and better able to design the genes of their own offspring. An expert in human gene modification and research explores the ethical questions surrounding science's new power to guide the genetic destiny...

Imagine a world free of genetic diseases, where parents control their offspring's height, eye color, and intelligence. This world may be closer than you think, as scientists make great advances in genetic engineering. Such practices, however, could have unintended consequences, such as creating new diseases or ailments. And yet even if the science could be perfected, is it morally right? Would it lead to eugenics and a stratified society where only...

Want the perfect baby? Now you have to cross your fingers and hope for the best. But imagine if you could go down to the local baby clinic and max out your credit card. You could ensure your child was beautiful and intelligent. You could even guarantee they would never become an alcoholic. It may sound farfetched but the groundwork is already in place. But what are the dangers of tinkering with our genetic makeup? Who owns human genes and should they...

Explores the roles of both genetics and training in athletic success, arguing that both are equally necessary components of athletic achievement while considering such topics as race, gender, and genetic testing. "We all knew a star athlete in high school. The one who made it look so easy. He was the starting quarterback and shortstop; she was the all-state point guard and high-jumper. Naturals. Or were they? The debate is as old as physical competition....

The argument of nature versus nurture has been widely debated, but recent evidence suggests that it is actually a matter of nature via nurture. In 1972, researchers in Dunedin, New Zealand began studying all of the babies born that year, with intentions to follow them throughout their lifetimes. Now adults, the 1037 subjects are the most studied human beings on the planet, and the resulting data provides significant insight into who we are. In this...

Crisscrossing the continent, a renowned geneticist provides a groundbreaking examination of America through its DNA.

Discusses what can be understood through human genome sequencing, describes how the interactions of genes direct the growth of individuals, and reveals what gene research will enable in the future.