'Transgenic Crop Protection' explores chiefly scientific issues regarding the development of pest and disease resistant crops using genes transferred from other sources. One paper looks at the impact of transgenic crops on non-target species and the final two papers discuss the social implications of this science.

Genetic Engineering: A Primer presents the growing field of biotechnology to non-science majors and other general interest readers. The author examines the natural forces that change genetic information and the ways in which scientists have learned to engineer these genetic changes. With a wealth of information flooding the popular press, including news and controversy surrounding cloning, Genetic Engineering is a timely volume that provides background information to the reader intent on understanding this fascinating development.

Separating fact from fiction, this book explains why and how genetically modified (GM) crops can help combat poverty, starvation, and disease in the developing world in a safe and responsible way. Explained are the differences and similarities between genetic modification, conventional plant breeding, and natural processes such as crosspollination and mutations. Controversial issues such as patents, labeling, regulations and controls, and food safety for GM crops and organically grown food are addressed. Additional information on horizontal gene transfer and testing for allergens is also provided.

They mastermind our lives, shaping our features, our health, and our behavior, even in the sacrosanct realms of love and sex, religion, aging, and death. Yet we are the ones who house, perpetuate, and give the promise of immortality to these biological agents, our genetic gods. The link between genes and gods is hardly arbitrary, as the distinguished evolutionary geneticist John Avise reveals in this compelling book. In clear, straightforward terms, Avise reviews recent discoveries in molecular biology, evolutionary genetics, and human genetic engineering, and discusses the relevance of these findings to issues of ultimate concern traditionally reserved for mythology, theology, and religious faith. The book explains how the genetic gods figure in our development--not just our metabolism and physiology, but even our emotional disposition, personality, ethical leanings, and, indeed, religiosity. Yet genes are physical rather than metaphysical entities. Having arisen via an amoral evolutionary process--natural selection--genes have no consciousness, no sentient code of conduct, no reflective concern about the consequences of their actions. It is Avise's contention that current genetic knowledge can inform our attempts to answer typically religious questions--about origins, fate, and meaning. The Genetic Gods challenges us to make the necessary connection between what we know, what we believe, and what we embody.

Sustaining the new bioeconomy requires a global biotechnology governance regime to bring a large number of developing countries into the global trading system. Failure to do so will create a "genetic divide" among countries and is likely to intensify public opposition to biotechnology. This unique interdisciplinary collection of perspectives from the developing world on the debates over the relationships between biotechnology, biosafety, sustainable development and trade seeks to bridge the gap between the different areas of regulatory activities and academic research, and between the various stakeholders in the debate. Leading experts, writing for the influential International Centre for Trade and Sustainable Development, examine: the risks and opportunities of biotechnology; biosafety; intellectual property rights and related issues of access to genetic resources, benefit-sharing and traditional knowledge; biotechnological development; capacity building; the Cartagena Protocol on Biosafety; relevant WTO provisions; and developing countries' options in the WTO context.

What is genetic engineering? Why are genetically engineered foods being introduced? What are the implications for health, farming and the environment? Is genetic engineering needed to feed the growing world population? Why are living organisms being patented? Who is making the crucial decisions about the future of our food supply? What can you do if you are concerned about these issues? These are the questions raised and, to the extent possible, answered in this clear, concise guide to the labyrinth of genetic modification of food crops. Multinational corporations want us to believe that this food is safe. Critics argue that governments are sacrificing environmental and health safeguards in favour of commercial interests. In Ireland, the debate has only just begun - and reliable information is thin on the ground. Luke Anderson's book is a clear-eyed guide for the lay reader who wants to understand the science, the politics and the economics of the genetic modification of food.