As biotechnology defines the new millennium, genetic codes and
computer codes increasingly merge-life understood as data, flesh
rendered programmable. Where this trend will take us, and what it
might mean, is what concerns Eugene Thacker in this timely book, a
penetrating look into the intersection of molecular biology and
computer science in our day and its likely ramifications for the
future.
Integrating approaches from science and media studies, Biomedia
is a critical analysis of research fields that explore
relationships between biologies and technologies, between genetic
and computer "codes." In doing so, the book looks beyond the
familiar examples of cloning, genetic engineering, and gene
therapy-fields based on the centrality of DNA or genes-to emerging
fields in which "life" is often understood as "information."
Focusing especially on interactions between genetic and computer
codes, or between "life" and "information," Thacker shows how each
kind of "body" produced-from biochip to DNA computer-demonstrates
how molecular biology and computer science are interwoven to
provide unique means of understanding and controlling living
matter.
Throughout, Thacker provides in-depth accounts of theoretical
issues implicit in biotechnical artifacts-issues that arise in the
fields of bioinformatics, proteomics, systems biology, and
biocomputing. Research in biotechnology, Biomedia suggests, flouts
our assumptions about the division between biological and
technological systems. New ways of thinking about this division are
needed if we are to understand the cultural, social, and
philosophical dimensions of such research, and this book marks a
significant advance in the coming intellectualrevolution.
Eugene Thacker is assistant professor of new media in the School
of Literature, Communication, and Culture at the Georgia Institute
of Technology. His writings on the social and cultural aspects of
biotechnology and biomedicine have been published and anthologized
widely and translated into a dozen languages.
General
Imprint: |
University of Minnesota Press
|
Country of origin: |
United States |
Series: |
Electronic Mediations |
Release date: |
2004 |
First published: |
2004 |
Authors: |
Eugene Thacker
|
Dimensions: |
254 x 178 x 13mm (L x W x T) |
Format: |
Paperback
|
Pages: |
240 |
ISBN-13: |
978-0-8166-4353-0 |
Categories: |
Books >
Social sciences >
Sociology, social studies >
Social issues >
General
|
LSN: |
0-8166-4353-9 |
Barcode: |
9780816643530 |
Is the information for this product incomplete, wrong or inappropriate?
Let us know about it.
Does this product have an incorrect or missing image?
Send us a new image.
Is this product missing categories?
Add more categories.
Review This Product
No reviews yet - be the first to create one!