The Unfolding Gene Revolution: The Ideology, Science, and Regulation of Plant Biotechnology

“The Unfolding Gene Revolution: The Ideology, Science, and Regulation of Plant Biotechnology” unravels the development of plant biotechnology, specifically genetic engineering. Dr. Eufemio T. Rasco, Jr. comprehensively reviews the basic sciences relevant to biotechnology and the art and science of genetic engineering in a simple, non-technical and humorous way. To highlight important scientific discoveries, he incorporates some scientist’s profiles, the circumstances during the discovery, and the outcome of these discoveries as they relate to the present understanding of the science. Important details of some scientific facts are presented in boxes which add significance and realism to his discussions.

The author presents existing global biosafety regulations that address possible risks associated with genetic engineering. Discussion on risk management strategies to minimize the risks and improve the biosafety of the development and use of the genetically modified (GM) products are supported with recent scientific data. He dissects the Philippine biosafety regulation system, pinpointing its flaws and makes suggestions for its improvement, to make it less restrictive without losing its essential purpose.

The usefulness and wide applications of biotechnology, the social and environmental impact of genetic engineering and its products, and an analysis of the many controversies and issues surrounding the technology, are discussed in order to highlight important aspects that will benefit developing countries, and to suggest ways to speed-up the technologies’ utilization and adoption.

This book is highly recommended for people who appreciate an easy to read and understandable treatment of science, are inquisitive of the government interventions for the technologies’ adoption, and are looking for a way to learn the intricacies of the art, science and future prospects of genetic engineering.

“The Unfolding Gene Revolution: The Ideology, Science, and Regulation of Plant Biotechnology” unravels the development of plant biotechnology, specifically genetic engineering. Dr. Eufemio T. Rasco, Jr. comprehensively reviews the basic sciences relevant to biotechnology and the art and science of genetic engineering in a simple, non-technical and humorous way. To highlight important scientific discoveries, he incorporates some scientist’s profiles, the circumstances during the discovery, and the outcome of these discoveries as they relate to the present understanding of the science. Important details of some scientific facts are presented in boxes which add significance and realism to his discussions.

The author presents existing global biosafety regulations that address possible risks associated with genetic engineering. Discussion on risk management strategies to minimize the risks and improve the biosafety of the development and use of the genetically modified (GM) products are supported with recent scientific data. He dissects the Philippine biosafety regulation system, pinpointing its flaws and makes suggestions for its improvement, to make it less restrictive without losing its essential purpose.

The usefulness and wide applications of biotechnology, the social and environmental impact of genetic engineering and its products, and an analysis of the many controversies and issues surrounding the technology, are discussed in order to highlight important aspects that will benefit developing countries, and to suggest ways to speed-up the technologies’ utilization and adoption.

This book is highly recommended for people who appreciate an easy to read and understandable treatment of science, are inquisitive of the government interventions for the technologies’ adoption, and are looking for a way to learn the intricacies of the art, science and future prospects of genetic engineering.