Genetics Pathfinder

2008-10-20T07:45:00.000-07:00

This is a guide for anyone who is looking for information about genetics.

Print Materials:

Medicine's Brave New World : Bioengineering and the New Genetics
by Margaret O. Hyde and ohn F. Setaro
Describes advances made in bioengineering and genetics and addresses numerous ethical questions these advances raise.

Altered Fates : Gene Therapy and the Retooling of Human Life
by Jeff Lyon and Peter Gorner
Traces the history of gene therapy research and discusses the politics involved in this medical revolution.

DNA Evidence (Series: Crime Scene Investigations)
by Don Nardo
Examines the world of criminal investigations and one of its most useful tools, DNA evidence

DNA Analysis (Series: Forensics, the Science of Crime-Solving)
by William Hunter
Discusses DNA from how it is found in a flake of skin, strand of hair, a fleck of saliva and a drop of blood.

DNA : The Secret of Life
by James D. Watson and Andrew Berry
The author, one of the scientists who discovered the structure of DNA, chronicles the history of genetic research, examines the light DNA has shone on human origins and genetic relationships, and discusses the impact DNA has had on business, medicine, and ethical debates.

Genetic Engineering : Shaping the Material of Life (Series: Facts on File Science Sourcebooks)
by Ellen Thro
Defines and traces the history of genetic engineering and describes its uses in medicine, agriculture, and business.

Genetic Engineering (Series: An Impact Book)
by Eve and Albert Stwertka
Discusses recombinant DNA techniques; the application of this technology including amniocentesis, genetic counseling, and test-tube parenthood; and the ethical-moral questions raised by genetic engineering.

Internet Resources:

Genetic Science Learning Center
http://learn.genetics.utah.edu/
This is an excellent source of information for topics such as basic genetics, chromosomes, genetic disorders, cloning, stem cells, and genetic testing. This website also provides animations and virtual labs. This is a great resource for teachers and students.

Student Guide to the Human Genome Project
http://www.ornl.gov/sci/techresources/Human_Genome/education/students.shtml
This website provides basic information about genetics, the Genome Project, and genetics and medicine. It also contains information about many ethical, legal, and social issues relating to genetics.

DNA Forensics
http://www.ornl.gov/sci/techresources/Human_Genome/elsi/forensics.shtml
This is the part of the Human Genome Project that focuses on DNA Forensics. Students will learn how forensic identification works, how effective forensic identification is, and about the DNA technology used in forensics.

DNA and Medicine
http://www.ornl.gov/sci/techresources/Human_Genome/medicine/medicine.shtml
This is the part of the Human Genome Project that focuses on DNA and New Genetics. Students will learn how new genetics can help diagnose and predict disease. It also provides links to web sites about gene therapy, gene testing, pharmacogenomics, and genetic counseling.

Genetically Modified Food
http://ornl.gov/sci/techresources/Human_Genome/elsi/gmfood.shtml
This is the part of the Human Genome Project that focuses on agriculture, genetically modified food, and organisms. Students will learn about genetically modified foods, organisms, and the pros and cons surrounding them. Also, links are provided for more information.

Field of Genes
http://whyfiles.org/062ag_gene_eng/index.html
This is an on-line document that discusses the use of transgenic crops in the United States.

How Stuff Works "What are genetically modified GM foods?" http://www.howstuffworks.com/question148.htm This article discusses some techniques for genetically modifying food. An example of a GM food, Roundup Ready seeds, is described in this article. There are more links provided for more information such as "New scientist: GM food", "Concern grows over genetically modified food" and "'Biotechnology will feed the world' and other myths".