The Double-Edged Helix

Download or read book The Double-Edged Helix written by Joseph S. Alper and published by Johns Hopkins University Press+ORM. This book was released on 2003-05-06 with total page 440 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: This bioethics anthology exploring the questions and controversies surrounding the innovations of 21st century genetics. When the Human Genome Project completed its work in the early 2000s, it was hailed as a watershed moment in the history of medicine. But not everyone felt the same optimism about where the breakthrough might lead. The Double-Edged Helix explores the impact of recent genetic discoveries on society as a whole as well as individual populations and communities. This volume outlines potential positive and negative effects of genetic research on minorities, individuals with disabilities, and those of diverse sexual orientations. Presenting a wide array of perspectives, contributors address the medical and ethical implications of newly available technologies, from prenatal genetic screenings to the so-called “gay gene” debates. They emphasize the need to ensure that genetics research does not lead to discrimination against people on the basis of their DNA. A Choice Magazine Outstanding Academic Title