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The Wall Street Journal Online
November 11, 2004

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LIBRARY JOURNAL
October 15, 2004
 
"Finally, we hear from scientists in the public debate on genetically modified foods. Geneticist and molecular biologist Fedoroff and science writer Brown present the history of genetic engineering and the advancements that have been made in plant breeding since Gregor Mendel's experiments with peas in 1866. The authors respond to critics and shatter myths by explaining what genetic engineering is, the role it plays in crop improvement, and the successes and failures that have occurred along the way. The result is a real learning experience for readers who want to know more about hybrids, gene splicing, crossbreeding, mutagenesis, and other procedures that have been the mainstay of genetic engineering. Overall, the authors clearly show that when applied responsibly with appropriate scientific oversight, genetic engineering plays a vital role in sustainable agriculture. It has the potential to produce enough food for a growing world population and improve nutrition while protecting biodiversity and ecosystem balance. A necessary acquisition for all collections with biotechnology resources. - Irwin Weintraub, Brooklyn Coll. Lib., New York

From this week's Publishers Weekly:
 
MENDEL IN THE KITCHEN: A Scientist's View of Genetically Modified Foods
Nina Fedoroff and Nancy Marie Brown. Joseph Henry, $27.95 (352p) ISBN 0-309-09505-1
 
Is genetically engineered Golden Rice (enriched with vitamin A) a dangerous "Frankenfood" or a safe, nutritionally enhanced food that could fill a major vitamin deficiency in the Third World? Fedoroff, a molecular biologist and member of the prestigious National Academy of Sciences, and science writer Brown (A Good Horse Has No Color) argue forcefully for the latter view, saying we should embrace most of the advances genetic engineering has made in the agricultural arena. In an extremely accessible style, they take readers through the basics of genetics and genetic engineering to demonstrate why they believe that the risks associated with this technology are trivial. They also contend that the use of modern molecular technology to insert genes from one species into another isn't very different from the hybrid crosses that agriculturalists have been doing for millennia. Taking on concerns voiced by environmentalists, the authors articulate how genetically modified crops could reduce the amount of pesticides and fertilizers used and increase the yield of crop plants to keep up with a growing world population that could reach eight or nine billion in this century. Though likely to be controversial, the authors' clear and rational presentation could well change the opinions of some readers. Illus. not seen byPW.(Nov. 5)