[.ca] BioEvolution: How Biotechnology is Changing Our World (ISBN 159403057X)

The first book to explain in depth what biotech is doing:
Michael Fumento's BioEvolution: How Biotechnology Is Changing Our World is the first book to explain in depth what biotech is doing, its exceptionally fast scientific advances and discoveries, and its potential for impact on human lives. From its potential to cure the most challenging diseases to its promise to increase life spans and quality, this pro-biotech title considers all the benefits of its research directions.

Hope for the future, in general...and my own!:
BioEvolution is a superb book! I have a progressive form of MS, and due to both my disease and my location, keep up with some of the progress in this arena. Just how Mr. Fumento does keep on top of pretty much all biotechnological developments is an awe-inspiring mystery. I found his sources and footnotes, as always, completely trustworthy. His interpretation of those sources is "wildly accurate", at least in my very humble opinion! I have many times nearly given up any hope of cure for my own and others' diseases, but BioEvolution presents a different future for "us afflictees"--and Mr. Fumento often is more conservative than most in his "predictions". BioEvolution is a book of hope--hope that will come to be. I keep my copy on my dresser and re-read it frequently. Definitely a must-read!

A realistic and optimistic apology for biotechnology:
Every facet of biotechnology is fascinating, and even those embedded in it as scientist, engineer, or technican are always surprised at the rapid advancements in it that are now taking place. The biological world is an enormously complex picture puzzle, the pieces of which, thanks to powerful computational machines, advanced mathematics, and artificial intelligence, are just beginning to be fitted together. Once thought of as a purely descriptive science, biology is now quantitative, and engineers, physicists, and mathematicians are moving into it with great zeal. Readers of all backgrounds will obtain an overview of the breathtaking advances in biotechnology in this book. It is fortunate that the author is not a sycophant for the biotechnology industry, but instead gives a sound apology for it, supported by scholarly evidence and references. Indeed, the book contains 147 pages of references and hyperlinks for the reader to consult if needed. Even if the reader does not have a background in biology or genetics, the presentation is detailed enough that such a reader can obtain the much needed insight into the powerful role that biotechnology will play in the twenty-first century. Biotechnology, via transgenic strategies and other techniques in genetic engineering, has permuted the natural world, and has produced animals and plants that have surpassed, and will greatly surpass, any of the dreams of science fiction. Even more importantly, as is brought out in detail by the author, these animals and plants are bringing new ways to feed hungry populations and heal the sick. The human imagination is challenged by these discoveries, and no doubt will be even more so in the near future, as biotechnology continues its unrelenting advance. Indeed, one reads of spider genes inserted in goats, producing silk in their udders, and giving us ample amounts of the strongest fiber yet known. The benefits? Tissue repair, artificial tendons, and body armor for soldiers, to name a few the author mentions... the creation of transgenic mice that secrete human growth hormone in their ejaculate...eggs of transgenic chickens that have fourteen proteins....the list goes on and on. A perusal of his references reveals many more. The database of new animals and plants keeps growing and growing. The author is fair in his assessment of viable biotechnologies, cautions against "science by press release", utopianism, and alerts the reader to the legal issues that confront the use of the different biotechnologies. His confidence and optimism though are refreshing and inspiring. He ends his book with the following words: "The process has begun and it's accelerating. The ultimate benefits are unimaginable, while the near-term ones are incredible. Hold onto the bar in front of you and don't stand up. We're in for one heck of thrill ride." He's right!

A Real World Yellow-Brick Road!:
Michael Fumento's proof-based approach is totally fresh, based on actual events and current research, not opinionated rhetoric or a personal or political agenda. That in itself, is rare, as so many narrow and selfish outside agendas pollute the biotech environment, making it difficult, if not impossible, to separate fact from fancy, opportunity from caution, or even completed research and testing from deliberate misinformation. Conversely, Mr. Fumento's examples are fully documented, even to the extent of a fully documented bibliography section, including names and email contact addresses for both scientific researchers and their corporate or research entities. This alone sets the book well apart, as the reader is provided with documentation that allows evidence to take precedence over opinion or skepticism. Mr. Fumento accepts the challenge of anti-biotech activism without prejudice, patiently addressing even the more ill-founded of objections with care and attention. Biotech objections and concerns are addressed in detail, not dismissed, a plus not often attributable to anti-biotech proponents. This is a book related to the rapid growth of modern scientific achievement, but it is as fair and even-handed as I have ever encountered, even though it is optimistic. In short, Mr. Fumento's well organized work is a masterpiece of good research, excellent writing, magnificently argued reason, honest compassion, and personal courage. Beyond such rare attributes, he has done a great and I hope, enduring, service to millions of us, readers or not, perhaps billions of people most of us will never meet or who will never know that Mr. Fumento was their benefactor. Moreover, because of his passion for the material inadequacies of less affluent others, we may discover that he has helped to shorten the time frame in which we will continue to read about starvation, malnutrition, avoidable disease, blindness and premature death, all stiking the least able to care for themselves; children. People who better inform themselves by reading Bio Evolution will find themselves to be well fortified to separate the 'blue sky' of biotech from its achievable promise. For both the reader predisposed to rational argument or for the confirmed prior opponent of biotech, Mr. Fumento presents an approach to that must be confronted without prejudice, certainly not dismissed as biotech propaganda. Read it and form your own opinion on what is certain to change your life. It is an exciting book, and one which responsible citizens will find rewarding. Walton Cook, author of Buzzword, biotech novel.

"A Truly Evolutonary Must Read":
WOW! BioEvolution is clear, concise, and truly evolutionary! Michael Fumento's latest book is a "must read" for those whose intellectual curiosity is always searching for the truth related to sound, solid research in biotechnology. Fumento has a true gift for taking complex scientific studies and bringing them to reality for us common folks. Each chapter is deserving of another Fumento book, in my view, because it gives the reader renewed hope for a brighter and healthier tomorrow while challenging the mind to know more about how biotechnoogy is changing our world. In addition, I watched Fumento on C-SPAN. Seldom have I heard such a focused integration of professional ethics, subject knowledge, and sound moral values in responding to viewer's and moderator's questions. His passion for scientific truths is mirrored both in this TV guest appearance and his latest book. "Part Two: The Fountain of Youth" merits, I believe, another Fumento research book. Reasons abound. Some include the fact that there are approximately 10 theories of aging but no single model to explain this multidimensional process. However, for now we can enjoy the fruits of Fumento's latest efforts. The author's research and writing skills are greatly appreciated by this reader. I continue to enjoy discussing the merits of this great read by Fumento. Indeed, Bioevolution is a must read!