A sober reflection on the promises and perils of genetic engineering. A professor of zoology at the University of Manchester and the author of Life's Greatest Secret: The Race To Crack the Genetic Code, among other books, Cobb investigates three areas of molecular biology that raise enormous safety and ethical concerns: heritable human gene editing, gene drives, and viral gain-of-function research. In order to fairly assess the current state of these fields, he recounts the history of recombinant DNA research as well as the initial steps toward its commercial exploitation in medicine and agriculture. Readers without a solid understanding of biology will likely find that the scientific complexity of the history robs it of some of its drama. Cobb's focus, however, is not on the science itself but on the social and political context of these discoveries. In particular, he examines the few moments in which scientists themselves sought to organize public debate about the potential consequences of their work. Most interestingly, Cobb contends that the famous 1975 Asilomar conference, while well intentioned, was limited by its focus on laboratory safety and lacked sufficient discussion of the broader ethical issues surrounding genetic manipulation. This view informs the main conclusion the author aims at the funders, scientists, and policymakers who are his primary audience. He believes the excitement surrounding "inevitable technical solutions," such as CRISPR gene editing, often distracts from posing a more fundamental question, one that encompasses a wider variety of disciplines other than molecular biology: To which pressing problems are these techniques the safest and simplest solutions? While Cobb is careful to note that there are important potential applications in the three areas that concern him, he concludes that a great deal of research remains a risky solution in search of a problem. A look at genetic engineering that provides valuable background for rethinking the appropriate uses for these technologies. Copyright (c) Kirkus Reviews, used with permission.

Cobb (zoology, Univ. of Manchester; The Idea of the Brain) has written an engaging, intriguing book about the history of genetic engineering and where it might lead society. Alongside descriptions of the scientific work being done, Cobb describes the people, groups, and meetings that shaped the discussions of the control of ongoing genetic experiments. From genetic engineering of embryos through genetic modification of plants and animals to bioweapons, the author tries to show the good and bad sides. The good intentions of genetically modified crops or genetic modifications of mosquitoes and other pests to reduce disease and crop loss have an unknown environmental impact, but it will likely have lasting repercussions. The author also asks readers to consider non-genetic solutions to complex problems. For example, funding clean water and better sewage systems around the world will reduce many diseases without genetic engineering. VERDICT An excellent book for those interested in genetics or the impact of science on society.--Margaret Henderson

The power to change the blueprint of life comes with fraught ethical dilemmas, according to this knotty study of genetic engineering. University of Manchester biologist Cobb (The Idea of the Brain) recaps the development of genetic engineering, from DNA breakthroughs in the 1970s that let scientists introduce genes into viruses, bacteria, and mammals to new CRISPR technology that precisely rewrites DNA sequences. The author focuses on concerns over the safety and morality of the science, describing the ethical questions raised by a Chinese experiment that produced genetically engineered infants (and may have given them harmful mutations); the threat of engineered pandemics (he believes Covid-19 was of natural origin, but warns the next one might not be); and "gene drive" technologies that could spread sterilizing genes throughout an entire species and push it to extinction. The details fascinate (botanists use a "gene gun" to shoot DNA into plant cells), and Cobb's lucid analysis illuminates the stakes of the scientific debates. Additionally, his evenhanded critique balances caution about emergent technologies with tart skepticism of overreaching claims ("There really does not seem to be much point to germline editing at all"). The result is an eye-opening--and occasionally hair-raising--indictment of scientific hubris and recklessness. Photos. (Nov.)