Synthetic Biology: A Very Short Introduction

Nonfiction, Science & Nature, Science, Biological Sciences, Genetics, Biology
Cover of the book Synthetic Biology: A Very Short Introduction by Jamie A. Davies, OUP Oxford
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Jamie A. Davies ISBN: 9780192525284
Publisher: OUP Oxford Publication: June 14, 2018
Imprint: OUP Oxford Language: English
Author: Jamie A. Davies
ISBN: 9780192525284
Publisher: OUP Oxford
Publication: June 14, 2018
Imprint: OUP Oxford
Language: English

Synthetic biology is one of the 21st century's fastest growing fields of research, as important for technology as for basic science. Building on traditional genetic engineering, which was restricted to changing one or two genes, synthetic biology uses multi-gene modules and pathways to make very significant changes to what cells can do. Synthetic biologists aim to have an impact in fields as diverse as drug manufacture, biofuel production, tackling pollution, and medical diagnostics. Further ahead, synthetic biology may even make possible the long-standing goal of creating new life from non-living starting materials. This Very Short Introduction provides a concise explanation of what synthetic biology is, and how it is beginning to affect many fields of technology. Jamie Davies also discusses the considerable controversies surrounding synthetic biology, from questions over the assumption that engineering concepts can be applied to living systems easily, to scepticism over the claims for commercial promise, fears that the dangers of engineering life are worse than its benefits, and concerns over whether humans should be designing living systems at all. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

Synthetic biology is one of the 21st century's fastest growing fields of research, as important for technology as for basic science. Building on traditional genetic engineering, which was restricted to changing one or two genes, synthetic biology uses multi-gene modules and pathways to make very significant changes to what cells can do. Synthetic biologists aim to have an impact in fields as diverse as drug manufacture, biofuel production, tackling pollution, and medical diagnostics. Further ahead, synthetic biology may even make possible the long-standing goal of creating new life from non-living starting materials. This Very Short Introduction provides a concise explanation of what synthetic biology is, and how it is beginning to affect many fields of technology. Jamie Davies also discusses the considerable controversies surrounding synthetic biology, from questions over the assumption that engineering concepts can be applied to living systems easily, to scepticism over the claims for commercial promise, fears that the dangers of engineering life are worse than its benefits, and concerns over whether humans should be designing living systems at all. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.

More books from OUP Oxford

Cover of the book Religions of the Constantinian Empire by Jamie A. Davies
Cover of the book Sport: A Very Short Introduction by Jamie A. Davies
Cover of the book Osteoporosis by Jamie A. Davies
Cover of the book Human Rights: Moral or Political? by Jamie A. Davies
Cover of the book The Oxford Handbook of French Politics by Jamie A. Davies
Cover of the book Systemic Risk, Institutional Design, and the Regulation of Financial Markets by Jamie A. Davies
Cover of the book Parmenides and Presocratic Philosophy by Jamie A. Davies
Cover of the book Manufacturing Possibilities by Jamie A. Davies
Cover of the book A Dictionary of Chinese Literature by Jamie A. Davies
Cover of the book Australia: A Very Short Introduction by Jamie A. Davies
Cover of the book Merchants of Labor by Jamie A. Davies
Cover of the book Diploma Democracy by Jamie A. Davies
Cover of the book The Birth of Tragedy by Jamie A. Davies
Cover of the book The Theological Anthropology of Eustathius of Antioch by Jamie A. Davies
Cover of the book From Personal Life to Private Law by Jamie A. Davies
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy