Chips, Clones, and Living Beyond 100: How Far Will the Biosciences Take Us?
Technology scholar Paul and microbiology researcher Joyce Schoemaker review "the scientific and technological forces that make living beyond 100 possible, as well as the economic, social, and political obstacles that might stand in the way," which they believe "will shape the world between now and the year 2025." This bioscience tour begins with a brief history of medicine, from the discovery of hygiene through the discovery of DNA, to cloning and biotechnology, delving into the biomedicine industry of today and in several visions of the future. In fluid language, the scientists discuss medical advances including gene testing and therapy, medical sensors and devices, and vaccine technologies, emphasizing the components of a successful technology with regard to economics, ethics, regulations, infrastructure, and investment. Uncertainties about the rapidly emerging field's future come up in questions like, "How much do we really want to know about our health, especially when it is unclear how much we can alter it?" This concise, accessible overview will most appeal to those working outside the field, including investors, medical professionals and engineers, as well as those seeking a biomedicine career.Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.