Over the past 50 years, scientists have made incredible progress in the application of genetic research to human health care and disease treatment. Innovative tools and techniques, including gene therapy and CRISPR-Cas9 editing, can treat inherited disorders that were previously untreatable, or prevent them from happening in the first place. You can take a DNA test to learn where your ancestors are from. Police officers can use genetic evidence to identify criminals―or innocents. And some doctors are using new medical techniques for unprecedented procedures.

Genomics: A Revolution in Health and Disease Discovery delves into the history, science, and ethics behind recent breakthroughs in genetic research. Authors Whitney Stewart and Hans Andersson, MD, present fascinating case studies that show how real people have benefitted from genetic research. Though the genome remains full of mysteries, researchers and doctors are working hard to uncover its secrets and find the best ways to treat patients and cure diseases. The discoveries to come will inform how we target disease treatment, how we understand our health, and how we define our very identities.

From School Library Journal Gr 8 Up-This unique look at the history and impact of genomics will excite students eager to learn more about the human genome. The text goes beyond buzzwords and popular science ideas to explore related key concepts, such as Sanger sequencing and gene therapy. Real cases are included and add depth by addressing the science behind genetic testing and the people directly impacted by it. The text clearly addresses the changing nature of scientific understanding for younger readers. Stewart and Andersson chronicle the natural progression of changes applied to academic beliefs about genes and the methodologies used to study them. Commendably, the authors discuss the accomplishments of overlooked researchers, the reality of patients with inherited disorders, and other ethical issues connected to the misapplications of gene-related studies. They are honest and respectful of readers' intelligence in a way that is refreshing in an area of nonfiction that can sometimes be esoteric. VERDICT An excellent bridge between real-world technology applications of biotechnology and what students learn in their biology classrooms.-Lisa Bosarge, Enoch Pratt Free Lib., Baltimoreα(c) Copyright 2011. Library Journals LLC, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Media Source, Inc. No redistribution permitted.