Product Description
In Mapping Fate, Alice Wexler tells the story of a family at risk for a hereditary, incurable, fatal disorder: Huntington's disease, once called Huntington's chorea. That her mother died of the disease, that her own chance of inheriting it was fifty-fifty, that her sister and father directed much of the extraordinary biomedical research to find the gene and a cure, make Wexler's story both astonishingly intimate and scientifically compelling.Alice Wexler's graceful and eloquent account goes beyond the specifics of Huntington's disease to explore the dynamics of family secrets, of living at risk, and the drama and limits of biomedical research. Mapping Fate will be a touchstone for anyone with questions about genetic illness and the possibilites and perils of genetic testing. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (8)

A Search for the Genetic Marker for Huntington's Disease
This is a mesmerizing and well-written book by a woman whose
family has a history of Huntingon's Disease. This disease is
deadly and kills in a slow and very tortuous manner.She be-
comes very involved in finding the genetic marker for this
disease.

How she views her family, her final decision not to take the
test to see if she carries the Huntington's gene, and the
emotional impact of carrying her fear is both poignant and
disturbing.She sure can write.

WOW.Captures & holds me throughout.
Beautiful book.This book brings to life the science of Huntington's, as well as the personal dilemmas surrounding genetic testing, as written by one of the pioneers of this test.I also recommend Time, Love, Memory: A Great Biologist and His Quest for the Origins of Behavior to anyone who enjoys this book for the scientific, biographical aspect.

Lots of Info
Wexler tells an incredible story of both the personal and medical aspects of HD.She takes the time to explain the important biological and genetic background, while not overwhelming you with useless facts.She does a wonderful job explaining the pain of having a family member with HD, while not soley focusing on their struggles.I learned a lot about HD through this book, and would recommend it to anyone wanting to learn more about the disease and its biological basis.

Very interesting
I felt Mapping Fate was a very informative and interesting book about Huntington's disease and genetic testing.I highly recommend it for anyone with Huntington's disease risk in their family.Also, very useful for anyone interested in genetics and genetic testing.

Interesting and well written
This book is just as other reviewers have said-- a heartbreaking but fascinating tale about two sisters' response when a devastating disease crops up in their family.But it's not a depressing, downer of a read.The two sisters deal with the future possibility of their own disease diagnosis in different ways but both have many lessons to teach all of us facing something difficult (and who doesn't at some point).And the story-within-a-story about the search for the Huntington's gene is a really candid and interesting look at the world of important scientific research.It's just a good read. ... Read more

Product Description
The first advanced-level genetics counseling skills resource

As genetic medicine and testing continue to expand, so the role of the genetic counselor is transforming and evolving. Genetic Counseling Practice: Advanced Concepts and Skills is the first text to address ways that genetic counselors can deepen their skills to meet expanding practice demands. This timely resource not only helps readers further develop their abilities to gather relevant data and interpret it for patients, it also aids them in surpassing their usual role by truly understanding patient situations, incorporating patient values into clinical practice, providing in-depth support, and facilitating thoroughly informed, autonomous decisions.

Edited by an expert cross-disciplinary team consisting of a genetic counseling program director, a licensed psychologist, and a nurse/bioethicist/family social scientist, this authoritative reference provides specific and detailed instruction in addressing psychosocial aspects of genetic counseling practice and professional development and training issues of genetic counselors.

• Provides a process view of genetic counselor service provision; i.e., skills that promote desired genetic counseling outcomes are emphasized (such as relationship skills, patient characteristics, client behaviors, and extra-clinical skills)

• Includes experiential activities in every chapter to help readers apply concepts and skills

• Draws on the experience of widely recognized experts in genetic counseling theory, practice, and research, who serve as chapter authors

• Features numerous specific, real-life examples from clinical practice

Genetic Counseling Practice addresses issues relevant to practicing genetic counselors as well as students of genetic counseling programs. In addition, oncology nurses, social workers, and psychologists working with genetic counseling patients and families; medical geneticists and physicians training in the field; and physician assistants will also benefit from this resource. ... Read more

Product Description
The bestselling guide to the medical management of common genetic syndromes —now fully revised and expanded

A review in the American Journal of Medical Genetics heralded the first edition of Management of Genetic Syndromes as an "unparalleled collection of knowledge." Since publication of the first edition, improvements in the molecular diagnostic testing of genetic conditions have greatly facilitated the identification of affected individuals. This thorough revision of the critically acclaimed bestseller offers original insights into the medical management of sixty common genetic syndromes seen in children and adults, and incorporates new research findings and the latest advances in diagnosis and treatment of these disorders.

Expanded to cover five new syndromes, this comprehensive new edition also features updates of chapters from the previous editions. Each chapter is written by an expert with extensive direct professional experience with that disorder and incorporates thoroughly updated material on new genetic findings, consensus diagnostic criteria, and management strategies. Edited by two of the field's most highly esteemed experts, this landmark volume provides:

• A precise reference of the physical manifestations of common genetic syndromes, clearly written for professionals and families

• Extensive updates, particularly in sections on diagnostic criteria and diagnostic testing, pathogenesis, and management

• A tried-and-tested, user-friendly format, with each chapter including information on incidence, etiology and pathogenesis, diagnostic criteria and testing, and differential diagnosis

• Up-to-date and well-written summaries of the manifestations followed by comprehensive management guidelines, with specific advice on evaluation and treatment for each system affected, including references to original studies and reviews

• A list of family support organizations and resources for professionals and families

Management of Genetic Syndromes, Third Edition is a premier source to guide family physicians, pediatricians, internists, medical geneticists, and genetic counselors in the clinical evaluation and treatment of syndromes. It is also the reference of choice for ancillary health professionals, educators, and families of affected individuals looking to understand appropriate guidelines for the management of these disorders.

From a review of the first edition:

"An unparalleled collection of knowledge . . . unique, offering a gold mine of information." —American Journal of Medical Genetics ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

Excellent Educational Text
"...a detailed practical guide for management of patients with genetic conditions...an asset to the bookshelf of any healthcare provider...also an excellent educational text..." (Journal of Genetic Counseling, Vol. 12, No. 4, August 2003)

Useful Book
"...quite useful to anyone...interested in a taste of what emerging technologies in genomics, proteomics, and bioinformatics can bring to bear on questions of potential importance in biomedical research." (American Journal of Human Genetics, Vol. 72, 2003)

"a wealth of practical information"
Cassidy and Allanson have assembled a talented group of authors to address the more common genetic disorders.The chapters are extremely well organized and each emphasizes not only diagnostic techniques and differential diagnosis, but also patient management.The generalist will find a wealth of practical information readily available and accessible. The clinical geneticist will discover and rediscover valuable "pearls" within this text. --Edward R.B. McCabe, Department of Pediatrics, Mattel Children's Hospital at UCLA

Invaluable forspecialists andprimary care physicians
This book organizes the collective clinical experience of multiple genetic experts, along with evidence-based medicine, into a comprehensive guide to the clinical management of the most frequent genetic disorders affecting children and adults. It is a valuable resource for specialists, and forprimary care physicians who have the responsibility of coordinating care of their patients with these genetic disorders. It may become be a valuable resource for educateddecision-making for managed care organizations as well! Ultimately, patients and their families will benefit. ... Read more

Product Description
This book brings together - in an informal and tutorial fashion - the computer techniques, mathematical tools, and research results that will enable both students and practitioners to apply genetic algorithms to problems in many fields. Major concepts are illustrated with running examples, and major algorithms are illustrated by Pascal computer programs. No prior knowledge of GAs or genetics is assumed, and only a minimum of computer programming and mathematics background is required. 0201157675B07092001Amazon.com Review
David Goldberg's Genetic Algorithms in Search, Optimizationand Machine Learning is by far the bestselling introduction togenetic algorithms. Goldberg is one of the preeminent researchers inthe field--he has published over 100 research articles on geneticalgorithms and is a student of John Holland, the father of geneticalgorithms--and his deep understanding of the material shinesthrough. The book contains a complete listing of a simple geneticalgorithm in Pascal, which C programmers can easily understand. Thebook covers all of the important topics in the field, includingcrossover, mutation, classifier systems, and fitness scaling, giving anovice with a computer science background enough information toimplement a genetic algorithm and describe genetic algorithms to afriend. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (19)

Great start to your journey in Genetic Algorithms.
This is a great book to begin your journey on Genetic Algorithms (GA). The author is a pioneering authority on the subject and has explained the basics of a GA in a very gentle and easy to understand manner. The book has a great variety of specific but diverse examples, which may not be useful at first glance, but gives an insight to where all the technique has been applied!

However, some aspects of the book perhaps need an edition, like the more recent advances in GA operators, specifics of chromosomal representation schemes, non-linear optimization functions, etc. I have read several, well written books on the subject, but this one has a very distinct and sometimes interesting style of writing! The best would be to quickly read this one to get a fairly good understanding of the basics and then take up a recent book that addresses other aspects like Mitchell's book, for example.

Having said that, I think the book is a great and inspiring start to using genetic algorithms.

Genetic Algorithms in Search, Optimization, and Machine Learning by David E. Goldberg
Excellent book for Graduate students and instructors. Highly recommend!

Not the only paradigm for evolutionary computation
This book gives a good introduction to genetic algorithms for a general undergraduate audience. However, it is important to note that it does not cover Evolutionary Strategies, an approach to evolutionary computing that I have found quite usefulsince it is specifically designed for Euclidean space optimization problems where many if not most interesting optimization problems are formulated in (take for example the problem of determining the weights of a neural network that minimizes the network's overall classification error). Nor does it cover evolutionary programming (not to be confused with genetic programming). So after reading this book, I recommend (for the mathematically adventurous) Thomas Back's "Evolutionary Algorithms in Theory and Practice: Evolution Strategies, Evolutionary Programming, Genetic Algorithms"
ISBN: 0195099710

Happy reading and enjoy the fascinating world of evolutionary computation!

Read a review article instead!
I agree with another reviewer who said the book was unnecessarily long.Genetic Algorithms are a great programming tool, and there are some tips and tricks that can help your programs converge faster and more accurately, but this book had a lot of redundant information.

If you are interested in using GA for solution-finding, I doubt you'll find much useful in this book beyond the first chapter or so.Many of the examples later in the book were so specific that I couldn't see how they could be usefully generalized.Really optimizing a GA approach for a specific problem domain takes a fair amount of tuning, and this book won't help much with that.

I think time spent surfing siteseer or other publication sites would be better spent than reading this book.

Needs updating
OK, I agree with the previous reviewers: it's the classical textbook for GAs. But it definitely needs updating, as it's a 15-year old book and much has been done in the area. Niching methods, for example, are just outlined. I'd recommend Melanie Mitchell's book instead of this one. ... Read more

Product Description
The Fourth Edition of Genetics of Populations is the most current, comprehensive, and accessible introduction to the field for advanced undergraduate and graduate students, and researchers in genetics, evolution, conservation, and related fields. In the past several years, interest in the application of population genetics principles to new molecular data has increased greatly, and Dr. Hedrick's new edition exemplifies his commitment to keeping pace with this dynamic area of study.Reorganized to allow students to focus more sharply on key material, the Fourth Edition integrates coverage of theoretical issues with a clear presentation of experimental population genetics and empirical data. Drawing examples from both recent and classic studies, and using a variety of organisms to illustrate the vast developments of population genetics, this text provides students and researchers with the most comprehensive resource in the field. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

excellent overview & reference
For a basic introductory population genetics text, this book is very good. I am an evolutionary biologist (graduate student) studying at the population level; this is a great book to keep at hand for a refresher on basic concepts as well as a very good overview of the field. Lots of practice problems to work on throughout; plenty of references to key works in the primary literature and experimental examples. Highly recommended.

Buen servicio
El libro esta bien, solo que en la parte de abajo vino un poco roto. Pero por lo
demás esta bien. El tiempo de entrega fue el convenido.

Poorly structured, badly written
This and Hartl and Clark's book are the standard textbooks for population genetics. I am an applied math/bio grad student working in this area. Hedrick's book contains a huge amount of information, but honestly I think it is poorly organized and often poorly written. Rather than a clear explication of the theory with examples, it is constructed more like a collection of related ideas, facts and examples thrown together to make loose rather confusing chapters. Population genetics is a tricky subject and Hedrick does not make much of an effort to communicate the ideas clearly. For example, in the mutation chapter, rather than say something like: here is the general problem, here are types of mutations, here are some mutation models with examples, here are some ways to estimate mutation and here are some case studies from the literature, he mixes all these things together presenting formulas and data in an jumbled, intermingled way that is not particularly easy to read. The result is that it is difficult to extract (for me) the essence of the concepts and summarize everything for myself. If you are required to use this text for a class, I highly recommend looking at other resources. Hartl's book's good, but slightly more basic. Gillespe's Concise Guide is also really good, but again, the subject is difficult and requires a good amount of mathematical background. To summarize, if you study pop gen, you should really probably read and own this book because of its ubiquity and the information contained within. However, don't be surprised when you find it sub par.

A superbly presented and comprehensive introduction
A superbly presented and comprehensive introduction to population genetics as one of the fundamental underlying principles and processes of the evolutionary process, Genetics Of Populations is now published in a newly updated and significantly revised third edition. Author Philip W. Hedrick (Arizona State University) integrates theoretical issues with a clear and acceptable presentation of experimental population genetics with empirical data providing students and researchers with one of the most articulate and up-to-date texts available. Features new to this latest addition is a focus on data from genome projects that compare population samples to identify patterns of genetic diversity and genes that have been under selection. All of the individual chapters have been completely updated with the latest examples and approaches in this rapidly evolving field of study. Of special value for curriculum development are the new and updated tables, chapter exercises, end-of-chapter problems, art, photographs, featured researchers, extensive bibliography, and detailed index. Highly recommended.

A complete, up-to-date text book on population genetics
This text-book deals with population genetic theory in great detail, without loosing sight of the basics. This makes it a good introduction in population genetics as well as a complete reference work. With chapters onevolutionairy and quantative genetics and numerous examples this bookdescribes the state of the art in population genetic research. Compared toHartl and Clark's Principles of Population Genetics, Genetics ofPopulations is more detailed and more clearly structured. Overall anexcellent book. ... Read more

Product Description
Genetics: Analysis and Principles is a one-semester, introductory genetics textbook that takes an experimental approach to understanding genetics.By weaving one or two experiments into the narrative of each chapter, students can simultaneously explore the scientific method and understand the genetic principles that have been learned from these experiments. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Clean and cheap textbook! just as described!
I enjoyed buying from you, if I need to buy any more textbooks online I will look for you. I received the item pretty fast. It was just as described on ebay.
Thank you!!

Satisfied
Product was sent quickly. Outside in pretty good condition, however, the inside had more writing than I expected. Overall, good purchase.

Very Pleased with the Genetics Book
I was very happy with my purchase. The book was delivered quickly and in the condition specified by the seller. I would buy from this seller again with no hesitations.

I keep returning to this textbook
This is the only genetics book I have.However, I have completed a graduate level biochemistry course.In biochemistry, we discussed many of the subjects presented in Brooker's textbook.Despite having an excellent biochemistry text, Brooker's presentation was often superior, providing a clearer explanation.

I have heard the graphics of the text often derided; I believe this is because some of the graphics were not printed well.Often the graphics are somewhat "fuzzy."However, comparing how well the graphics in this text present concepts against how well the graphics in other texts present the same concepts has been illuminating.Another student actually brought Brooker's text to our biochem lab several times to show other students the graphics to help explain some concepts.The graphics may be fuzzy, but they get the point across.

I'm keeping this in my library.I have returned to it several times.

There is a solutions manual to go with the text.I recommend getting the solutions manual.Working the problems at the end of each chapter will provide a good understanding of the material.

nice diagrams, bad information
I recently used this book in an undergraduate genetics course that was taught by a M.D./Genetics Counselor who, after the first month or so of using the book and the accompaning powerpoint presentation got so frustrated that told us not to bother reading the book anymore.An example would be the improper use of the Chi Square test that the book uses and instructs.

If you are an instructor save yourself the trouble of dealing with a book with so many errors in it. ... Read more

Product Description
Snustad provides scientists with the confidence to apply problem solving to the major principals of genetics. It eases them into the art of problem solving by integrating problems within each chapter. A clear connection between key principals and related problems is presented in each chapter. Icons help them clearly see how a problem is worked out before reading on. The fifth edition has also been revised with an improved art program. It offers more balanced coverage of traditional and modern topics by weaving classical genetics with molecular genetics, and illustrating the connection between the two. The book is problem-solving-centric as well. Chapters now contain problems that correlate with major principals. Coverage of both classic experiments and current research will allow scientists to gain perspective on the process of science. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (14)

Fantastic textbook on genetics for beginners
I am majoring in Psychology with little background on Genetics.

I purchased this book to prepare for the GRE Subject test (Biochemistry, Cell & Molecular Biology) and i couldn't be more pleased with my order!

The explanations are easy to follow but the text covers ALL major aspects of Genetics (Classic & Modern). The illustrations are top notch.

I preferred this edition over the newer one because of the price tag. It's 50% cheaper and the ONLY difference is in the cosmetics of the pictures.

Principles of Genetics
Book came on time!!! There is highlighting already in the book which helps!! The book is not even half as bad as the seller said it was. It looks brand new! I'm passing this class!!! Thanks!

solid foundation
this book has a lot of information in it and lays a good foundation for later advanced genetics work

Well written.
When I was getting a very brief introduction of genetics in my Biology book by Raven, for some reason I was just not understanding what the hell I was reading.This book is easy to grasp, very well written.I highly recommend it to anyone, also, the CD is pretty good.

it was great
this book helped me a lot. i used the book for its extra problems which they were great. ... Read more

Product Description
Dr. John Sanford, a retired Cornell Professor, shows in "Genetic Entropy and the Mystery of the Genome" that the "Primary Axiom" is false. The Primary Axiom is the foundational evolutionary premise -- that life is merely the result of mutations and natural selection.In addition to showing compelling theoretical evidence that whole genomes must in fact degenerate over time, this book strongly refutes the Darwinian concept that man is just the result of a random and pointless natural process.This is an updated version of the October 2005 edition, which includes both a newappendix and glossary. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (32)

An expose of population genetics, among other virtues of the book
Note: I seem to have an earlier edition, 2005, of this book.
This book gives no indication of the author's religious views, save for a one line reference to 'design' in the last pages of the text. The rest of the book is a cogent expose of the Neo-Darwinian scenario of random mutation and natural selection.
I have reasonable math talents, and can follow more or less the models proposed by population geneticists, but the whole subject leaves one ill at ease, as one smell's a rat somewhere. All this math is deceptive, it doesn't amount to much of anything by the standards of physics. In fact, the subject is a fraud used to mesmerize the math gullible.
This book helped me out on this point, and has a lot of good commentary on population genetics and its limits. It is disconcerting to have to turn to religious critics writing self-published books to get some decent commentary on the math in population genetics.
Good fast read, and to the point. The issue of the genome is left for what it is, a mystery. Close to the end of the book the author quietly mutters the word 'design' with respect to the enigma of genomics, and the book ends. Important reading for mainstream students of evolution who have been snowjobbed by population genetics.
The book adds to the disgrace of the Neo-Darwinism synthesis.
You would think all those nerdy scientists and profs in all those peer reviewed sci orgs could spot the problems with population genetics and make them known to the public.
No such luck.
Job for a Bible Belt author, I guess.

Compelling
Dr. Sanford refutes the Primary Axiom of Darwinian evolution: that evolution is the result of natural selection acting upon random mutations.His approach is to create layer upon layer of specific "showstoppers" to this axiom, each of which compounds the showstopping aspects of the other layers.The whole book is full of technical insights that only someone who has an intimate knowledge of the field of genetics and genetic engineering could have.I was particularly impressed with the chapter on the mutation rate of the human genome (specifically with the numerous specific mechanisms of mutation he gives which guarantee that the genome must LOSE information, not gain it via evolution), as well as with the argument that genetic polyfunctionality makes it utterly impossible to gain information through random mutations even if all other arguments were disregarded (that is, many or most genes simultaneously code for more than one function, hence a random mutation that happens to benefit one function is overwhelmingly likely to harm the other functions).Every medical school and biology student should read this book!

This guy is an 'expert' on genetics?
I must start out by saying that I have not read this book.[added in edit, 9/30/10 - I have since read several chapters, and my original questions/comments remain]However, I saw a creationist present the follwing quote from it the other day:

"Haldane calculated that it would take (on average) 300 generations (>6,000 yrs) to select a single new mutation to fixation, given what he considered a 'reasonable' mixture of recessive and dominant mutations. Selection at this rate is so slow that it is essentially the same as no selection at all. This problem has classically been called 'Haldane's dilemma'. At this rate of selection, once could only fix 1,000 beneficial nucleotide mutations within the whole genome in the tiem since we supposedly evolved from chimps (6 million yrs). This simple fact has been confirmed independently by Crow and Kimura(1970), and ReMine (1993, 2005). The nature of selection is such that selecting for one nucleotide redues our ability to select for other nucleotides (selection interference). Simultaneous selection does not help.

"At first glance, the above calculation seems to suggest that one might at least be able to select for the creation of one small gene (of up to 1,000 nucleotides) in the time since we reputedly diverged from champanzee. There are two reasons why this is not true. 1. Haldane's calculation were only for independent, unlinked mutations. Selection for 1,000 specific and adjacent muations could not happen in 6 million yrs because that specific sequence of adjacent mutations would never arise, not even in 6 billion yrs."
-pp 128-9


Now, I will ignore for the moment that this Cornell 'geneticist' cites creationist electical engineer Walter ReMine for anything having to do with genetics, but if this quote is accurate, then Sanford either does not understand Haldane's model - AT ALL - or he is purposefully misrepresenting it to make his silly position seem more viable.

And apparently he isn't willing to talk about it - I emailed him more than 2 weeks ago, only asking if the quote was accurate.No reply.

Can anyone here verify the acuracy of that quote?

The beginning of a comprehensive understanding of genetics and if evolution fits in.
This book is a great read.

It helps you understand the fundamental level of where evolution should occur, in the genome.

Dr. John Sanford writes a very scientifically based book on how the mechanism of evolution can't work. Random mutations with natural selection CANNOT create complexity or design. Essentially mutations lose or distort information rather than creating it, even with natural selection only choosing "good mutations" which as you find out in this book are statistically negligible once you account for occurrence (one out of a million mutations is anything above the line of neutrality and a mutation occurs in only one out of a million replications), selection, genetic drift, mutational baggage, secondary effects, and further selection and the need of high selective pressure for the "new" attribute.

He gives some mild rebuttals to Richard Dawkin's the Blind Watchmaker examples.

I LOVED the book and would recommend it to anyone.

Neo-Darwinism - the final nail in the coffin!
I admit I already had serious doubts about neo-Darwinsim due to the silence in the fossil record, Cambrian Explosion, evidence of the Great Flood, the Biblical Account of Creation, and especially the teleology, Anthropic Principles, and evidence of purpose and design throughout the universe and especially in biology. In addition, the advancement of Intelligent Design, Information Theory, Irreducible Complexity, and all the rest of it gave me tremendous confidence in my beliefs. Then, as I read about the stunning complexity of the cell, DNA, and biological systems at the molecular level, my confidence grew even stronger. Then however, I come across Dr. Sanford's work on genetic entropy that has managed to Blow Me Away and take me to new levels I thought were unimaginable. Yes, he is a Christian, but his work is strictly scientific and well supported with peer reviewed articles as is his highly respected credentials. He boldy presents a formal proof that the "Primary Axiom" is wrong! Where else will you see that? Basically, the genome was perfect in the beginning but now is mutating and deteriorating and always has been. There is not even one single clear-cut case of a genetic mutation generating new, novel information - so how can Darwinian random mutation plus natural selection even work? In addition, with selection occuring at the phenome level and mutation occuring at the genome level, the whole mess doesn't even make sense even if it were to occur! Darwin couldn't have know this of course, not having access to the genetic code or even the cell's details for that matter. Look, whatever that intelligence is or was, designed all life as it is fixed today - that, this book will prove. This book is for everyone who asks the question: Who are we? Where did we come from? Where are we going? Excellent, superb book! This book could change your life! ... Read more

Product Description

• An up-to-date guide to basic concepts and applications in genetics­­from classic inheritance and population genetics to cutting-edge molecular genetics and biotechnology

• Provides 450 detailed problems, with step-by-step solutions, along with expert techniques for solving difficult problems, considerably expanding the reader's range of experience with various kinds of problems

This updated and expanded fourth edition of the best-selling solved-problem study guide, features new chapters on gene structure and regulation and mitochondrial inheritance, as well as new material on special topics, such as developmental genetics, bacterial genetics, viruses, transposable elements, cancer, and more ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Classic Text, Still The Best
This book will teach you all the genetics you need as an undergraduate and even into grad school. It's been around for decades.

Not bad.
I bought this as kind of a supplemental book for some MCAT studies.The first couple chapters covered 95% of the genetics stuff I saw on the real test, though to be honest I didn't really put that much effort into studying this or answering the questions about this stuff.Check this out at the library, read a couple of the chapters then throw it away or, if you are feeling generous, take it back to the library. Whatever.I don't care either way.

Very Good, Helped me a lot!
I think that anyone taking Genetics, studying for MCATS, DATs should buy this book.It is very cheap and helped me understand a lot of the material.My teacher used a lot of the questions from this book - on the exam!! Does not hurt to practice.

Outstanding volume of essays
I agree with Doc Dave in his earlier review that this is in many ways a better text than the standard ones out there. It's clearer, more concise, covers the advanced topics quite well considering its brevity, and as the Doc says, it's a fraction of the price of the actual texts.

I used this book to get thru a genetics course many years ago, and it was worth ten times the price I paid for it. It explained the concepts better than either the professor I had, or his T.A., who had graduated from U.C. Berkeley.

The presentation of classical genetics is the best I know of. You can find explanations of the molecular aspects that are probably as good, but for the classical stuff, and the coverage of the mathematical problems that derive from that approach, this is the best book I've ever seen.

I've used Schaum's outlines for a number of difficult subjects over the years, including electrical circuits and electronics, digital electronics and theory, genetics, differential equations, biochemistry, and applied statistics. They continue to be the best aids outside the classroom itself for the more difficult subject areas.

Schaum's Outline of Genetics
It is very informative and a great reference for the study of genetics and related studies.
It is self-explanatory in the theories presented and easy to comprehend.

It is a must-have reference! ... Read more

Product Description
Equine Color Genetics, Third Edition, presents the most recent advances in color genetics for breeders of horses, donkeys, and mules. The book provides valuable information that enables breeders to tailor their breeding programs to maximize desired color outcomes and minimize undesired color. The text bridges the gap between the scientific and lay communities without ignoring the intricate and complex issues involved in horse and donkey color genetics. This new edition presents more explicit and detailed explanations than were previously possible, including a more extensive Appaloosa section. The section on donkey colors includes the results of studies in the genetic control of color in this species, which will greatly assist donkey breeders as they tailor breeding programs to their own goals. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (19)

Offers discussions of horse and donkey colors, details of their identification, and their genetic control
The third edition of D. Phillip Sponenberg's EQUINE COLOR GENETICS offers discussions of horse and donkey colors, details of their identification, and their genetic control. The latest advances in color genetics for breeders of horses, donkeys and mules provides a blend of science and owner's guide and provides vets and equine breeders with many specifics including discussions of five new colors. Practicing vets will find these key references.

Good book!
This is an excellent text book but I was disappointed when I purchased the 3rd Edition and it didn't have much more content for the high price of the new edition.If you already have one of these books then save your money and wait for later editions as advancement in color genetics information is crazy right now.If you're looking to buy this book for the first time I'd look for the 2nd Edition at a better price.

Excellent Information
Very informative book and relatively easy to understand considering I am a new breeder.Great photos with examples of colour/patterns etc.

good- but not worth the price
I found this book to be very useful, but definitly not $60 worth useful.In all honesty, I have found more information in my 'Equine Genetics & Selection Procedures', which is roughly five times the girth and I managed to nab that for $8.While this book is more up-to-date, and the pictures were extensive in what they covered, it just doesn't have enough to warrant the cost.Maybe if there were more pictures (there's only one chapter of photos) or they were larger (there's three per page), or if the actual probablility of the color (Punnet Square) were covered more fully....but it's not worth $60 as is.I consider it to be a waste of my money.

Equine Color Genetics
This is an excellent book for those that are interested in coat color genetics for horses, and donkeys.It is a great book to follow up on after reading Sponenberg's first book "Horse Color", which I recomend reading if your new horses or genetics.
This book presents genetics, and explains them so anyone can understand the intricate, and complex issues involved.
And to think it all started when I got into breeding Paint Horses I found thier coat markings to be very interesting. And little was known then except for the basic Paint patterns when I started.This book puts a whole new light on it all. It's a must read book.
I read both these books over and over again.And I refer to these books a lot.I would highly recomend them.
Sponenberg also works with Rare breeds of Livestock.

Horse Color
Equine Color Genetics
Rare Breeds Album of American Livestock ... Read more

Product Description
In response to many requests, the Third Edition of A Primer of Population Genetics has been dramatically shortened and streamlined for greater accessibility. Designed primarily for undergraduates, it will also serve for graduate students and professionals in biology and other sciences who desire a concise but comprehensive overview of the field with a primary focus on the integration of experimental results with theory. The abundance of experimental data generated by the use of molecular methods to study genetic polymorphisms sparked a transformation in the field of population genetics. Present in virtually all organisms, molecular polymorphisms allow populations to be studied without regard to species or habitat, and without the need for controlled crosses, mutant genes, or for any prior genetic studies. Thus a familiarity with population genetics has become essential for any biologist whose work is at the population level. These fields include evolution, ecology, systematics, plant breeding, animal breeding, conservation and wildlife management, human genetics, and anthropology. Population genetics seeks to understand the causes of genetic differences within and among species, and molecular biology provides a rich repertoire of techniques for identifying these differences.The book is organized as a user's guide to population genetics.Chapter 1 starts with the basic concepts of molecular genetics and examines the principal methods by which DNA (or proteins) can be manipulated to reveal genetic polymorphisms in any population. Chapter 1 also includes the principles of population genetics underlying the organization of genetic variation in populations, with special emphasis on random mating, linkage equilibrium and disequilibrium, and inbreeding.Chapter 2 examines the evolutionary processes that can change allele frequencies, including mutation, migration and population admixture, natural selection of various types, and random genetic drift. This chapter also includes an elementary explanation of the diffusion equations as used in population genetics.Chapter 3 is the core of molecular population genetics. It includes the analysis of nucleotide polymorphism and diversity based on coalescents, patterns of change in nucleotide and amino acid sequences with special emphasis on codon usage bias and amino acid polymorphisms, inferences based on comparisons of levels of polymorphism and divergence, molecular phylogenetics, and the population dynamics of transposable elements.Chapter 4 focuses on complex traits whose expression is influenced by multiple genes and environmental factors. It examines genetic effects on the components of phenotypic variation and the correlations between relatives, the evolution of quantitative traits in natural populations, and comes full circle with the use of molecular polymorphisms and candidate genes in the identification of quantitative trait loci underlying complex inheritance.As for mathematical rigor, while there are some equations, the emphasis is on explanation rather than derivation. Only elementary algebra is necessary to follow most of the material, but a familiarity with basic calculus is helpful for understanding diffusion equations, Poisson random fields, and complex threshold traits. Mathematical symbols are used consistently throughout the book, and when results from the theoretical literature are quoted, the original symbols have been changed as necessary to maintain consistency.Modern population genetics makes liberal use of acronyms-these are all defined in the text, and their interrelations and implications are discussed. For ease of reference there is a glossary of acronyms and other common abbreviations used in population genetics. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Good for general information
I studied population genetics as a graduate student, and decided to get this book, literally as a "primer" to the field of population genetics. I refer to it every now and then, and would recommend it for those who want to get a general and very broad overview of population genetics. As I read a lot of primary literature, I think it would have been more helpful if the book cited more references, or active research in the field. Overall, though, a very nice concise book on population genetics. It definitely serves as a primer, rather than an overall tell-all, or comprehensive tale of the field. ... Read more

Product Description
This impressive author team brings the wealth of advances in conservation genetics into the new edition of this introductory text, including new chapters on Population Genomics and Genetic Issues in Introduced and Invasive Species. They continue the strong learning features for students - main points in the margin, chapter summaries, vital support with the mathematics, and further reading - and now guide the reader to software and databases. Many new references reflect the expansion of this field. With examples from mammals, birds, reptiles, fish, amphibians, plants and invertebrates, this is an ideal introduction to conservation genetics for a broad audience. The text tackles the quantitative aspects of conservation genetics, and has a host of pedagogy to support students learning the numerical side of the subject. Combined with being up-to-date, its user-friendly writing style and first-class illustration programme forms a robust teaching package. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

great gift
We bought this book for our son who is getting his masters degree in Illinois.He said it is a wonderful book and one he can refer back to time and again for information.He is paticular on his materials so I am confident of its worth to him. Thankyou ... Read more

Product Description
This book covers basic concepts in population and quantitative genetics, including measuring selection on phenotypic traits. The emphasis is on material applicable to field studies of evolution focusing on ecologically important traits. Topics addressed are critical for training students in ecology, evolution, conservation biology, agriculture, forestry, and wildlife management.Many texts in this field are too complex and mathematical to allow the average beginning student to readily grasp the key concepts. A Primer of Ecological Genetics, in contrast, employs mathematics and statistics fully explained, but at a less advanced level as tools to improve understanding of biological principles. The main goal is to enable students to understand the concepts well enough that they can gain entry into the primary literature. Integration of the different chapters of the book shows students how diverse concepts relate to each other. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (6)

it is a quite good book to buy
This book is very good I think because the organisation of the book is nice and concepts in the book are well interpreted by comparing and tips for notice. The not large content of the book is also its advantage, you won't spend much time on the details that can make you more confused when we first get access to evolutionary ecology.
So my recommendation may be helpful if you have some interest on it

good book
The book is has an impressively concise and complete at the same time without loosing any explanatory power.As stated, it's a great reference book for concepts or formulas.It seems like everything is just right where it should be.I was a senior undergrad who hadnt taken a statistics or an ecology course before when I used this book and I understood it fine, a testament to the authors writing ability.

Perfect
The book arrived in perfect conditions which had me worried since it was paperback and those usually get roughed around in the mail. The book was new as announced and arrived in a timely fashion.

Great Resource
Rarely do you encounter a technical book that you actually enjoy reading cover to cover. Beyond the content, which is superb, structurally this is the best written and organized textbook I've ever used. The prose is clear, clean, concise, while still being comprehensive, with well thought out examples. Anyone doing pop. gen. or eco. gen. should have this on their bookshelf.

Easy to Understand Textbook
This is a great textbook that could easily be used in any evolution or genetics class.It clearly describes issues like evolution and natural selection in the context of ecological genetics.The examples are interesting and stay in the reader's mind, and the problem sets and online answers are a great resource.This book also serves as a handy reference guide anytime you need to find a formula or definition.It's appropriate for upper level undergraduate courses or introductory graduate courses. ... Read more

Product Description
From the best-selling author of TheSeven Daughters ofEve, an illuminating guide to the genetic history of the BritishIsles.One of the world's leading geneticists, BryanSykes has helped thousands findtheir ancestry in the BritishIsles. Saxons, Vikings, andCelts, which resulted from a systematic ten-yearDNA survey of more than10,000 volunteers, tracesthetrue genetic makeup of the British Isles andits descendants, taking readers from the Pontnewydd cave inNorth Wales to the restingplace of "The Red Lady" of Paviland and the tomb of King Arthur. Genealogy hasbecome a popular pastime ofAmericans interestedin theirheritage, and this is the perfect work for anyone interested in finding theirheritagein England, Scotland,or Ireland. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (69)

Saxons, Vikings and Celts
This excellently written and informative book has enabled me to far better understanding the long history of the United Kingdom and the various effects made upon this island by many generations of conquerers, down through the ages.

With my forefathers coming from Cornwall I have long sought to discover the impact made upon this area by European invaders. As a former teacher greatly interested in history I have had very many gaps in my knowledge filled by this clear and consisely written excellent book.

Good book, BAD NARRATOR

I was hoping to -listen- to this book and skipped over the hardback and softcover and opted for the audiobook CD-set...

Boy, was that a bad bet.

As far as I can tell Mr.Sykes book may have been well written and entertaining but the experience of trying to follow it when narrated by Dick Hill is a huge disappointment and downright painful.

Our narrator sounds like an aged 1950's newsman with a continuously halting, irregular style of inflection that puts one in mind of Paul Harvey riding a bicycle down a never-ending flight of stairs.

DONT BUY THE AUDIOBOOK, but do make time to read the book in print.

PS: click the hyperlink on DICK HILL on the Amazon description for a warning of other audiobooks he has "narrated"... CAVEAT EMPTOR !

Can I have my two hours back?
On page 92 the author has not yet begun speaking about the subject of his book.

Cutting my losses and tossing it in the "take to Half Priced Books" pile.

read Spencer Wells instead
The book covers an interesting topic but the first 90 pages or so are all history of science (or historical summaries), not molecular genetics/evolution!The book is pretty basic--it doesn't seem to be written for an educated audience and I found Sykes's condescending tone rather irritating (and I am NOT a geneticist).Sykes doesn't write nearly as well as does Spencer Wells on very similar topics in human ancestry/molecular evolution.His conclusion is that most of the British Isles are inhabited by people with a very similar genetic or "ethnic" background, whether they think of themselves as "celtic" or not.The history of the idea of "celtic" identity was probably the most interesting part of the book for me.If you have any knowledge of human genomics at all, read something else, or check this book out from a library before purchasing it.

Good History
This book attempts to find the historic origins of those living in the British Isles through DNA testing.The author and geneticist describes how his team gathered data and his interpretation of that data.He also highlights some of the historic immigration, e.g. Romans, Vikings, Saxons, etc...and what impact they had on the genetics of the Isles.It is an interesting and entertaining read, answering some but also opening new questions.I recommend it. ... Read more

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Customer Reviews (10)

Rationale for researching one's genome.
Referred to me by a geneticist.I am interested in obtaining and knowing about my genome.

A Very Interesting Book
I had previously read Jacob's Legacy and recommended it to our book group for reading and review. The copy was prchased because our local library system only has eleven copies and we have more than that in the group.This copy will be loaned to several.

The topic,that of DNA research, is interesting in itself. The subjects researched, the Jews, argueably the oldest identified people group in the world, really brings the topic of what we now know of DNA alive.

Interesting project
David Goldstein gives us an interesting peek at his pet project - a genetic analysis of the Jewish people.Dr Goldstein shares the stories told by the Y chromosome and mitochondrial DNA; stories about the background of an African tribe claiming Jewish heritage, potential origins of Ashkenazi Jews, inheritance of a priestly caste, and more.

Dr Goldstein doesn't overwhelm the reader with technical jargon; rather, explains his approach and how the story can be read in the genetic code in understandable language.At a little under 200 pages, "Jacob's Legacy" is a relatively quick, enjoyable read.

Jewish genetic history
Goldstein presents what is known about Jewish genetic history, much of it based on his own research.Unfortunately, conclusions tend to be tentative at best, not only because of the limitations of genetic analysis, but because of the limitations of the DNA samples available.As Goldstein says, most DNA collection is motivated by a desire to understand disease, not human history.Goldstein has competent writing skills, but when he tries to involve the reader in the development of his own ideas, rather than in his final understanding, he is more confusing than he needs to be.Goldstein, as a good scientist, is careful and objective.

===================================Summary===============================

The Y chromosomes (unique to males) of Jews in Europe are more typical of semitic populations than of their European neighbors.

More than half of Jewish Cohanim share a "CohenModal Haplotype",and 64% share a cluster of related Y chromosome types, which are found in only 14% of Jewish Israelites (Jews not Cohan or Levites).Comparable results are found inboth Ashkenazy and Sephardic communities which separated several hundred years ago . This strongly suggests that the Cohan designation does in fact pass from father to son and that the Cohan designation is derived from ancestors living many years ago. Additional genetic analysis suggests the common ancestor could have lived in the time of Moses and Aaron.Interestingly, there are some other small groups of people with high incidence of the Cohan type Y chromosomes, particularly a clan of the Lemba tribe in Africa whose rituals and oral history suggest a possible Jewish ancestry.Presumably, black pigment could have derived from females and evolution."Jewishness", according to Jews, derives from the female, not the male, but this tradition dates only to the Roman period.

There was a 7th century kingdom in the Caucasians,Khazaria, whose aristocrats converted to Judaism for political reasons.Genetic analysis of Y chromosomes shows a link between a group of Russian believed to be descended from the Khazars(the Chuvash), and Ashkenazy Jews - but only to the Levite subset group of Askhenazy Jews. The Levite designation,like the Cohan, is traditionally passed from father to son.

Examining Jewish female genetic history, there are9 geographically distinct subpopulations across the globe whose mitochondrial DNA was analyzed.In 8 of the 9, there was much less variation than expected, suggesting a genetic bottleneck, i.e. each of these sub-populations were descended from a different group of relatively few women.In 7 of the 9 populations, the DNA was very different from their neighbors.The lack of genetic variation is not true in the Y chromosomes of the males of these subpopulations,suggestingmale traders moving and settling, but relatively few females travelling with them.

There is some evidence of above average intelligence among Askenazi Jews, and there are evolutionary speculations to rationalize this.These same Jews share a higher than average incidence of a family of diseases characterized by a problem in the use of lysosomes to destroy cellular waste products, so there is speculationthat the putative higher intelligence and susceptibility to disease are linked, just as sickle cell anemia and resistance to malaria are linked. Goldman suggests that if there is linkage, it may be due to proximity on a chromosome of genes involved in the disease and in intelligence, rather than a direct linkage.

The Jews in History & the History in Jews ..a remarkable synthesis
In Jacob's Legacy, David Goldstein, ("I am a geneticist. But I am also a Jew.") demonstrates the remarkable synergy from combining genetic and historical research.The historical record suggests the possibility that the Jewish high priests might today be distinguished genetically from those of the Jews who were not high priests.Indeed, Goldstein and his colleagues were able to identify significant genetic similarities, and further to suggest that the ancestral generation (Generation 1) goes back roughly 3,000 year, or within the approximate time of Solomon, which is what the historical record would suggest. Similarly, the historical record points to the possibility that a Bantu speaking tribe in Africa (the Bantu people themselves displaying a impressive record of migration and settlement) might be of Jewish descent.Here again, Goldstein and his colleagues were able to show that one in ten of the Y chromosomes were revealed to be within the Cohan Modal Haplotype identified earlier in the study of high priests.The most surprising result in the book is the possibility, which Goldstein could not falsify, that Ashkenazi Jews may trace their origins, not so much to the ancient Israelites, as to the Khazari sources.

The historical events covered in Jacob's Legacy demonstrate a well-balanced combination of historical sources and modern genetic analytical techniques.Further, Goldstein's summaries of the historical record and his digressions on the larger meaning of the Jews in history are exceedingly concise and work to place Jacob's Legacy in the larger context of global history.If Goldstein set out to convince his readers that genetic and historical analysis can be combined to enrich their understanding of the past, he has succeeded admirably.This slender volume delivers a solid punch. ... Read more

Product Description
By the year 2050, Earth's population will double. If we continue with current farming practices, vast amounts of wilderness will be lost, millions of birds and billions of insects will die, and the public will lose billions of dollars as a consequence of environmental degradation. Clearly, there must be a better way to meet the need for increased food production.

Written as part memoir, part instruction, and part contemplation, Tomorrow's Table argues that a judicious blend of two important strands of agriculture--genetic engineering and organic farming--is key to helping feed the world's growing population in an ecologically balanced manner. Pamela Ronald, a geneticist, and her husband, Raoul Adamchak, an organic farmer, take the reader inside their lives for roughly a year, allowing us to look over their shoulders so that we can see what geneticists and organic farmers actually do.The reader sees the problems that farmers face, trying to provide larger yields without resorting to expensive or environmentally hazardous chemicals, a problem that will loom larger and larger as the century progresses. They learn how organic farmers and geneticists address these problems.

This book is for consumers, farmers, and policy decision makers who want to make food choices and policy that will support ecologically responsible farming practices. It is also for anyone who wants accurate information about organic farming, genetic engineering, and their potential impacts on human health and the environment. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (13)

Foxes in the Hen House
Another book written by a University Professor who sits firmly in the GMO camp. "GMO's will save the world from hunger, blah, blah, blah". What makes this interesting is that she has managed to convince her husband, a supposed former organic farmer turned University of California bureaucrat managing a student garden to sign off on it. I am a genuine organic farmer who earns his living growing and selling certified organic vegetables in our "free market system" and I say "so what?". I know plenty of organic farmers who view organics as simply an alternate agricultural production system that can pay bigger dividends. Sounds like Raul found even bigger dividends as a government employee and now he's found a forum to speak out against "organics" and to make a dime while doing it.

While there may be instances where GMO's can be developed to strengthen a plants resistance to environmental pressures; these herbicide resistant GMO's grown all over the Midwest are poison, plain and simple. They have been developed for two purposes. One is to enrich the corporations and ultimately their owners. Two is to create a passive, ill society that is too fat and stupid to speak out. Go to a grocery store and look at the people in line and the GMO foods in their baskets and see for yourself.

Do not eat GMO food, ever. If you are a GMO farmer who wants to change contact Acres USA and get some professional support today.

Genetic engineering of crops and organic farming are not opposites
This book will clear a lot of misconceptions created by opponents of genetically engineered crops with concerns about their safety for humans, animals and the environment. Based on scientific facts only, it demonstrates that GE plants organically grown is the best strategy for food production without pesticide residues in our food products and the environment. Information is very well presented so that the non-biologist reader will understand it very well. Highly recommended.

What about us and the animals?
I do not want to doubt the intentions behind the book's advocacy for marrying organic farming and genetic manipulation. The effort to raise yields while maintaining ecological balance is supposed to be a noble cause.

The biggest concern I have on genetically manipulated crops is their effects on the immune systems of humans and the animals who ingest them. Since genetical engineering is a relatively new and cutting-edge technology, research on the long-term health ramifications on the individuals and their offspring remain scant. In other words, we really do not know how the GE crops are affecting our bodies, our reproductive cells, and our next generations' physiology.

I'd stick with "purely" organic stuff as much as possible. My children may still come out weird and retarded, but I cannot blame it on the GE food I ate.

Help Solve the Growing Problems of Population and Hunger
Authors Ronald and Adamchak are an odd couple: Ronald a Professor of Plant
Pathology and a supporter of bioengineering; Adamchak is an organic farmer, and has served on the board, as President and an in-the-field inspector of the California Certified Organic Farmers organization.Together, this husband and wife team may provide one of the most balanced views of how genetic engineering can not only co-exist with organic farming, but make organic farming healthier, safer, and more efficient. By combining the best techniques of both, Ronald and Adamchak argue that transgenic crops will be able to help solve the growing problems of population and hunger. The first part of Tomorrow's Table is anexcellent introduction to organic farming and biotech, not too technical for non-scientists, but deep enough for those who want to know more about the science involved. The second half digs into the arguments used by the organic community against genetically engineered crops, how they can be, or have been, answered, and make a compelling argument that biotech can benefit the world in a responsible and healthy way.

If one proclaims 1 + 1= 3 enough times does it become true?
That this book was such an easy and interesting read by clearly intelligent and caring people does not negate it's chief problem. The authors of this book repeat yet again the misrepresentation that genetically engineered plants have been tested and proven safe. If something has been proven safe then tests would have been conducted and they would have been published, somewhere. To make the claim that something is safe because tests have not been conducted is absolute rubish. I scratch my head and remain aghast. I even know these people and like them. Has the entire world gone mad? Do we live in alternate universes?

The plant genetic engineers have been repeating this mantra since the mid 1980's when the purging of all of the scientists who dared to question the safety of the products of this very complex and sophisticated technology began. With so few at the major universities left to question or test the products of the technology how could safety testing be conducted? One would think that they would be proud of the wizardry that they had mastered and thus share the products of their finesse with pride.

The reported costs of developing a new open pollinated classically bred variety runs in the low hundreds of thousands of dollars. The cost of developing a new genetically engineered variety starts in the millions. Now, if we need many new varieties worldwide suited to the very different environments that people farm, why would we use the most costly one? And why would anyone advocate using an untested technology to solve the massive problems of our times?

I agree that we do need more varieties suitable for the super changing climate predicted. How to achieve this is where the authors and I disagree.What we need are local plant breeders who are funded and enabled to actually breed suitable varieties in an efficient way. And plant breeders can certainly muster adding a single gene from one rice line to another with something called back-crossing. But plant breeders are the very group of people who have been unfunded for over a decade thanks to what Reaganomics brought to us. The requirement that public university scientists secure private grants to pay for their research began the shift to more expensive, more propriety technologies. Along with that funding the knowledge gained became not the property of the public but the property of the corporation providing that money. Who have obligations to their shareholders to post profits.

I am all for studying genetics and experimenting with and learning in a lab and greenhouse how genes express themselves and how we can use that knowledge. These folks should have been publicly funded andthe new life forms developed should have had the chance to be properly tested before release. But these scientists were not fully funded by us. They had to go out and scrounge for money and lots of it as this was pricey cutting edge stuff at the time and still is. My belief is that it was the need for money that encouraged these gifted scientists to overstate the potential good and understate the potential harms inherent in releasing life forms so new and untested en masse out into the agricultural landscape of our farmlands. I do believe that if they had not been rushed to have some product to release for sale by corporations that they would have provided their new life forms to the public for proper testing.

So, despite all the good intentions and potential sustainable uses of these new technologies, open and honest testing should still be a prerequisite to release. Until transparent safety testing has been published I do not think that you will find organic farmers clamoring to use the products of this technology.






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Product Description
The far-ranging Human Genome Project is producing a breathtaking revolution in health, raising the prospect of averting hereditary "destined" diseases by modifying the expression of genetic traits. Researchers have identified many genes implicated in specific diseases such as cancer, diabetes, and arthritis and have realized that unfavorable genetic messages can be improved by changes in lifestyle, diet, and environment. Genetic Nutrioneering uses detailed questionnaires to show how to "read" genetic characteristics and how specific foods and nutrients can be used to improve gene expression to slow biological aging and reduce the risk of age-related diseases. It covers the use of gene expression for preventing heart disease, cancer, arthritis, and hormone-related problems, and improving immune and nervous system function. A comprehensive nutritional program presents specific foods, supplements, and diet plans that apply these concepts to an individual's needs. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (5)

A leader in the field!
This is simply the best book writen on this subject.Many books make bold claims, but DR Bland takes complicated subjects and makes them easily undestandable.This book makes sense andis backed with links to appropriate studies. He doesn't expect yo to leap blindly. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is interested in the latest in healthcare technology.

Marketing materials?
Large portions of the text are repetitive. The term 'Genetic Nutritioneering' is repeated a few time on every page. The material on genetics is highly simplified, and really has no impact on the nutritional advice.

Bland suggests we take control of our genes, which isn't a bad idea.In Bland's terms, we need to learn to 'express' the genes for health.The genes that worked hard in youth can be encouraged to express themselves, again.While this is a nice slogan, its meaning is very vague.What isn't going to 'express' some gene?What is key step in a gene's expression?What causes a bad gene to be expressed?How does one deal with a race between two genes seeking expression?

The pragmatist wants some process for quickly assessing what a specific food or supplement will do for their metabolism.Everyone has a somewhat different metabolism and somewhat different set of foods which are easy to digest.Most of the people reading 'nutrition' books are interested primarily because they see their digestive system as unique and special.Thus, it seems logical to look for advice that goes past 'population wide' recommendations.Towards these ends, Bland is vague. For example, at one point Bland advises the reader to stop eating tomatoes for a few days.This test will determine if tomatoes cause an unpleasant gene to be expressed, one that causes gastro-intestinal distress.Most people would have run this simple test long before they knew anything about genetics.At other times, Bland simply quotes the standard 'population wide' recommendation.

In my view, the suggestions don't really rise above 'eat the right fruits and vegetables and you will feel better.'

the best book on the subject!
this book is simply the best on the subject, and it shows how proper nutrition with suplements can control genetic diseases.in the past ,the world of medicine was sure that there is nothing to do withgenetic-diseases,but no more!.this book explains these mecanisms in a realywonderful way.you will have a better understanding on genetics wether youare an unhealthy person or a therapist of any kind(especialynatural-healer).we are not changing our genes,we are only give them abetter nutrition in order to make them express themselves in the besthealthy way.this book is highly recommanded!.

A book that helped
Too often health books fail to deliver anything other than conjecture and unsubstantiated claims. This is one book on my health that made sense and gave me the tools to make rationale decisions about my health future. Iliked the way the book took complicated scientific issues and made themaccessible to me years before my doctor would understand them. I recommendthis book for anyone wanting the latest in health research that can beapplied to their own lives.

21st Century Medicine and Nutrition
The focus on this book is to bring the latest research on how to create from a person's genetic template the best health outcomes as they age using personalized nutrition and lifestyle tailoring. The book is science-basedfrom both the clinical research experiences of the author in the FunctionalMedicine Research Center and from the hundreds of scientific studies fromother researchers cited in the extensive bibliography. This is a "howto" book as much as a description of when, why and where medicine willbe changing to become "personalized medicine" in the 21stcentury. ... Read more

Product Description
John Koza shows how this remarkable paradigm works and providessubstantial empirical evidence that solutions to a great variety ofproblems from many fields can be found by genetically breedingpropulations of computer programs. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (9)

Unique book on the implementation of genetic programming
This is a great "how to" book loaded with examples of how to implement genetic algorithms. The two main points this book makes is that many seemingly different problems can be reformulated as problems of program induction and that the genetic programming paradigm described in this book provides a way to do that program induction. No prior knowledge of conventional genetic algorithms is assumed. Thus the first three chapters are introductory material. In particular, chapter three describes the conventional genetic algorithm and introduces certain terms common to the conventional genetic algorithm and genetic programming. If you are already familiar with genetic algorithms you can skip ahead.

Chapter 4 discusses the representation problem for the conventional genetic algorithm operating on fixed-length character strings and variations of the conventional genetic algorithm dealing with structures more complex and flexible than fixed-length character strings. Since this book assumes no prior knowledge of the LISP programming language, section 4.2 describes LISP and section 4.3 outlines the reasons behind the choice of LISP for the implementation of solutions in this book. Chapter 5 provides an informal overview of the genetic programming paradigm and chapter 6 provides a detailed description of the techniques of genetic programming. Some readers may prefer to rely on chapter 5 and hold off on reading the detailed discussion in chapter 6 until they have read chapter 7 and the later chapters that contain examples.

Chapter 7 provides a detailed description of how to apply genetic programming to four introductory examples thus laying the groundwork for all of the problems to be described later in the book. Chapter 8 discusses the amount of computer processing required by the genetic programming paradigm to solve certain problems. Chapter 9 shows that the results obtained from genetic programming are not the fruits of a random search. Chapters 10 through 21 illustrate how to use genetic programming to solve a wide variety of problems from varying disciplines and are defined by the table of contents. The examples in these 12 chapters make up the heart of the book.

The final eight chapters discuss aspects of genetic algorithms common to all implementations. Chapter 22 discusses the implementation of genetic programming on parallel computer architectures. Chapter 23 discusses the ruggedness of genetic programming with respect to noise, sampling, change, and damage. Chapter 24 discusses the role of extraneous variables and functions, and chapter 25 presents the results of some experiments relating to operational issues in genetic programming. Chapter 26 summarizes the five major steps in preparing to use genetic programming while chapter 27 compares genetic programming to other machine learning paradigms. Chapter 28 is an interesting one in which the spontaneous emergence of self-replicating and self-improving computer programs is discussed. Chapter 29 attempts to wrap up the book with a conclusion.

This book is best used for its examples and practical viewpoint. There are certain matters, such as how to program in LISP, for which you will need dedicated books since the amount of detail in this book is not enough. I do highly recommend this book as a uniquely practical one on how to implement genetic algorithms via computer programs. I haven't found another with so much practical information.

Great introduction.
I became interested in Genetic Programming after hearing one of the professors at our university lecture on it to a small group of students and other professors.I asked what book might be a good starting point and he pointed me here and i'm glad he did.

This first volume in the Genetic Programming series of books by Koza is very well organized and clear in its explanations.I have not tried the techniques presented yet, but I have some good ideas on how to proceed.The author uses LISP as the language of choice in the book, but practically any modern language should be sufficient.

If you have any interest in Genetic Programming, I encourage you to at least pick up this first volume and read through it.This technology is still relatively new and the application of the techniques seems virtually limitless.

Must Have for all GP students
If you are someone who plans to study Genetic Programming, or are already doing so and feel kind of lost about it, then you must read this book. It starts from the very top and brings you through all the steps of Genetic Programmin with tons of very useful examples.

This book is great!

The essential reference for GP
Yeah, its a big book...weighs a ton.However, only the first few chapters are concerned with the basic mechanisms of GP (should be familiar to anyone with a background in genetic algorithms or evolutionary computation).The rest of the book is chock full of examples on how to apply GP.These examples are essential and very welcome.I've found that I can usually find a solved problem in Koza that is similar to what I'm after, then I adapt it to my needs.This is a great reference, but don't be fooled into thinking this book is a tutorial.Think of it more as an exposition of GP with examples.For a tutorial, look somewhere else.

Genetic Programming
The book was very large but enjoyable and made the subject very clear and easy to understand.It explained the genetic programming algorithm very well and showed the results of many experiments to show applicability, limitations, and characteristics of the method.

There was some repetition in places, maybe because the author wanted to emphasize some points and also to remain understandable to persons who may read selected chapters or examples rather than from cover to cover, page by page.

Although the book states that Genetic Programming does not depend on the LISP language or features, it uses LISP as its exclusive language of choice.I would like to implement these generally very computationally intensive Genetic Programming Algorithms in a very fast and efficient way, which for me implies assembly language, and although the author gives good tips about making the algorithm run faster the implementation shown is all LISP and nothing else.I am also interested in using the algorithm to generate efficient, parsimonious, code.The author described the additional problems of parsimony, but gave no information on generation of fast code from S expressions.I will have to refer to some compiler books and my own experiments to go further in this area.

I look forward to experimenting with the subject and reading some of Dr. Koza's other books on the subject. ... Read more

Product Description
Univ. of Michigan Medical School, Ann Arbor. Brandon/Hill Medical List minimal-core and firstpurchase selection (#203). New to this edition: triplet repeat disease and discussions on sex. Previous edition: c1990. Softcover. DNLM: Genetics, Medical. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Contemporary Genetics for Easy Reading
This book is good for those who want to learn about genetics withoutreading a tedious, text-ridden book.The diagrams are simple enough tounderstand without being too involved.The text, usually complete, lacksin some areas.That's why I rated it a "4" instead of"5".I would recommend this book for graduate students in the"Biomedical sciences" and also dedicated medical students want astrong background in genetics. ... Read more