Cloning the Buddha : The Moral Impact of Biotechnology

Contents: Foreword/Dorion Sagan and Lynn Margulis. Preface. Introduction. 1. The spiral ladder. 2. Machines and organisms: a spiritual perspective. 3. Biotech basics. 4. Patents and profits. 5. Exploring our intuitive responses to biotech: "Yuk" or "Wow"? 6. The DNA cult. 7. A different path. 8. Cloning the Buddha? Appendix. Notes. Resources. Index.

"With penetrating common sense, Richard Heinberg tackles some of the thorniest ethical questions we face. Fascinating examples from plant and animal research; interviews with scientific, political and religious leaders; and a clear overview of the helpful and harmful effects of biotech on our food supply, reproductive choices, and environment give thinking readers ample evidence for making up their minds.\'\' (jacket)