Product Description
As the world of biotechnology has grown in leaps and bounds, so too have the career opportunities. But the choices can be daunting. What types of jobs are available? How do you get your foot in the door? What will your job entail if you become a Preclinical Project Manager or a Process Scientist ? What's the difference between biotech and pharma? Career Opportunities in Biotechnology and Drug Development provides a comprehensive and systematic overview of careers in the life science industry, with all their ups and downs. The author, Toby Freedman, Ph.D., has conducted interviews with hundreds of key players in the industry, who provide first hand explanations of their day to day roles and responsibilities, and offer key insights into how they landed those jobs in the first place. Careers in everything from discovery research to venture capital are covered in detail. Each chapter includes valuable sections on preparing yourself for a prospective career: educational requirements and personality characteristics needed; recommendations of books, magazines, and Web site resources; and issues to consider regarding salary and compensation. The book also includes interviewing and job searching tips, as well as suggestions on writing a resume specifically for industry. Career Opportunities in Biotechnology and Drug Development is an essential guide for science graduates and medical, business, legal, high tech or engineering professionals. With discussions of job security, future trends, and potential career paths, even those already working in industry will find helpful information on how to take advantage of opportunities available within their own companies and elsewhere. This book will help you make wiser and more informed decisions about what role you would like to play in the biotechnology and drug development industry. Related Titles from the Publisher Lab Dynamics: Management Skills for Scientists ... Read more

Customer Reviews (26)

Buy several copies to help friends focus on patient care
I bought Toby's book out of interest first then realized I need several copies.

My expertise is Business Management and Marketing across the board so I read the Marketing section first and found it concise and superbly written. It described all the elements of marketing as applied to all companies from large businesses where one tends to specialize to small startups where one does everything. It works for those in transition between departments as well as for developing personnel.

My passion is improvements in patient care, so I am always trying to break down the silos and develop a more patient centric approach. The book is one tool that helped me understand the viewpoints of others and get help from experts in different medical specialties.

Naturally I passed on my book in the second week, now I need more so I can read the other chapters properly myself as well as donate a few.


Robert Furniss

AMAZING BOOK!!!
I had been looking for quite a long time now, a book that would help me understand what the jobs in the pharmaceutical industry were and what the responsibilities in each one of them were.
This book does it all!
It has a ton of information in it and it is very easy to read!
Congrats to the writer, Toby Freedman, she has made it simple for all of us!

It is the one!!!!
For those in life science field who are feeling trapped and searching for alternative career opportunities outside academia, I highly recommend this one. Compare to numerous career counseling books out there, "Career Opportunities in Biotechnology and Drug Development" (COBDD) is the most informative book I have ever read. Instead of putting lots of weight on self assessment and how to write a resume (don't get me wrong, they are also very important) COBDD is about facts, lots of facts and details about most of the career paths in Bio-pharma industry. After reading the book, you will find out that "industry" is not just a word opposite to "academia". It is not a mystery anymore. You will get an in-depth understanding of a career you want to pursue. The book is well organized in chapters regarding different career path. You can read from the beginning to re-evaluate your decision of switching (knowing what you're getting into and giving a second thought is always the right thing to do before starting anything new) or go directly to the one you have been thinking of for a while. For each career path, you will not only receive a general description of the field, but also detailed information of all aspects, well laid in different sections and sub-sections--just to name a few of my favorites, "a typical day in XXX", "pros and cons of the job", "salary and compensation", "career tracks in XXX", "landing a job in XXX". A really good hand book for job opportunities in Biotech and Drug development it is!

Job Hunter's Must-Have Resource
In graduate school, I always knew I wanted to leave academia and find a job in the biotechnology industry.I started reading books like "Finding Your North", "Guide to Nontraditional Careers in Science", and "Leaving the Ivory Tower: Alternative Careers in Science".These books were helpful, but they were mainly informational interviews from experienced people.Their stories were inspiring and it gave me a good idea of what areas I might be interested in.
However, what sets "Career Opportunities in Biotechnology and Drug Development" apart is the extensive research done on each career and how they are connected.For someone just graduating, it was good to know that there several opportunities that can lead to each career path.The book also outlines the most common paths taken by those in the industry.This book is exhaustive in it's description of the day-to-day, advantages/disadvantages, and what it takes to be successful in each career.
As a job hunter, the most helpful sections were the descriptions of career tracks in each area and how to land a job in that area (Legal, Operations, Marketing, etc).If you are looking for a job in this tough economy, this book is a MUST-HAVE RESOURCE.

The Best Way to Learn about Careers in Biopharma!
This book is so multifaceted.It describes very clearly how the various divisions and departments of biopharma fit together.You learn the requirements for each career.You learn about suggested personal traits, comparative salaries, job security, do's and don'ts, pros and cons of each type of position, and how to switch careers within biopharma.You read lists of personal attributes which would contraindicate a particular career choice.You read about a typical day-in-the-life of various positions....

I've read or perused six Biopharma career books, and this is the best one I've found by far!I can't imagine how it could be any more comprehensive, helpful, and easy-to-read! ... Read more

Product Description
Acclaimed by students and instructors, "Molecular Biotechnology: Principles and Applications of Recombinant DNA" is now in its fourth edition, bringing it thoroughly up to date with the latest findings and the latest industrial, agricultural, pharmaceutical, and biomedical applications. At the same time, the text maintains all the hallmarks that have made it a bestseller. These include its straightforward, jargon-free writing style and its extensive use of figures that help students make sense of complex biological systems and processes. These features not only enable students to grasp core concepts, but also create the foundation needed to support their own research and development work using recombinant DNA technology. This fourth edition features greatly expanded coverage of the latest innovations in DNA sequencing techniques, therapeutics, vaccines, transgenic plants, and transgenic animals. Moreover, readers will find nearly 240 new figures to help them grasp all the latest concepts and applications.With its broad range of topics, Molecular Biotechnology is adaptable to different upper-level undergraduate and graduate courses emphasizing particular aspects of modern biotechnology. For example, instructors can easily tailor the content to courses focusing on the fundamentals of biotechnology as well as courses dedicated to medical, agricultural, environmental, or industrial applications. New edition presents 645 figures and 113 tables throughout the text, hundreds of which illustrate complex systems and processes. It includes chapter summaries highlighting key points. It contains references to the literature in each chapter facilitating detailed investigations of all topics covered in the text. It features end-of-chapter review questions enabling students to assess their knowledge. There are updated examples illustrating the latest concepts and applications. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Excellent book
As for the book, it is absolutely an excellent one. up-to-minute edition, cut-edged contents...etc. But please note that this is a graduate-level textbook, and it could be a little bit difficult for undergraduatees.(Acutally it's also a little bit difficult for graduatees)

The price is fair enough. I found the same book in my univ. bookstore. Even the used ones cost 90 USD. It's a luck thing you can buy a brand new one with less money here.

The only pity is the shipping of Amazon, which made the book a tiny bit out-of-shape. But that's not a big problem.

NOTE that please don't buy the paper-covered edtion, although it's incredible cheap. The paper-covered edtion is actually the 1st edtion published maybe 20-30 years ago. You don't really want to pay 40 bucks for an ancient book which no one would like to use nowadays, right?

Didn't want it
Amazon mis-directed me to this book, apparently, because why on earth would I want a molecular biotechnology book from 1994???

It's insane.So I sent it back.

Love this Book
Ever since I entered graduate school, I was against buying text books, but this book was for a 500 level class (read: undergrad), so I knew I'd have to get it if I was going to pass the class. I also wanted to learn more about biotechnology and the book was moderately priced, so I got it. It was so easy to read, and understand, and sometimes I read it just because it was interesting. If you are interested in learning more about biotechnology, then this book is a great place to start!

great
I found the the book in a very good shape. I'm very much satisfied.

Fascinating material
I used this book for one of my favorite classes in college on biotechnology.It will show you the cool side of science and all of the neat things you can do with biology and DNA.The level is low enough to where you only need a minimal background to understand it, basic biology classes and preferably genetics.After completing the book you should be excited about the future of biotech, and you will have some understanding about how it works. ... Read more

Product Description

Thoroughly updated with practical information on the latest developments in the biotechnology field, this popular book provides the tools, practice, and basic knowledge for success in the biotech workforce.

 The Biotechnology Century and Its Workforce, An Introduction to Genes and Genomes, History of Genetic Manipulation: Recombinant DNA Technology, Proteins as Products, Microbial Biotechnology, Agricultural Biotechnology, Animal Biotechnology, DNA Fingerprinting and Forensic Analysis, Bioremediation, Aquatic Biotechnology, Medical Biotechnology, Regulatory Biotechnology, Ethics and Biotechnology

Market Description: Intended for readers interested in learning the basics of biotechnology.

Customer Reviews (4)

Amazon Purchase of Biotechnology Book
I recently purchased a book (Introduction to Biotechnology) through Amazon. The experience was great. There were no problems and my book was in "new" condition as advertised. In addition to saving a lot of money, I appreciate the fast delivery which is allowing me time to study before class begins this fall. Thank you!

item in very good shape
The biotechnology book arrived in just a few days and it is in very good shape.So that really helped me.

good textbook for teaching both nonmajors and majors in biology
As a profesor, I use this book in my nonmajors Biology and Society class where it functions well to introduce nonscientist to interesting aspects of biotechnology and the important issues surrounding the science.I also use it in my upper-level genetics class where it works as a nice introduction to biotechnology (and review, in some cases) allowing us to delve deeper into the science and issues using assigned papers. I like it a lot, as do my students; and compared with most textbooks it doesn't cost much. I wish it had more color photographs.

How to find a job and make money in biotechnology
The focus of this book is what kinds of jobs and products can be found in the area of applied biology. The science and technology part is found in most of the modern biology texts, but what is lacking is a sense of how to apply that understanding to create new products and solve human problems.

This book is a little pricey and if you are only interested in the science and technology aspect you will be better served by buying a paperback edition of one of the better introductory biology texts. The price of several of the paperback intros to biology are less than this book, have many color plates and in depth coverage more three times the length of this book.

It's that focus on jobs and products that provides the justification for publishing this book. Hopefully it will provoke the authors of the major intro to biology texts to provide more material on where their students can later go for employment and how they can, by giving examples, go on to create products that improve the human condition.

If the reader emerges from their encounter with this book by thinking with an employment and products mindset towards the science and technology of biology than it will have fulfilled (in my mind) what appears to be it purpose. ... Read more

Product Description
Ninfa/Ballou/Benore is a solid biochemistry lab manual, dedicated to developing research skills in students, allowing them to learn techniques and develop the organizational approaches necessary to conduct laboratory research.

Ninfa/Ballou/Benore focuses on basic biochemistry laboratory techniques with a few molecular biology exercises, a reflection of most courses which concentrate on traditional biochemistry experiments and techniques. The manual also includes an introduction to ethics in the laboratory, uncommon in similar manuals. Most importantly, perhaps, is the authors' three-pronged approach to encouraging students to think like a research scientist: first, the authors introduce the scientific method and the hypothesis as a framework for developing conclusive experiments; second, the manual's experiments are designed to become increasingly complex in order to teach more advanced techniques and analysis; finally, gradually, the students are required to devise their own protocols. In this way, students and instructors are able to break away from a "cookbook" approach and to think and investigate for themselves.

Suitable for lower-level and upper-level courses; Ninfa spans these courses and can also be used for some first-year graduate work. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Biochemistry
The lab manual was shipped in a timely manner! It was in excellent condition on the inside and the outside! Will buy from this seller in the future!!!!

A decent lab manual for Biochemistry
I used this book as a lab manual for my Biochemistry class in college. The book itself is well organized in most respects. However, there are some parts that were well explained in the manual when it came to trying to answer the problems at the end of each experiment. Some of the examples given in the pre-lab didn't apply to the questions being asked so it would lead our class to having to nag the professor for some answers on how to solve the problem. Overall though the techniques employed are relative and effective when it comes to the biochemistry field.

i sold this book after i graduated college
now i'm in a field where i wish dearly that I still had it. it's pretty general, and that's why i like it. ... Read more

Product Description
A fascinating glimpse inside the life-and-death business of biotechnology.

"A tour-de-force for anyone who is interested in the biotech industry. I applaud the enormous achievement of Cynthia Robbins-Roth." -Frederick Frank, Senior Managing Director & Vice Chair, Lehman Brothers

"From Alchemy to IPO tells the dramatic story of this revolutionary industry as only an insider can." -George Rathmann, President and CEO, ICOS Corporation, Chairman Emeritus, Amgen

Written by a well-known industry insider, From Alchemy to IPO addresses the coming-of-age of biotech products and companies and traces the history of biotechnology from its early inception in the seventies to today's heyday of new solutions and breakthrough treatments. It describes the amazing entrepreneurial trail of product development, novel business models, and critical trials that eventually pave the way to market. This is the first book to accurately record the inner workings of an industry-biotechnology-that's on the verge of living up to its monumental promise to change the world as we know it.Amazon.com Review
Despite unnerving swings in individual stock valuations--orperhaps because of them--many knowledgeable observers still believethe 21st century will ultimately earn its stripes as the Age ofBiotech. Cynthia Robbins-Roth, named by Forbes magazine as oneof the industry's top insiders, certainly is among them. And inFrom Alchemy to IPO, she persuasively argues investors bettertake heed because they ain't seen nothin' yet. "Most of us think ofbiotech as medicine or genetically engineered crops," writesRobbins-Roth. But in the very near future, she continues, it also "maymake it possible for humans to reach the stars and to change theenvironment on other planets." Think that's far-fetched? She saysdevelopments like this are already in early stages and, in adeliberately proselytizing manner, traces their roots to the currentbusiness nitty-gritty, finally focusing on the long-term moneymakingpotential. "The biotech world will never be an easy place forinvestors," she cautions, but with hundreds of ongoing projects"poised to power into the marketplace," there will be plenty of"opportunities for investors and employees alike."Recommended forreaders seeking an informed tutorial on this field of thefuture. --Howard Rothman ... Read more

Customer Reviews (23)

decent primer for those starting in the industry
the author's tone was a bit weird at times, and the organization was poor at times, but nonetheless a decent basic primer on biotech innovations for those starting out business or investing in the industry

Very quick and great condition
Thanks to the Owen's Reads for sending me a truly Like New book that is a great read. I'm using this for an online Management class, as if textbooks weren't dry enough! I was pleasantly surprised by the novel-style writing of this book that made all the facts and figures engaging, bringing them to life. Best read I've had to do classes all year!

Execellent Resource for Biotech's Complexities!
I very much enjoyed how this identifies to the reader the back office complexities (made simple and easy to understand) that you never hear about and the process, including time it takes for a molecule to make it to market (assuming it does, which this book also explains well).

Overall, an excellent resource to anyone interested in the Biotech Industry's business end and investment strategies.

Good introductory text and overview of the industry
I read From Alchemy to IPO for an MBA course on entrepreneurialism in the pharmaceutical industry. Given my background (undergraduate business, financial analyst role, limited in-depth scientific knowledge), I found this book to be a very useful and balanced guide to both the business and technical aspects of biotechnology.

Robbins-Roth includes enough information on initial public offerings (IPOs) and merger activity among biotech firms to warm the hearts of the most resolute business student, but the drug discovery and development process is also covered in sufficient detail to give the lay reader an understanding for the operational challenges faced by firms in this sector.

Add to this the competent yet necessarily superficial descriptions of more esoteric terms such as monoclonal antibodies and combinatorial chemistry, and you have a solid text that covers the industry and its ongoing challenges very well.

Brilliant Overview
This is a great overview of the world of biotech.The author explains the science with clarity and enthusiasm and the introduction this book provides to the corporate side of biotech is also very interesting and well written. ... Read more

Product Description
This self-teaching guide explains the basic concepts and fundamentals in all the major subtopics of biotechnology.The content advances logically from the basics of molecular and cellular biology to more complex topics such as DNA, reproductive cloning, experimental procedures, infectious diseases, immunology, the Human Genome Project, new drug discoveries, and genetic disorders. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Good value for money!
This book is well written and good value for money. It provides a lively introduction to the red hot biotechnology for beginners. Complex concepts of cell structures and functions are clearly explained. The summary and quiz of each chapter are particularly useful. I enjoy most reading about the interesting topics of immunotherapy, stem cell, proteomics and various medical applications of biotechnology.

Biotechnology Demystified
Biotechnology is a term that is well heard of, but nor correctly understood. For those wanting to get closer without the pain of all the technical details, this is a perfect way to do it. A good buy for the knowledge that it offers.

Good Review of Biotechnology
This book presents a very good review and overview of biotechnology. The best feature of the book is that it's simple to understand. Biotechnology is still a rapidly developing field, and there are not many textbooks or reference books out there. This is one of the good biotechnology books that we have.
Recommended.

Not quite demystified
I have a very basic background in chemistry and biology so I was looking for a book to fill in the gaps; something short of a college textbook.I am only about 3 chapters through this but I'm disappointed in this book.The level of exposition is not too bad, but the book seems neither well written nor well edited.I've found typos, undefined notation, unexplained terms and just poor explanations.The figures don't seem very good for explaining the concepts and processes (eg, cell division) that really need good diagrams.In some cases they are borrowed from other books a little carelessly.

It's too bad -- I think this is a good topic and the author generally chooses an appropriate level of detail, but it just wasn't written carefully enough.

What a disappointment
Just to share my experience: Teaching myself biotechnology I had hoped to get a teaching help with this book andgot quite confused after working it through. The MC questions are really misleading. It s a pity... Fortunately, I have had solid knowledge about biotech before reading.
The Series Editors should better ask leading professionals for a review before publishing. ... Read more

Product Description
In Animals as Biotechnology: Ethics, Sustainability and Critical Animal Studies sociologist Richard Twine places the questioning of human/animal relations at the heart of sustainability and climate change debates.This book is shaped by the incongruous parallel emergence of two approaches to nonhuman animals.The animal sciences concerned with the efficient and profitable production of animals into meat and dairy products now embrace molecular knowledge as a means to extract new sources of biocapital from farmed animal bodies.However the emergence of animal studies and critical animal studies—mostly in the humanities and social sciences—work to question the dominant instrumental character of our relations with other animals.Twine considers the emergence of these approaches to bring into relief the paradox of a novel biotechnological power to breed new forms of animals at the very time when critical animal studies and threats such as climate change pose serious questions of anthropocentrism and hubris.

This book outlines the way in which the molecular turn in animal breeding now attempts to recuperate the major externalizations of meat/dairy production (most obviously human health, ecology and animal welfare) by capturing sustainability within the genome.Situating new modes of molecular capitalization within a broader economic narrative of the knowledge based bio-economy, Twine highlights the tension between questions of limits and sustainability.This book concludes by considering whether growing counter calls to reduce our consumption of meat/dairy products in the face of climate change threats are in fact complicit with an anthropocentric discourse that would marginalize from its understanding of sustainability a more thorough ethical questioning of normative human/animal relations. ... Read more

Product Description
The definitive biotechnology industry primer, now in its 3rd edition. Building Biotechnology provides a comprehensive fundamentals-based overview of the commercialization of biotechnology. Expanding on this foundation to ensure a practical appreciation of operational issues in the biotechnology industry, Building Biotechnology adds real-world examples on topics such as the hidden pitfalls of common operational decisions; practical considerations in selecting business models and funding options; strategies to overcome developmental failures; and, methods to leverage options to strengthen development plans. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Clear and concise
There are many books devoted to the biotechnology sector. This one stands out in that it covers the subject in clear terms, providing a primer for readers seeking to understand the components that drive the industry. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

very good
Please not,
This is only the Textbook, NO Lab manual.

I was thinking it has both, anyway
It is received brand new. so kept it.
... Read more

Product Description
(Joseph Henry Press) Revised edition aims to help readers understand and take part in biotechnology debates. Topics include how biotechnology came about, tools in the genetic engineering workshop, biotechnology and the body, biotechnology on the farm, biotechnology and the environment, ethical issues, and more. For clinicians. Previous edition: c1997. Softcover. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

The cutting edge of biotech's promise
Eric Grace is a science writer with a Ph.D. in zoology: his BIOTECHNOLOGY UNZIPPED: PROMISES AND REALITIES may sound technical but is surprisingly accessible, appearing in a revised second edition to provide chapters covering health, environmental concerns, and biotech applications. The first edition, which appeared in 1997, was on the cutting edge of biotech's promise: since then much has happened, and this second edition updates details for the latest studies and issues.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch

A competent and readable overview
I bought this book because I wanted a refresher on Molecular Biology.The first half of the text delivers this, explaining key concepts of DNA/RNA, the role of genes and the function of gene expression in the creation of proteins.Upon these understandings the author builds an explanation of genetic engineering.He explains techniques of recombinant DNA, the relevance of stem cells and modern gene therapy.The second half of the book was of less relevance to me, but if you need a journalist's eye view of the whole of biotech, sweeping across everything from cell biology to bioethics, Eric Grace does a reasonable job of providing it.Pro:Competently written and clearly illustrated.Con: Breadth but limited depth.

Great intro for the layperson
After seeing so much in the news about biotechnology, I was in search of an introductory book that would explain the basics of genetic manipulation.This book starts from the very basics--how are genes related to DNA and chromosomes, what are enzymes and proteins, then more sophisticated concepts such as gene splicing and monoclonal antibodies.

While this book won't make anyone an expert scientist, the text and diagrams are clear and concise.I read articles about biotech in the newspapers and business magazines, and this book is a useful primer for those in search of further detail.

After the overall introduction, the author describes biotech applications in several fields, which become a bit of a laundary list after awhile.I would have found fewer, in-depth case studies more interesting.Nevertheless, if you're looking for an informative introduction to biotech, I highly recommend this book.

compelling
BIOTECHNOLOGY UNZIPPED is the most compelling evaluation ofbiotechnology I have read since Harsanyi & Hutton's GENETICPROPHECY of almost 20 years ago. What makes this book soinsightful isthe "tradeoffs" perspective that Grace brings to the subject. In every instance where a particular technique is eitherindevelopment or on the market, the possibilities for selective breeding, or genetic engineering, or composite materials, all hold both a promise and a peril.

Grace, who has a Ph.D. in Zoology andconsiderable experience as ascience writer, attempts to provideenough critical information ineach case so that the reader will get asense of whatconsiderations are involved in any particular"biotechnologysolution". What we learn about biotechnologyfrom him is thatevery biotechnology decision has the followingcharacteristics:

* Costs and revenues (developments cost$millions, so the goal is profits) * Winners and losers(the rich could get lucky, the poor and vulnerable may not)* Benefits and detriments (solutions generate unintended &unwanted consequences) * Enthusiasts and detractors (argumentsarise on all sides of biotechnology issues)

The reasonthat the public is so ambivalent about biotechnology isthat itssupporters have been so inept at making their case.Biotechnologyadvocates seem to think that their's is just aproblem of an"uninformed public" whom they can re- assure becausetheyhave "the facts". They obviously don't appreciate the most important principle of new-age public relations, namely, "They don't care how much you know until they know how much you care".

What Grace shows is that the public does have cause to beconcerned.There are no simple problems, no silver bullets, and nofinalsolutions, even if biotechnology boosters pretend there are.Ifbiotechnology advocates become willing to address theseconcerns, ANDlearn to manage the expectations of theirstakeholders, then they canbegin to earn the respect that willotherwise continue to elude them.Grace's book helps clarify allof this. Well done!

Not That Great Of A Book
I bought and read this book for my biotechnology class and I really did not like it very much. There are certain parts that are understandable. But much of the book was just blah, blah, blah. If you have to take a class onbiotechnology, or just want to read a biotechnology book, this fits you. Ifyou really don't want to read these kind of books, I would not recommendit. ... Read more

Product Description
This textbook is intended for introductory courses in agriculture, plant biology, and economic botany. It is about plants, genes, food and people, and about the changing relationship between them. The purpose is to show how agriculture is changing throughout the world, and to discuss the role that genes and genetic engineering are playing in this change. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

sad
the person claimed he shipped the book, but then he turned around a week later and just gave me my money back.claimed the book was damaged in shipping preparation so he could no longer send it.then he was selling the same book later that week for more money.not the greatest experience with him...guess we all run into some duds every once in awhile!

school book
regular textbook, general info. IF you want more specific info, you shouldn't buy this book.

Makes a Few Bold Admissions
This book contains twenty chapters plus a comprehensive index.Each chapter is written by a distinguished individual in his or her field.Each chapter consists of general opening remarks, detailed information about the subject of each chapter, a chapter summary at the end of each chapter, discussion questions and a list of references for further reading.The lead authors have created a text that would serve double duty as either an adequate text for an introductory lower division course on agronomy/plant sciences, or as a supplemental text for an upper division plant biology course which looks at the social and ethical dimensions of biotechnology and genetically modified organisms.

All the contributors share the belief that agricultural biotechnology in its current manifestation is merely an extension of biology in the natural world, and is but one consequence of Watson & Crick's monumental discovery. Chrispeels and Sadava, the two contributors responsible for compiling the text, boldly state that the biggest beneficiaries of the new GM technology will be those living in the developing countries, and as such reflects the standard party line of the pro-ag-biotech groups and organizations.

All inherent biases aside, the book is highly notable because of several bold admissions made throughout the text.First, the authors readily admit that agricultural biotechnology has no defensible place or justification in a world currently awash in plentiful food, but at the same time, they do believe that biotechnology will play an important role in tomorrow's world agriculture.Second, the also readily concede that distribution of food, and not its production, is the main culprit for hunger, but other issues do play an important role.Related to this is their admission that the ability to pay for food matters more than the supply of food itself; if people can pay for it, they will get it (here their words on the subject echo many of the thoughts put forth by Amartya Sen, and before him, Susan George).Third, they admit that most scientists working in the field of population and demography in the late 1960s and early 1970s made flat out wrong predictions about the infamous 'population bomb', and that predictions made today many not come to pass tomorrow- they are just guesses about the future.Here they appear to be backing away from the incendiary rhetoric of environmental luminaries such as Paul Ehrlich and Lester Brown.Fourth, and quite possibly the boldest admission of the text, was their concession that agricultural biotechnology has been oversold.Apparently, they saw fit to stop short of saying that ag-biotech has been and continues to be hyped into the stratosphere, but their very admission alone is satisfactory, as they later lay most of the blame for today's hysteria and urban myths surrounding ag-biotech and GM technologies upon the overselling of the technologies, where it justifiably belongs.

Indeed, the authors' concern for the overselling of the promise and potential of biotechnology is readily apparent in the final chapter of the book, where they address the myths and realities of agricultural biotechnology.However, even the authors can not resist the temptation to sell the reader on the potential benefits of an agricultural biotechnology, and the book includes chapters on integrated pest management incorporating the scientific advances of ag-biotech (Chapter 16), weed control strategies using biotechnology (Chapter 17), GM technology as a tool for promoting green agriculture (Chapter 18), and the use of plants as biological factories (Chapter 19).

Generally speaking, Chapters 1 through 5 lay down the rationale for incorporation of ag-biotech in food production, and chapters 6 through 15 explain the how to, the ins and outs of the technology and how genetic modification of crops is achieved.Also, chapters 6 through 15 cover all the standard topics one would find in a regular course on agronomy, crop science and plant biology, from plant cell and molecular biology, plant growth and development, seeds and seed technology, the ins and outs of photosynthesis and the physical, biological and environmental factors associated with it, soils and root zone systems, nitrogen cycling, to the historical basis for crop breeding (with some paleo-anthropological perspectives) and the gradual leap from breeding via classical techniques to modern, biotech based methods.Chapter 15 also looks at crop disease and its management from a molecular genetic standpoint, and strikes me as a means to include students in plant pathology.

Additionally, the authors paid considerable attention to the problems and challenges of agriculture in Third World countries, in an attempt to demonstrate the veracity of their belief that GM technology can do much to assist the inhabitants there.However, in the process, they belatedly demonstrate that these technologies have been developed to address symptoms of more complex and fundamental problems having an economic, environmental and/or socio-historical basis.Yet, the authors must be credited for admitting that the real need in developing countries is for more research support to address their specific physical and environmental conditions, and for demonstrating that in every single instance where consumer incomes rise and the socio-economic status of women advances, there is an inevitable decrease in birth rates, hunger and malnutrition.

Thus, the contributors freely admit that their research and scientific activities chase phantom problems and non-problems.They also admit, albeit obliquely, that ag-biotech in its current manifestation does not address the needs or the fundamental problems faced in the developing or the developed world.In fact, on the one hand, researchers have occupied themselves with testing the limits of GM technology, seeing what they can do, and exploring different directions, while on the other hand, government institutions and corporations have directed their efforts at technological developments for which they have proprietary control, and increasingly, total control over distribution and other supporting activities.Alas, the authors have chosen, perhaps unwisely, to offer any comments on this state of affairs, and what it may mean for everyone.

In sum, this book makes quite a few bold admissions, some directly, but most indirectly, and as such, is a necessary read for those interested in the topics of ag-biotech, genetic modification technologies, food production and safety, and crop science in general.It is definitely a good and comprehensive book, containing a level of honesty highly uncommon among textbooks on the subject(albeit couched among questionable pitches about potential benefits of ag-biotech), and its sources for further reading are indispensable.I highly recommend the text to anyone looking to place this contentious scientific topic within a social and ethical context.







... Read more

Product Description
The book is written to help lawyers faced with the challenge of identifying the legal issues and processes that must be faced by their clients in building, marketing, and protecting a biotech business. The contributors are experts in this specialized area and provide thorough, yet accessible, overviews of biotech subspecialties with an eye to practical application.A biotech legal practice involves specialized subject matter and regulatory schemes that, generally, are not part of the business lawyer's repertoire and which can present many hazards for the uninitiated. Because of the expansion in biotech practice beyond the traditional organizations and their representatives, this guide was written to help lawyers find their way through the biotech maze. ... Read more

Product Description
Biotechnology's wide-ranging, multi-disciplinary activities include recombinant DNA techniques, cloning, and the application of microbiology to the production of goods from bread to antibiotics. In this new edition, biology and bioprocessing topics are uniquely combined to provide a complete overview of biotechnology. A distinctive feature of the text is the discussions of the public perception of biotechnology and the business of biotechnology, which set the science in a broader context. This comprehensive textbook is essential reading for all students of biotechnology and applied microbiology, and for researchers in biotechnology industries. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (3)

Excellent quality
It is nice, and I never expected, to recieve a product like this.

Nice Book for Students.
I found this book to be good for students like me who are studing undergraduate BioTechnology. i has all the informations that are taught to us, in a nice format and is easily understandable.

Excelent introductory textbook
I found this to be an excellent textbook for an introductory course in Biotech.
I will strongly recomended it: it is general, it is easy to follow, it is updated, and it has something very special... the economic perspective, the practical point of view. ... Read more

Product Description
In The Biotech Investor, San Francisco Chronicle biotechnology reporter Tom Abate explains the science, finances, time horizon, and technological and commercial potential of this burgeoning industry. Abate provides guidelines for assessing company leadership, easy-to-digest reports from the labs, and indispensable investor tools and metrics. He shares strategies for - tracking the effect of breaking news and the NASDAQ - anticipating drug trial announcements and FDAapprovals - assessing the potential market, patent rights, and distribution deals for a drug He looks beyond medicine to biotech-related opportunities in everything from agriculture to jean manufacturing to software development. The Biotech Investor is the comprehensive, expert source for successful and intelligent investing in one of the twenty-first century's most promising industries. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

If you are an investor looking at biotech, you should read this book
As our population ages, there are more opportunities for companies involved in treating diseases. Companies in the biotech industry have a bright future. But, the author says that investing in biotech is risky. This is understandable because the firms in this industry rely heavily on innovation. New discoveries can make current products obsolete. Many investors lost money investing in these companies because they do not understand the industry and individual companies.

I liked how the author distinguished between high-tech and biotech companies. Successful high-tech companies develop valuable networks. For example, Microsoft has a network of software developers who tailor their programs to run on Windows. Biotech, on the other hand, is an industry of niches. The industry is complicated compared with other industries. However, the author did a good job making it more understandable to readers.

- Mariusz Skonieczny, author of Why Are We So Clueless about the Stock Market? Learn how to invest your money, how to pick stocks, and how to make money in the stock market

Biotech Investor
Very good book on the unique concepts of biotech investing.It covers all areas and would be useful for beginners or advanced investors.

Well structured and interesting
An excellent introduction to biotech investing.

Tom Abate is a good writer and knows his subject.I thought this book was written in a guarded, pragmatic way that suits the reader's purpose (presumably investment).The dustjacket shouts of a 'coming boom' but the author can be forgiven for what is basically puffery.Abate is clearly arguing for a period of drawn out growth fuelled by demographics and accelerating technical progress - not an imminent goldrush.

I gained a number of insights I consider valuable:
-An understanding of the mechanism of FDA approval and how companies manage themselves around it.
-The fluid business models of existing companies.
-The way in which institutional fund managers seem to advocate active trading over a 'buy and hold' approach to biotech portfolios (this surprised me).

Timely, relevant and convincingly argued.I'd probably buy another book by this author.

A strong dose of reality to the often hype driven sector
Tom Abate has been covered the Biotech industry for the San Francisco Chronicle for years. It shows. He brings a strong dose of reality to this hype driven sector.

Who this book is for:
-Independent investors willing to spend a lot of time doing research
-People looking for a current industry overview
-Job seekers

The Good:
-Extremely well written
-Up to Date (as of spring 2003)
-Knowledgeable - several small tidbits of data pay for the book by themselves

The Bad:
-Will quickly go out of date. For example the Appendix contains a list of firm websites and market caps; Market Caps change - companies disappear.
-Not enough FDA information. This should have been a separate chapter covering the FDA approval process in detail as well as other countries' processes.
-Too much basic investment advice: firm valuation/free cash flow/ portfolio theory / investor risk profile. Other books do a better, more thorough job of this.
-No bibliography

I gave it 5 stars because if you are going to invest in biotech the book will more than pay for itself. ... Read more

Product Description
Applications in bio-informatics and bio-pharmaceuticals

The book provides background knowledge on the molecular biology of plants and a comprehensive description of plant biotechnology. It is in three parts. Part A deals with an overview of Plant Molecular Biology. Part B is concerned with Plant Tissue Culture. Part C is about Plant Genetic Engineering and Biotechnological Applications.

Several transgenic applications dealt with in detail are in areas of engineering plants for stress tolerance, metabolic engineering of plants, transplastomic technology, crop protection, and antisense technology in plants. One of the highlights of this book is that it presents the concepts of both plant molecular biology and plant biotechnology.

Also available:

Quantum Chemistry - ISBN 1906574170
Elements of Molecular Spectroscopy - ISBN 1906574057 ... Read more

Product Description
Business Development in the Biotechnology and pharmaceutical industries accounts for over $5 billion in licensing deal value per year and much more than that in the value of mergers and acquisitions. Transactions range from licences to patented academic research, to product developments as licences, joint ventures and acquisition of intellectual property rights, and on to collaborations in development and marketing, locally or across the globe. Asset sales, mergers and corporate take-overs are also a part of the business development remit. The scope of the job can be immense, spanning the life-cycle of products from the earliest levels of research to the disposal of residual marketing rights, involving legal regulatory manufacturing, clinical development, sales and marketing and financial aspects.The knowledge and skills required of practitioners must be similarly broad, yet the availability of information for developing a career in business development is sparse.Martin Austin's highly practical guide spans the complete process and is based on his 30 years of experience in the industry and the well-established training programme that he has developed and delivers to pharmaceutical executives from across the world. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Exactly what I was looking for
As if this book was written specifically for me, it suited my needs as few books have in the past. I work in Business Development in the Pharma Industry and I enjoyed this one. I just have one comment: I wish the author had spent more time detailing other sources of information for this field. The ones he mentions are interesting but not enough I am afraid. GOOD JOB THOUGH. Worth every single penny. ... Read more

Product Description
This book is the first devoted to centrifugal separation in biotechnology. It is of value to
professionals in the chemical, bioprocess, and biotech sectors, and all those concerned with bioseparation, bioprocessing, unit-operations and process engineering.

Key topics covered include a full introduction to centrifugation, sedimentation and separation; detailed coverage of centrifuge types, including batch and semi-batch centrifuges, disk-stack and tubular decanter centrifuges; methods for increasing solids concentration; laboratory and pilot testing of centrifuges; selection and sizing centrifuges; scale-up of equipment, performance prediction and analysis of test results using numerical simulation.

. A comprehensive guide to centrifuges, their optimal development and operation in the biotechnology industry
. Applications for the separation of proteins, DNA, mitochondria, ribosomes,
lysosomes and other cellular elements
. Provides detailed process information and data to assist in the development
of particular processes from existing systems
. Explores the commercial applications of centrifuges in biotechnology
. Guidance on troubleshooting and optimizing centrifuges ... Read more

Product Description
Biotechnology is a rapidly-developing 21st century technology and interdisciplinary science that has already made an impact on commercial and non-commercial aspects of human life, such as stem cell research, cloning, pharmaceuticals, food and agriculture, bioenergetics, and information technology. This book, appropriate for novices in the biotechnology/genetics fi elds and also for engineering and biology students, covers all of the fundamental principles of these modern topics. It has been written in a very simple manner for self-study. In addition to the comprehensive coverage of the standard topics, such as cell growth and development, genetic principles (mapping, DNA, etc), protein structure, plant and animal cell cultures, and applications, the book includes up-to-date discussions of modern topics, e.g., medical advances, quality control, stem cell technology, genetic manipulation, patents, bioethics, and a brief review of mathematics. The accompanying CD-ROM provides simulations, fi gures, related Web sites, and numerous other resources. FEATURES*Contains up-to-date topics e.g., stem cell research, cloning, bioethics, and genetic engineering*Designed for the reader who does not have familiarity with biology or genetics *Contains practical applications of DNA, RNA, microbrial and plant cell cultures, etc.*Accompanied by a CD-ROM containing simulations, color fi gures, and numerous third-party resources*Includes an optional unit of appropriate mathematical topics for review*Separate instructor s CD available upon adoption as a textbook ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

A fine collection for novices
College-level collections strong in genetic engineering will find this a fine collection for novices in genetics and also for engineering and biology students, covering all the basics of these topics and providing a fine manual for self-study. From discussions of medical advances and patents to issues of bioethics and basic genetic principles, INTRODUCTION TO BIOTECHNOLOGY AND GENETIC ENGINEERING provides excellent discussions on the latest topics, from stem cell research to cloning.

Diane C. Donovan
California Bookwatch ... Read more

Product Description
In the past 15-20 years major discoveries have been concluded on potato biology and biotechnology.Important new tools have been developed in the area of molecular genetics, and our understanding of potato physiology has been revolutionized due to amenability of the potato to genetic transformation. This technology has impacted our understanding of the molecular basis of plant-pathogen interaction and has also opened new opportunities for the use of the potato in a variety of non-food biotechnological purposes.

This book covers the potato world market as it expands further into the new millennium. Authors stress the overriding need for stable yields to eliminate human hunger and poverty, while considering solutions to enhance global production and distribution. It comprehensively describes genetics and genetic resources, plant growth and development, response to the environment, tuber quality, pests and diseases, biotechnology and crop management. Potato Biology is the most valuable reference available for all professionals involved in the potato industry, plant biologists and agronomists.

· Offers an understanding of the social, economic and market factors that influence production and distribution
· Discusses developmentsand useful traits in transgenic biology and genetic engineering
· The first reference entirely devoted to understanding new advances in potato biology and biotechnology ... Read more

Product Description
Focusing on the period between the 1970s and the present, Life as Surplus is a pointed and important study of the relationship between politics, economics, science, and cultural values in the United States today. Melinda Cooper demonstrates that the history of biotechnology cannot be understood without taking into account the simultaneous rise of neoliberalism as a political force and an economic policy. From the development of recombinant DNA technology in the 1970s to the second Bush administration's policies on stem cell research, Cooper connects the utopian polemic of free-market capitalism with growing internal contradictions of the commercialized life sciences.

The biotech revolution relocated economic production at the genetic, microbial, and cellular level. Taking as her point of departure the assumption that life has been drawn into the circuits of value creation, Cooper underscores the relations between scientific, economic, political, and social practices. In penetrating analyses of Reagan-era science policy, the militarization of the life sciences, HIV politics, pharmaceutical imperialism, tissue engineering, stem cell science, and the pro-life movement, the author examines the speculative impulses that have animated the growth of the bioeconomy.

At the very core of the new post-industrial economy is the transformation of biological life into surplus value. Life as Surplus offers a clear assessment of both the transformative, therapeutic dimensions of the contemporary life sciences and the violence, obligation, and debt servitude crystallizing around the emerging bioeconomy. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (1)

Highly recommended
Insightful, innovative, highly readable, though at times dense. Cooper provides a novel analysis of the encounter between neoliberal innovation economies, biotechnology and the religious right. The strength of the book lies in its theoretical rigour and historical detail. It also advances some provocative ideas about the nature of neoliberal economics, namely that its long-term success is fed by its own regulation/deregulation dynamics. ... Read more