Frankenstein's Cat

December 24, 2012
Animals are fascinating if reluctant soldiers in the biotech revolution, writes journalist Anthes (Instant Egghead Guide: The Mind) in this witty and thought-provoking book. Scientists, it turns out, have produced cyborg cockroaches, genetically altered mice whose brains we can control, and goats that express commercial drugs in their milk. Bizarre, to be sure, but undoubtedly beneficial: animals play a crucial role in the development of myriad products that make life better for humans. But what about the creatures’ quality of life? Many decry the use of animals in experiments (though Anthes points out that Americans spend $300 billion “every year eating animal flesh”), yet even Charles Darwin, a staunch opponent of animal cruelty, refused to “condemn invasive animal research.” Still, that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t strive to make that invasion less intrusive. Anthes argues that we are making our way through the ethical thicket. Ever-tinier microprocessors, receivers, and batteries let us tag and track “an ever-expanding menagerie of marine and terrestrial species,” from seals to bees and the currents and winds they travel on. Anthes is optimistic we will “use our scientific superpowers wisely” to make life better for both the “creatures that live in scientific labs and those that run them.” Agent: Abigail Koons, Park Literary Group.

January 15, 2013
An elegant tour of the wild and fraught sideshow of animal biotechnology. Scientists have been monkeying with animal genes for decades. Mice are good examples: We can now manipulate them to spend all their time burying marbles or turning to the left. "We are editing their genetic codes, rebuilding their broken bodies, and supplementing their natural senses," writes Anthes (Instant Egghead Guide: The Mind, 2008). The author generates a sense of awe when appropriate and, when called for, skepticism and an openness to other qualms, particularly issues of ethics, exploitation and commodification. "[S]tudying these creatures yields valuable insights into human disease. That's good news for us, but little consolation for a tumor-riddled rodent," writes the author. "But if there is peril here, there is also great promise." In a bell-clear voice, the author examines the science behind genes, as well as cloning, cyborg insect armies, rescue rat-bots, "mass production of mutant mice" in China, bomb-sniffing beetle drones, prosthetic tails for dolphins, the possibility of enhancing animal sensory skills, and " 'pharming, ' in which simple genetic tweaks turn animals into living pharmaceutical factories." Anthes lays out the facts, but it is still up to readers to decide which side of the ethical divide they will fall on. Learned, entertaining and illuminating.

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March 15, 2013

Cloning a cat, dog, cow, or pig; creating fish with elements of other fish; the development of insect cyborgs (roboroaches) or roborats, osseointegration, and animal prothesis--there is no end to the fascinating directions biotechnology is taking today. Some of these developments may lead to treatments for ailments that strike pets, farm animals, or wild creatures. Some, such as robo-controlled animals, could lead in more devious directions. Science journalist Anthes takes readers through these areas and others with clarity and simplicity (given the technical nature of the topics). She presents some of the ethical questions posed by scientists' increasing ability to manipulate biology and includes examples of how laws can affect scientific research. She also lets individuals involved in these developments speak for themselves. VERDICT Funny and fun, this book is recommended for general readers seeking a current examination of biotech's applications to the animal kingdom.--Michael D. Cramer, Schwarz BioSciences, Research Triangle Park, NC

Copyright 2013 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

February 1, 2013
Medicine-producing goats, a glowing beagle, and remote-controlled rats seem like science fiction, but not only are they scientifically possible, they're already here. Welcome to the weird world of animal biotechnology presented by journalist Anthes. Genetic alteration has allowed us to change animals in ways never before possible. The book is a quick, often surprising review of current advances, giving accessible treatment to a weighty subject and employing clear descriptions of complex science. Anthes not only explores what is being done but also asks why and if it should be done. Along the way, the book reveals much about humans and our connections to animals and the world we all inhabit. These animals are not just in labs. Glowing fish and steerable cockroaches are being sold, and a cloned cat has been accepted into a home after her research days were finished. Cyborg beetles and much more are a reality today, and their existence prompts us to wonder where our responsibility lies when pursuing our ever-growing power to play with the animal kingdom.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2013, American Library Association.)