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book reviews

retain the reader’s interest. This is also achieved by a host of real-life examples, which not only simplify explanation but also act as a constant reminder of the relevance to everyday life of the subject being handled.

The first section of the book answers the question ‘what is DNA?‘. It starts with a full description of the structure of DNA and relates this to its function via the Central Dogma, pointing out some important exceptions to the rule such as retroviruses and prions. It then puts DNA back into the context of the genome, explaining where DNA is located, how it is packaged and expressed and how genome mapping works. Attention is also drawn to the C-value paradox and the fluidity of the genome. Finally. the author tackles the question of where DNA may have come from in the first place

and how it has evolved since then. The next two sections are

concerned with genetic engineering and biotechnology. The former discusses engineering genes: how this can be done, what effects this might have and whether we should be allowed to do it. It covers such areas as DNA fingerprinting, the creation of transgenic animals and the potential of gene therapy. The latter section discusses biotechnology and how it can be utilized in areas as diverse as medicine, the food industry, crop breeding and environmental clean-up programs. In this part of the book there is an emphasis on assessing the acceptability of these ideas to the general public and how controls may be implemented, including a section on patent protection.

The final section briefly assesses whether a full knowledge of

Technology evolution Immunoassay Automation: An Updated Guide to Systems

edited by Dafzipi Chats, Academic Press, f 995. US$59.95 (3 12 pages)

ISBN 0 12 167640 4

The book is an update of the practical guide published in 1992 and provides the reader with a comprehensive review of the new generation of immunoassay systems that have been introduced since the original publication. As Daniel Chan indicates in his introductory chapters, the clinical laboratory environment is changing as a result of pressures on healthcare expenditure, the maturing of the market sector and advances in infomration technology. This has resulted in the evolution of

integrated systems that incorporate the features of different immunoassay systems.

Unlike the previous book, the update does not contain the useful general sections on the important factors to consider when evaluating the technical, clinical, operational and economic performance of an automated immunoassay system. Someone new to the area would be well advised to read the update in conjunction with the original publication. The individual chapters do, however. provide a

molecular genetics can possibly lead us to a comprehensive understanding of nature. It discusses the reductionist view whereby DNA is central to unlocking the elusive secrets of nature. These are countered with some controversial theories such as chaos theory which may have important implications on the matter.

Overall, Susan Aldridge has succeeded in the ambitious task of giving a comprehensive introduction to a fascinating area. She has related subjects of general interest such as gene therapy down to their molecular roots in a way that even Auntie Madge can understand.

Cindy Macpherson Department of Genetics, University of

Cambridge, Downing Street, Cambrtdge, UK CB2 3EH.

(Email: cmp@mole.bio.cam.ac.uk)

comprehensive review of the detailed technical features of each of the systems described. The sections give sufficient detail on the technology and its performance to allow meaningful comparisons. To the target audience in the clinical laboratory considering the purchase of a new automated system or those in the industry attempting to keep up with the developments in the area, the review is a useful reference book.

The final three chapters on technologies that may have application are a little incongruous with the rest of the book. In the opinion of the reviewer, these do not provide a comprehensive review of the new technologies that are most likely to have a major impact on the area of future automated immunoassay systems.

Keith May Unipath Ltd, Norse Road, Bedford,

UK MK41 OQG.

Publishers Please send book details of interest to biotechnologists to W3TECH Book Reviews, ETJ,

68 Hills Road, Cambridge,UK CBZ 1LA.

lBTECHJANUARY1997 (VOL15)