I wrote this book for biologists and those who are interested in both biological affairs in general and perspectives which integrate a large number of specialised biological disciplines. The theory of biocommunication presented herein investigates signal transd- tion processes among cells, tissues, organs and organisms in bacteria, animals (corals and bees), fungi and plants in the light of the current available empirical data. Because life is the central focus of the life sciences, this theory will also focus on typical features of life as opposed to inorganic matter. Because this eld of investigation is based on the methodological primacy of a pragmatic action theory, the book may also be of interest to researchers of lingu- tics, communication sciences and sociology (e.g. plant sociology, animal sociology) who would welcome an overview of these highly specialised biological disciplines. Current molecular biology as well as cell biology investigates its scienti c object by using key terms such as genetic code, code without commas, misre- ing of the genetic code, coding, open reading frame, genetic storage medium DNA, genetic information, genetic alphabet, genetic expression, messenger RNA, ce- to-cell communication, immune response, transcription, translation, nucleic acid language, amino acid language, recognition sequences, recognition sites, protein coding sequences, repeat sequences, signalling, signal transduction, signalling codes, signalling pathways, etc.

"This volume presents manuscripts stemming from the conference "Natural Genetic Engineering and Natural Genome Editing" held on July 3-6, 2008 ... Salzburg, Austria"-- page V.

Rewriting Nature is a cogent, riveting interdisciplinary exploration of the law, science, and policy of emerging genome-editing technology.

Genome-editing methods are becoming routine tools for molecular and cell biologists. Such tools include ZFNs, CRISPR, megaTALs and TALENs. These tools are revolutionizing the creation of precisely manipulated genomes to modify the characteristics of organisms or cells. Additionally, gene drives have altered the way we understand inheritance laws. They give us the ability to have total control of the inheritance of traits of choice and importance. This succinct volume summarizes the history, principles and applications – as well as the advantages and disadvantages – of each of these tools and various kinds of gene drives. The book is part of a program to produce books helpful to students and faculties of science at colleges and universities. This volume in the Pocket Guides to Biomedical Sciences series will help demystify these technologies. The book fills the gap between established conventional methods and the novel and exciting newly introduced tools of genome editing and gene drives. It will help young scientists understand the emerging genome-editing tools and gene drives, thereby promoting related research and adoption. Key Features Extensively reviews the current genome-editing tools and gene drives Clarifies the targeting mechanisms and specificity of genome-editing tools Details many different types of natural and synthetic gene drives Highlights concerns with gene drives and genome-editing tools Related Titles Brown, T. A. Genomes 4 (ISBN 978-0-8153-4508-4) Samuelsson, T. The Human Genome in Health and Disease: A Story in Four Letters (ISBN 978-0-8153-4591-6) Soh, J., et al. Genome Annotation (ISBN 978-1-4398-4117-4)

"For the first time in the history of civilization, humans have procured the power to rewrite nature's book of life. Following the discovery of CRISPR and other key scientific developments at the dawn of the twenty-first century, humankind has-for better or worse-reached the Rubicon of precise genetic manipulation, which existed only in science fiction until now. Those familiar with genome editing understand its colossal power and potential to become a global transformative agent that surpasses the impact of electricity, the atomic bomb, or the Internet. REWRITING NATURE is an interdisciplinary odyssey through the law, science, and policy of genome editing-the most significant breakthrough of our generation. The volume addresses a critical need to bridge gaps between law, science, and policy, and challenges the conventional, false dichotomy frequently associated with mutually exclusive normative roles for science and law. Through exploration of heuristic inquiries into an array of interdisciplinary fields, the book seeks to ignite thoughtful dialogues about authentic-rather than manufactured or sensationalized-issues raised by the technology. This timely resource is intended for keen audiences focused on venturing beyond the headlines and talking points to develop a deeper understanding of the prospects and challenges of genome editing"--