RNAi: A Guide to Gene Silencing, Edited by Gregory J. Hannon, Cold Spring Harbor, NY: Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory Press (2003).

The ability of double stranded RNA to inhibit the expression of genes with an appropriate sequence can be harnessed to silence target genes in vitro in a new and powerful way. This volume combines reliable RNAi protocols for a variety of species with discussion of strategies for the effective design of experiments using this important new technique that is changing the way experimental science is done.

For a preview of the book: http://books.google.com/books?id=McLZLZDNrkwC

Biotechnology Research in an Age of Terrorism, National Research Council of the National Academies, Washington, DC: The National Academies Press (2004).

A committee of the National Research Council, chaired by Dr. Gerald R. Fink, aimed to consider ways to minimize threats from biological warfare and bioterrorism without hindering the progress of biotechnology, which is essential for the health of the nation. The resulting report notes that the tension between the spread of technologies that protect us and the spread of technologies that threaten us is the crux of the dilemma. Among its seven recommendations are ones to develop awareness programs to educate scientists about dual use issues in biotechnology, establishing seven categories of scientific research that should be subject to special review, and creation of the NSABB as a means for institutional review and guidance regarding biosecurity issues. These key provisions have all been enacted or will be pursued in the context of NSABBs activities. The significance of these actions, this committee and this report are that they represent the first fundamental steps by the life sciences community to provide self-governance to a major post-9/11 issue affecting future biotechnology research.

For the full text: http://www.nap.edu/books/0309089778/html/1.html