De-Extinction and the Genomics Revolution

This book considers the cultural history and politics of de-extinction, an approach to wildlife conservation that seeks to use advanced biotechnologies for genetic rescue, crisis interventions, and even species resurrections. It demonstrates how the genomic revolution creates new possibilities for human transformation of nature and accelerates the arrival of the era of life-on demand. Fletcher combines a summative overview of the modern progress in biology and biotechnology that has brought us to this moment and evaluates the relationship between de-extinction and provocative contemporary ideas such as rewilding, eco-modernism, and the Anthropocene. Overall, the book contends that de-extinction, as reported in the public sphere, shifts between the demands of science and spectacle and draws upon our ongoing fascination with lost worlds, Frankenstein's monster, woolly mammoths, and dinosaurs.

Addresses the timely topic of what role new technologies play in 'saving' nature Has interdisciplinary appeal to researchers in science, technology and environmental politics Aims to reach an audience that includes scholars, graduate students and potentially upper-level undergraduates, and to appeal as well to an informed lay audience.

Autorentext

Amy Lynn Fletcher is an Associate Professor of Political Science at The University of Canterbury, New Zealand. She specializes in science, technology and environmental politics. She is an Associate Editor for Politics and the Life Sciences and Features Editor of Human Futures magazine.

Inhalt

1. Preface and Acknowledgments.- 2. Matters of Life and Death in the Anthropocene.- 3. The Secrets of All Inheritance: A Cultural History of DNA.- 4. Mammoths, Museums, and Molecules: A De-Extinction Icon Emerges.- 5. Conclusion: Life-on-Demand.