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Like most advances in science, the recent surge of discoveries in genetics
offers good and bad possibilities. Karl Drlica’s Double-Edged Sword (Helix
Books, $13, ISBN 0 201 40982 8) assesses both. It is also a basic course
in human genetics and molecular biology, aimed at the widest readership. Drlica
uses a biblical technique to drive his points home, starting each section with a
story about people whose lives are affected dramatically by genetics. These
aren’t parables; the people are real. It’s an effective device.