Reference Reviews

Reference for Students

DNA Databases. Edited by Lauri R. Harding. Detroit, Mich.: Greenhaven Press Thomson Gale, 2007. 1 vol. 100 p. $29.95. ISBN 10: 0-7377-3599-6; 13: 978-0-7377-3599-6.

Now that DNA has been discovered, the question is "What Are the Benefits and Burdens of DNA Databases?" Other discussion points include "As DNA Databases Grow, the Potential for Abuse and Error Increases" and "DNA Databases Allow Governmental Intrusion on Private Information. Two writers suggest conflicting issues: that "Government Databases Have More Information than Needed to Solve Crimes" and "The Government Has Taken Steps to Secure Privacy of Its DNA Database." DNA was not something parents of students knew about as a help or a hindrance, but it is prevalent in the lives of all of us today. These are issues students should be aware of and able to discuss with intelligence.