Frankenstein's Cat

For centuries, we’ve bred animals for various purposes, from herding dogs to housecats resembling tigers. But what happens when we engineer glowing cats or clone beloved dogs? In this book, journalist Emily Anthes explores biotechnology’s impact on our furry and feathered friends. She visits barnyards and a “frozen zoo” to learn about cloning, prosthetics, and genetic engineering. From sensor-wearing seals to cyborg beetles, she encounters animals ushering in this age of enhancement.

Anthes interviews scientists, conservationists, ethicists, and entrepreneurs, revealing that some interventions may be trivial (like GloFish) while others could improve the lives of many species, including our own. She highlights the peril and promise of our scientific superpowers, taking readers on an adventure where science fiction fantasies become reality.

(This book may contain a sharpie mark on the top or bottom edge and may show mild signs of shelfwear.)