The origins of biotechnology -- The Asilomar Conference of 1975 -- Patenting of life -- The release of a genetically engineered microorganism -- Corn genetically engineered with an insecticide -- Bovine growth hormone, a dairy farmer and ice cream suits -- The Human Genome Project -- Genetic testing for risk assessment for disease -- Gene therapy -- Forensic DNA testing and databanking: basics of DNA fingerprinting -- Cloning of a mammal -- Appendix: Internet sites.