[ren]

I'm currently a student at law school and have been assigned a research position for the summer. The article that the professor is writing is about genetic engineering/profession ethics/constitutional rights etc.

The law research isn't really an issue. I should be able to find plenty of cases that relate in one way or another to that aspect. However, the professor I am assisting is an unorthodox thinker and also wants me to bring research in the genre of science fiction. I am out of my depth because I simply have not read much in the way of science fiction outside of Orwell, Bradbury, or Card.

I am asking for help. Anyone who can recommend science fiction novels, short stories, may be even video game/movie plots that have to do with DNA testing/engineering and the Military. Anything you can point me toward will be much appreciated.

Thanks community.

[Keri]

I've read In The Presence of Mine Enemies by Harry Turtledove. It's more of a military fiction but it's basically about the US staying out of WWII and Germany winning the war. Jews are forced to go into hiding or act as if they aren't. The book focuses on the Jewish families and what they go through, because if the government finds out, they will be eliminated.

Hope that helps at least a little bit.

[ren]

Originally Posted by Keri

I've read In The Presence of Mine Enemies by Harry Turtledove. It's more of a military fiction but it's basically about the US staying out of WWII and Germany winning the war. Jews are forced to go into hiding or act as if they aren't. The book focuses on the Jewish families and what they go through, because if the government finds out, they will be eliminated.

Hope that helps at least a little bit.

Thanks! I'll take a gander, but it sounds like there isn't so much in terms of DNA. Looking more for interaction between DNA testing/engineering and the military. Appreciate it though, thanks!

[Keri]

You're welcome. There is one part of the book in which a couple has a young son with Tay-Sachs, and the doctor begins to investigate into the family to see if they have Jewish ancestry. If the doctor were to find any evidence of Jews, he would report it to the regime that would in turn get involved. So that could work for the DNA aspect.

[richter915]

Originally Posted by ren

Thanks! I'll take a gander, but it sounds like there isn't so much in terms of DNA. Looking more for interaction between DNA testing/engineering and the military. Appreciate it though, thanks!

A lot of texts regarding dystopian societies often have a subtle focus on genetic engineering whether it be directly through genetic modification or via selective breeding/eugenics codes. 1984 is a given but I would also check out aldous huxley's "a brave new world". If you can use film the movie Children of Men (which is based on a novel) is a good start. Also the film Gattaca.

[grahamd]

Originally Posted by Keri

I've read In The Presence of Mine Enemies by Harry Turtledove. It's more of a military fiction but it's basically about the US staying out of WWII and Germany winning the war. Jews are forced to go into hiding or act as if they aren't. The book focuses on the Jewish families and what they go through, because if the government finds out, they will be eliminated.

Hope that helps at least a little bit.

Cory Doctorow wrote Little Brother. It is not hard science. It is free since he believes in Creative Commons.