Advances in modern technology are turning our tissues, genes, and organs into 'the currency of the future'. From beauty junkies to the international organ trade, Donna Dickenson reveals the ingenious ways in which body parts are converted into commodities. The true scale is immense: almost one in five human genes is the subject of a patent, and everything is fair game for profit-makers-from individual eggs to the genetic profile of an entire population. This gripping book is essential reading for anyone concerned with the ownership and commercial use of our bodies and those of our loved ones. Drawing on over 20 years of experience, Dickenson scrutinizes the evolving legal position, the historical long view, and the latest biomedical research, and suggests new strategies to bring the biotechnology industry to heel.