First published 1993
Dr. Sarah Chen stands in her laboratory, watching oil droplets form under her microscope. She has spent years developing new seed varieties that could feed the world's growing population. Her research team believes they have created something remarkable, but corporate interests want to control their discovery. Chen must decide whether to release her findings publicly or protect them from exploitation. The agricultural conglomerate that funds her work pressures her to sign over all rights. Meanwhile, her colleague warns that their modified seeds could have unintended consequences if released too quickly. Chen faces a choice between scientific progress and corporate profit. The story examines how individual scientists navigate the tension between discovery and responsibility. Taylor weaves together themes of environmental stewardship and technological advancement through Chen's struggle to do what she believes is right.
Genres: fiction, science, contemporary, agriculture, technology, environmental-science
Vibes: emotional, intimate, suspenseful, thought-provoking
Tropes: corporate-corruption, ethical-dilemma, scientific-discovery
181 pages · Hardcover · Amer Oil Chemists Society