The genome's been mapped. But what does it mean?
Arguably the most significant scientific discovery of the new century, the mapping of the 23 pairs of chromosomes that make up the human genome raises almost as many questions as it answers - questions that will profoundly impact the way we think about disease, about longevity, and about free will. Questions that will affect the rest of your life.
Genome offers extraordinary insight into the ramifications of this incredible breakthrough. By picking one newly discovered gene from each pair of chromosomes and telling its story, Matt Ridley recounts the history of our species and its ancestors from the dawn of life to the brink of future medicine.
From Huntington's disease to cancer, from the applications of gene therapy to the horrors of eugenics, Matt Ridley probes the scientific, philosophical, and moral issues arising as a result of the mapping of the genome. It will help you understand what this scientific milestone means for you, for your children, and for humankind.
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"For me, genetics is a fascinating branch of study, and Matt Ridley lays a wonderful foundation for understanding the basic ideas, history, and implications of this field. I think it would be of easy-medium difficulty for a person to read who has little to no background in biology. The human genome project is very impressive, and much more has been discovered since this book was written, so some facts are hazy or out-dated, but this book is worthwhile for anyone to read. Ridley breaks the book into 23 chapters, one for each pair of chromosomes in the human body. Each chapter focuses on a specific area on which genes have a minor to major effect, such as intelligence and free will. An amazing and enlightening read."
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Matthew (4 out of 5 stars)