Genome: Human Autobiography Chapter 23: Human Autobiography Chapter 23

Author: Matt Ridley
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-10-01
Features: "A fascinating tour of the human genome—if you want a glimpse into the dawning age of biotechnology, Genome is an excellent starting point." – The Wall Street Journal "An outstanding writer, his elegant and often moving descriptions of the construction of life remind me of the best works of late Lewis Thomas; his explanations of some complex biological processes are among the clearest I have ever seen; he captures their elusive beauty." – The Washington Post. Book World "An exciting journey... The material is very up-to-date... Ridley has included just the right amount of history and personal anecdotes to spice up the science. He is a great storyteller." – Scientific American
Heaven and earth were created, the sea waves crashed against the shore, fish swam in the water, birds sang, animals roamed the land, but there was still no superior being with a soul capable of ruling the world. Then Prometheus was born, endowing all things with wisdom and stealing fire from the heavens to illuminate the earth. Perhaps, the mapping of the human genome's 23 pairs of chromosomes is the most significant scientific discovery of the new century. The questions it raises are as many as the ones it answers. These questions will profoundly influence how we think about diseases, lifespan, and free will. These questions will affect your later life. What will be the consequences of this incredible breakthrough? Genome offers exceptional insight into this. By selecting a recently discovered gene on each pair of chromosomes and telling its story, Matt Ridley narrates the history of our species and its ancestors from the dawn of life to the forefront of future medicine. He explores the scientific, philosophical, and ethical issues raised by the mapping of the genome, helping you understand what this scientific milestone means for you, for your children, and for humanity.
Ridley is an extraordinary guide, leading us on the same path through three wondrous landscapes: the 4-billion-year history of life, the 23 chromosomes within us, and the repository of ideas and laboratories of molecular biology. He knows the scenery along this path intimately, explaining with vivid and engaging storytelling. This is a delightful journey, yielding surprises, knowledge, and a series of questions that demand rethinking.
This book is a popular science masterpiece by British science journalist Matt Ridley, published in 2000, which received widespread acclaim upon release and became a bestseller in both the UK and the US. It is considered one of the best popular science books on genetics. In 2001, the Chinese traditional character edition was published in Taiwan and has been reprinted seven times. The Chinese simplified character edition has been endorsed by 42 scientists, writers, humanities scholars, and publishers.