The Genome Generation

by Elizabeth Finkel

The year 2001 marked more than just the beginning of Stanley Kubrick's Space Odyssey , it marked the beginning of the genome era. That was the year scientists first read the 3 billion letters of DNA that make up the human genome. This was followed by a veritable Noah's Ark of genomes—sponges and worms, dogs and cows, rice and wheat, chimps and elephants—180 creatures aboard so far. So what have we learned from all this? How has it changed the way we practise medicine, grow crops and breed livestock? What have we learned about evolution? These are the questions science writer and molecular biologist Elizabeth Finkel asked herself four years ago. To find the answers she travelled the science frontier from Botswana to Boston, from Warracknabeal to Mexico and tracked down scientists working in the field. Their stories, told here, paint the picture of what it means to be part of the genome generation.

' The Genome Generation is absolutely riveting. These tales from the frontier are a 'must read' for everyone who wishes to understand our past—the logic of evolution—or take a peep into our exciting future at the creation of 'super plants' through 'digital agriculture'.'—R.A. Mashelkar, CSIR Bhatnagar Fellow and India President, Global Research Alliance

Genres: Nonfiction

256 pages, Hardcover

First published November 1, 2011

Reviews

[Sali · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book presents a wonderful and unique perspective on genetics and particularly how they impact everyday issues. I was really impressed by the level of research, and the never ending references to influencial thinkers and scientists both past and present. having no prior background on the topic, i was drawn into the stories and the useful diagrams that explain some complex science. Really enjoyed it.

[Julianne Negri · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wonderful analogies - from cars to catoons - that make such complex stuff not only readable but intriguing. Some chapters (HIV) are even suspenseful! Amazing stuff that makes your mind expand while actually grasping the topic. The genome is intrinsic to all of us and this book presents it in a way that totally shies away from elitism. Very democratic and informative - the best of science writing.

[Latifah · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book made a major influence on me. It took me five months to finish this book, not because it's written in a way that is so hard to comprehend, but rather the opposite. It's so easy to understand to the point that it intrigued me to search in depth after almost each chapter.
I gave it 4 starts though because some chapters were not aligned with my taste. Like the chapters of evolution. I know that evolution is an important subject to understand and I do get the general idea of it anyway, it's just that it's not a passion for me to go over historical events. It made me realize that I'm not a historian, not even from a genetical point of view. I'm definitely a futurist. When the author talks about Epigenetics and the major contribution of the Human Genome Project in the future made me so excited and passionate about genetics in general and Epigenetics in particular.

[Nick · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book, and especially as a Aussie. Elizabeth discusses Australia scientists and there contributions to the field. Of course the content is a little old for someone that is up to date in the field.

I would recommend this to anyone that doesn't know that much about Genetics.

[Iwaloye Favour]

Pls help me out,I need guidelines on how to read o book of my choice.when I see those books I dnt knw whether to click on it to start reading.fast response pls