Detetives do DNA: Como a Dupla Hélice Está Solucionando Mistérios e Crimes do Passado

by Anna Meyer, Ryta Vinagre (Translator), Maria das Graças de Luna (Revisão Técnica)

Watson e Crick não tinham ideia das portas que eles abririam quando descobriram a estrutura dupla da hélice do DNA. Em Detetives do DNA, Anna Meyer desvenda alguns dos mais impressionantes mistérios da história, apresentando cada caso como um pequeno romance e mostrando como, no fim das contas, uma molécula contém muitas respostas. O jovem Luís XVII, filho de Luís XVI e Maria Antonieta, realmente morreu na prisão? O que aconteceu de fato com a princesa Anastácia, filha mais nova do último czar da Rússia? A Peste Negra era mesmo a peste bubônica? Por que a pandemia de gripe de 1918 foi tão letal? O que estava por trás da tuberculose que devastou os índios americanos após a chegada de Colombo?

Novas pesquisas sobre o DNA antigo – que pode ser encontrado em quase qualquer espécime biológico bem preservado com menos de 100 mil anos – responde a todas essas questões.

Com o talento de uma boa contadora de história, Meyer explica em termos simples a ciência que pode finalmente esclarecer o debate sobre o destino dos homens de Neandertal e responder se um dia poderemos clonar uma espécie extinta.

A autora faz revelações surpreendentes para os fãs de história, e a versatilidade da pesquisa sobre o DNA garante que ainda haverá muitos mistérios a serem resolvidos no futuro.

Genres: Science, Nonfiction, History

288 pages, Paperback

First published March 27, 2006

Reviews

[Barbara Meyer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found this a delightful book for for those want a understandable overview of how DNA data can help solve puzzles of the past. Meyer's ability to explain complex data, along with her pleasing writing style, makes for a terrific introduction to the subject. I would warn readers to be aware that the book was published in 2005, and since new discoveries about human evolution and ancient DNA are announced just about weekly now, one simply must keep current by following the science news. I would highly recommend Savante Paabo's "Neanderthal Man: In Search of Lost Genomes" for more updated information on hominid evolution. Though more technical, beginners can still gain insight from this work by one of the founders of paleogenetics.

Hominids are but one chapter in her book though. She skillfully selects some of the more fascinating stories of DNA research and speculates on the future - the cloning of extinct species, the resolution of mysteries about missing royals, and the timely topic of a historic epidemic. I certainly hope we hear more from Anna Meyer.

[Catherine Kesseler · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is interesting an well written. It was really interesting. The edition so read was published in 2006 and the book needs to be updated. I had to google some things to find out current situation.

[Michael Davenport · Rating 4 out of 5]

Engaging book to read. Anna Meyers does a great job telling a story and helping the reader understand how DNA, RNA, PCR, etc works. I also like how she gives sources at the end of the book, which I will eventually check out, but I wish she explained more what is an acceptable match of DNA sequence. She says that Neanderthals and human DNA sequences varied by and average of 26; 26 out of what? What would be acceptable? This is obviously something I need to read more about.

[Ralph Hermansen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I admire writers, who can reduce a complex subject into a compelling simpler story. The book's author, Anna Meyer, has this talent in spades. Her topic is ancient DNA and she has made reading about it into a pleasurable experience. DNA testing is a powerful new tool and she reviews how it can be applied to mysteries of the past. Are the Neanderthals our ancestors? Can extinct animals be regenerated as in the movie, "Jurassic Park"? Even if you have no technical background, you will learn important concepts from this book.

Ralph Hermansen 10/30/2007

[Tasha · Rating 4 out of 5]

For anyone who likes reading a diary with a science twist you will love this book, I know I did.

[Taylor Troncin · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book in high school for a biology class. I do not remember many of the details but I remember really enjoying this book! I hope to find my own copy!

[Sue · Rating 3 out of 5]

More interesting toward the end.

[Sharon · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good, easily read. Very little jargon, and interestin bits of the history it was used to clarify.