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The DNA Detectives: How the Double Helix is Solving Puzzles of the Past
What caused the Black Death? What really happened to the Russian Royal Family? Did Anastasia survive the Russian revolution? Could the unnamed victims of the Titanic be returned to their families?
In The DNA Detectives, Anna Meyer provides a fascinating glimpse into one of the newest and most intriguing areas of scientific research. Any DNA that still exists in the remains of living things after their death is called "ancient DNA." But the death doesn't have to be recent — the DNA could be from an organism that died a few days ago, or from an extinct species, such as the Australian thylacine or the New Zealand moa, or from one that died tens of thousands of years ago, such as a Neanderthal or a mammoth. That DNA can survive for such a long time is one thing, but there is much more to it than that.
The study of ancient DNA has been the key to some amazing discoveries. There's a whole smorgasbord of stories to sample — tales of murder, deadly disease, and mysterious disappearances, and even the origins of human life. From the Cretaceous period to the mysteries of the last century, the quest for ancient DNA is revolutionizing our picture of the past.
In The DNA Detectives, Anna Meyer provides a fascinating glimpse into one of the newest and most intriguing areas of scientific research. Any DNA that still exists in the remains of living things after their death is called "ancient DNA." But the death doesn't have to be recent — the DNA could be from an organism that died a few days ago, or from an extinct species, such as the Australian thylacine or the New Zealand moa, or from one that died tens of thousands of years ago, such as a Neanderthal or a mammoth. That DNA can survive for such a long time is one thing, but there is much more to it than that.
The study of ancient DNA has been the key to some amazing discoveries. There's a whole smorgasbord of stories to sample — tales of murder, deadly disease, and mysterious disappearances, and even the origins of human life. From the Cretaceous period to the mysteries of the last century, the quest for ancient DNA is revolutionizing our picture of the past.
- GenresScienceNonfictionHistory
232 pages, Paperback
First published March 27, 2006
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56 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
July 22, 2015
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.
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.
May 15, 2014
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.
July 10, 2019
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.
February 8, 2013
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
Ralph Hermansen 10/30/2007
October 23, 2010
For anyone who likes reading a diary with a science twist you will love this book, I know I did.
December 28, 2015
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!
July 31, 2016
More interesting toward the end.
May 28, 2012
Good, easily read. Very little jargon, and interestin bits of the history it was used to clarify.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews