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Sto caricando le informazioni... DNA: il segreto della vita (2003)di James D. Watson, Andrew Berry, James D. Watson
Falling for Science (30) Sto caricando le informazioni...
Iscriviti per consentire a LibraryThing di scoprire se ti piacerà questo libro. Attualmente non vi sono conversazioni su questo libro. I found this really interesting and informative. I liked learning about the development of tests for different genetic diseasea and how the research for these is usually driven by the families most affected by the diseases. It was also an eye opener to find out just how common some of these diseases are. I didn’t really enjoy reading it. The best part was the pretty illustrations. DNA’s biggest flaw was its inconsistent tone. I suspect, and I’m not sure why, that it was a ghost-written book, with James Watson’s name on the cover because he’s the famous scientist who discovered DNA to begin with. If that was the case, I could tell when Watson took over the writing: there were digressions and personal stories. A few chapters were chocked full of scientific explanations for how the double helix works, and I often found myself lost. Other chapters had some scientific explanations but were balanced with discussions of political and social impact of those explanations. Because the book is a glossy book, with color photos, I thought these less scientific chapters should have been the focus. It seems the book was trying to talk to both the experts and the non-experts at the same time. Then again, maybe my inadequacy in science is to blame. It could be that the majority of the readers of nonfiction who pick this beautiful book up will be able to follow it without a problem. More on my blog James Watson (of the Watson and Crick fame) writes an insightful, informative, and entertaining book. As an expert in the topic of DNA he provides a thorough discussion of DNA that is able to be understood by the average scientist. His book covers the discovery of the structure of DNA, the genome project, the use of genetics in medicine and agriculture, and the societal impact of genetics. I strongly recommend this book. An excellent read. The story is told but also so much more background and context is given. We get the science and the personalities and the politics. In fact comprehensive coverage of all three aspects of this pivotal time for the whole human race. You don't need any biology before you read this. Ultimately you are getting one mans views but then again he was there in the middle of it all. Definitely recommended. nessuna recensione | aggiungi una recensione
"Fifty years ago, James D. Watson, then just twenty-four, helped launch the greatest ongoing scientific quest of our time. Now, with unique authority and sweeping vision, he gives us the first full account of the genetic revolution - from Mendel's garden to the double helix to the sequencing of the human genome and beyond." "But genetics as we recognize it today - with its capacity, both thrilling and sobering, to manipulate the very essence of living things - came into being only with the rise of molecular investigations culminating in the breakthrough discovery of the structure of DNA, for which Watson shared a Nobel prize in 1962. In the DNA molecule's graceful curves was the key to a whole new science." "Watson provides the general reader with clear explanations of molecular processes and emerging technologies. He shows us how DNA continues to alter our understanding of human origins, and of our identities as groups and as individuals. And with the insight of one who has remained close to every advance in research since the double helix, he reveals how genetics has unleashed a wealth of possibilities to alter the human condition - from genetically modified food to genetically modified babies - and transformed itself from a domain of pure research into one of big business as well. It is a sometimes topsy-turvy world full of great minds and great egos, driven by ambitions to improve the human condition as well as to improve investment portfolios, a world vividly captured in these pages."--Jacket. Non sono state trovate descrizioni di biblioteche |
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Google Books — Sto caricando le informazioni... GeneriSistema Decimale Melvil (DDC)576.5Natural sciences and mathematics Life Sciences, Biology Genetics and evolution GeneticsClassificazione LCVotoMedia:
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The content is great and broad, from the fundamental building blocks of genetics and history of DNA research, through interesting applications such as GMO, tracing footsteps of our ancestors through the world or cancer, and finishing with a slightly philosophical touch of nature vs. nurture or implications of advancements in the area of prenatal DNA testing etc.
First few chapters are a little dry and require some basic knowledge of organic chemistry, but rest of the book is not technical at all so consider skimming those instead of putting the book away. Especially the second half is full of interesting facts and insights while really well written and enjoyable. ( )