Genome: The Story of the Most Astonishing Scientific Adventure of Our Time--The Attempt to Map All the Genes in the Human Body - Softcover

Bishop, Jerry E; Waldholz, Michael

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1583487409 ISBN 13: 9781583487402

Publisher: iUniverse, 1999

Synopsis

Told with the pacing of a great suspense novel, Genome tells the very real story of what could be the most ambitious scientific research project ever undertaken: the attempt to identify all the genes in the human body; estimated to number from 50,000 to 100,000. These genes, located in the nucleus of the human cell, contain the blueprints for thousands of proteins that make up the body's tissues and vital organs, from muscles to brain cells, as well as the instructions for making the thousands of chemicals that literally give us life.

By mapping the human genome, scientists can study and even reproduce the chemical components that run the human machine. This knowledge will revolutionize the treatments for and the prevention of diseases. In this newly updated edition, the authors explain how we may soon have the ability to control our genetic fate. This unprecendented power, however, presents society with new dangers. In Genome, we learn much about the fascinating challenges...both scientific and ethical...that lie ahead.

About this title

From Publishers Weekly

The nucleus of every cell in our bodies contains 50,000-100,000 genes. In an international "gene mapping" effort, scientists are attempting to determine the precise location of each gene on specific chromosomes. Although much of this research has been conducted in only the last 10 years, already the genes for Huntington's disease, muscular dystrophy and cystic fibrosis have been located, as well as "susceptibility genes" that predispose one to heart disease and, possibly, to alcoholism. Evidence links certain defective genes or the absence of other genes, to various cancers. The authors, both Wall Street Journal reporters, here offer an expert guided tour through the new world of genetic mapping, pausing to consider ethical dilemmas posed by genetic diagnosis of the unborn, privacy issues and potential use of individual genetic profiles by employers or insurance companies. First serial to Longevity and American Health.
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.

From Library Journal

The best way to evaluate this book is in comparison with Lois Wingerson's Mapping Our Genes ( LJ 6/1/90). The subject of both books is the government-funded program to map every gene in human DNA and the medical, ethical, and scientific questions that effort raises. Many of the stories and the persons are the same in both books, and both are creditable efforts to explain this fascinating project. Still, Wall Street Journal reporters Bishop and Waldholz are unafraid to describe more technical details, and their book is broader in scope, compellingly written, and ultimately the more satisfying. Wingerson focuses more on the test patients and their families, and this human approach will appeal to many. Both are recommended, but Genome is the first choice for most libraries, and the only one truly suited for academic libraries.
- Gregg Sapp, Montana State Univ. Lib., Bozeman
Copyright 1990 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Edition details

• Publisher: iUniverse
• Publication date: 1999
• ISBN 10: 1583487409
• ISBN 13: 9781583487402
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 388