Age-Decoded (Paperback or Softback)

What could possibly go awry with the advent of CRISPR genetic engineering? This novel is a fascinating exploration of the impact of technology on humanity. As with previous scientific breakthroughs such as nuclear and IT, genetic engineering will have double-edged implications. First-time author Dr. Mark Ryall beautifully crafts this reality through the lives, feelings, and struggles of several compelling characters in the near future. It's a future he forecasts for you, for all of us. The story's heroine is Nobel-winning genomicist Dr. Frieda Sengmeuller, who invents "age-decoding" - a genetic engineering method to stop human aging. When most humans are age-decoded in the year 2053, Authority leaders secretly use CRISPR to entrench their power by removing people's "propensity to dissent". They contain Frieda underground for two centuries and force her to research "reverse-aging". Frieda's daughter Ximena teams up with government insider Tavon Brooks in a desperate attempt to rescue her. ​​​This literary work depicts the moral and political challenges humans could face with the impending tsunami of genetic engineering.

Mark Ryall recently retired from teaching economics and mathematics at Hillfield Strathallan College in Hamilton, Ontario. He represented Canada in the ITU World Triathlon Championships in 2017 Rotterdam and 2019 Lausanne, and also qualified for 2023 Spain.

In March 2021, he published his first novel, the science fiction Age-Decoded. Mark wrote it to educate himself and others about the imminent impact of genetic engineering on humanity. In September 2022, he published the book Run Father, Run Daughter, an autobiographical account of the competitive running journey of him and his daughter Stephanie.

Mark is also an avid snooker player and golfer. His education includes BSc, MBA, and Ph.D. (University of Toronto).