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3.75 AVERAGE
3.75 AVERAGE
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
medium-paced
This is a clear and lucid tale of DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid), written by one of the men who discovered the structure of the molecule. It delves into the history of the discovery, the human genome project, the potential of DNA in various areas such as GM foods, developing new medicines and combating crime. It becomes clear that much of the public and political fear in regards to DNA originates in ignorance. Other things, such as patenting genes, is absolutely horrifying because it effectively curtails further studies by increasing the cost. Sometimes in areas that would desperately need it. I don't know what kind of legislation allows this, it is absolutely absurd. The book itself is immensely readable and easily understandable even to the lay person. I am somewhat jealous of Watson for having been at the forefront of molecular biology - it must have been and must still be incredibly exciting to be on the cutting-edge of science.
informative
medium-paced
A history of genetics peppered throughout with the author's often condescending personal opinions on just about everything. Probably could have been half the length had he stuck to the facts and left his ego out of it. And just how many times do we need to hear about his white skin being at risk for cancer? Dude has issues. It's a thorough and fascinating history but I suspect you can get the same information from a much less biased book.
Remarkable. James Watson wrote a book detailing the history of DNA since medieval times to modern day heated debates of the late 90s and early 2000s (of which I was a child and had no clue about that time).
The science of DNA and genes are known because of the works for 100s or 1000s of scientists working together for decades. The first part of the book gave a smooth introduction to DNA and what it is. The second part detailed the events of how DNA and genes were researched. The second part was written in a way it felt like it an action movie — fast paced and filled with some conflict. The third part invested a lot in elaborating the ethics of studying and applying genes to practical medicine.
Superb book, though it is not one to read for relaxing. You need to turn on your brain for this one.
The science of DNA and genes are known because of the works for 100s or 1000s of scientists working together for decades. The first part of the book gave a smooth introduction to DNA and what it is. The second part detailed the events of how DNA and genes were researched. The second part was written in a way it felt like it an action movie — fast paced and filled with some conflict. The third part invested a lot in elaborating the ethics of studying and applying genes to practical medicine.
Superb book, though it is not one to read for relaxing. You need to turn on your brain for this one.
I'm only writing this review because I don't want my friends to see my 4 star rating and think that I'm a fan of James Watson, haha.
Considering the things I know about him as a person, this book didn't annoy me as much as I thought it would. (Still can't help but suspect there was a great deal of editing to tone down the racism, sexism and general condescension found in his other work and public comments.)
Agreed with some bits about how politics and religion can get in the way of scientific progress but didn't agree with some of his solutions, especially the more radical proposals.
Gave it 4 stars because despite myself, I thought it was a pretty good overview of genetic history and subfields at time of publication.
Considering the things I know about him as a person, this book didn't annoy me as much as I thought it would. (Still can't help but suspect there was a great deal of editing to tone down the racism, sexism and general condescension found in his other work and public comments.)
Agreed with some bits about how politics and religion can get in the way of scientific progress but didn't agree with some of his solutions, especially the more radical proposals.
Gave it 4 stars because despite myself, I thought it was a pretty good overview of genetic history and subfields at time of publication.
challenging
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
informative
medium-paced
challenging
informative
medium-paced