Description
Book SynopsisHuman genetics is not the playground of science alone. Genetics concerns all of us, for we all have DNA, genes, genomes, and chromosomes. In fact, our genes determine our appearance and our behaviour. They even define our talents and our health risks. The authors of The Human Recipe explain clearly and with humour what exactly is understood by human genetics. With anecdotes and topical examples they demonstrate how genetics interferes with our everyday lives. What if a DNA analysis reveals that your biological father is someone else than the person you have been calling dad for years? Why do Africans excel in athletics, Asians in gymnastics, and Europeans mainly in sports testing physical strengths? What is the difference between a genetic disease and a contagious illness? The newest developments in human genetics also raise ethical questions and provoke actual debates which the authors do not bypass. Why are many people reluctant to the conception of designer babies and less to rescue babies? Is it possible to eliminate cancer? And are preventive surgeries and amputations the most appropriate solutions to do so? What about privacy in DNA research and forensic databases? Can DNA be stolen and is this considered a serious crime? The Human Recipe is a smart guide to all you want to know about human genetics in our current society.
Trade ReviewThe title of this book itself The Human Recipe illustrates the tongue in cheek approach of the authors to genetic determinism. We find rare and provocative, multidisciplinary insights and perceptions into the socio-ethical issues surrounding both reproductive technologies, genetic research and clinical genetics. Accessible and yet as complex and human as genetic information itself - a must read!
- Bartha Maria Knoppers, Center of Genomics and Policy/McGill University)
En consecuencia, recomendamos encarecidamente la lectura de este inspirador libro que trata cuestiones de gran calado de manera divulgativa —e incluso, en ocasiones, en clave de humor—, consiguiendo con esta vía que la genética humana se vuelva accesible para todos. Elena Atienza Macías, Law and Human Genome Review. Genetics, Biotechnology and Advanced Medicine / Revista de Derecho y Genoma Humano. Genética, Biotecnología y Medicina Avanzada, nr 47
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* Law and Human Genome Review. Genetics, Biotechnology and Advanced Medicine / Revista de Derecho y Genoma Humano. Genética, Biotecnología y Medicina Avanzada *
Table of ContentsPreface Introduction 1 The Genome: The Cookbook of Life 2 Reading Genomes 3 A Gene, a Genome, and Then What? 4 Genetic Disorders 5 Angelina Jolie's Choice 6 Give Me Back My DNA! 7 We Are All Carriers 8 New Test Tracks for Fetus DNA 9 Designer Babies 10 As Long as it Stays in the Family 11 Everyone's Genome Investigated 12 Finding out More Than You Would Want to Know 13 HELP! The Government Has My DNA! 14 Genome Hackers 15 A Neanderthal in All of Us? 16 Mudbloods 17 My Olympic DNA 18 The Godfather 19 Personalizing Medicine to Fit Your Genetic Profile 20 Gene Therapy, a Medicine? 21 Consumer Genomics 22 Genes and Patents 23 X and Y About the Authors Recommended Literature
