Bibliograph

A crack in creation, gene editing and the unthinkable power to control evolution, Jennifer A. Doudna, Samuel H. Sternberg

Type

Label

A crack in creation, gene editing and the unthinkable power to control evolution, Jennifer A. Doudna, Samuel H. Sternberg

Language

eng

Bibliography note

Includes bibliographical references (pages 250-269) and index

Illustrations

illustrations

Index

index present

Literary Form

non fiction

Main title

A crack in creation

Nature of contents

bibliography

Oclc number

953709904

Responsibility statement

Jennifer A. Doudna, Samuel H. Sternberg

Sub title

gene editing and the unthinkable power to control evolution

Summary

Two Berkeley scientists explore the potential of a revolutionary genetics technology capable of easily and affordably manipulating DNA in human embryos to prevent specific diseases, addressing key concerns about related ethical and societal repercussions"A trailblazing biologist grapples with her role in the biggest scientific discovery of our era; a cheap, easy way of rewriting genetic code, with nearly limitless promise and peril. Not since the atomic bomb has a technology so alarmed its inventors that they warned the world about its use. Not, that is, until the spring of 2015, when biologist Jennifer Doudna called for a worldwide moratorium on the use of the new gene-editing tool CRISPR--a revolutionary technology that she helped create--to make heritable changes in human embryos. The cheapest, simplest, most effective way of manipulating DNA ever known, CRISPR may well give us the cure to HIV, genetic diseases, and some cancers, and will help address the world's hunger crisis. Yet even the tiniest changes to DNA could have myriad, unforeseeable consequences--to say nothing of the ethical and societal repercussions of intentionally mutating embryos to create 'better' humans. Writing with fellow researcher Sam Sternberg, Doudna shares the thrilling story of her discovery, and passionately argues that the ability to rewrite the code of life comes with enormous responsibility. With CRISPR, she shows, we have effectively taken control of evolution. What will we do with this unfathomable power?"

Table Of Contents

Prologue: The wave -- Part I: The tool. The quest for a cure ; A new defense ; Cracking the code ; Command and control -- Part II: The task. The CRISPR menagerie ; To heal the sick ; The reckoning ; What lies ahead -- Epilogue: The beginning

Classification