The Genetic Age cover art

The Genetic Age

Our Perilous Quest to Edit Life

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The Genetic Age

By: Matthew Cobb
Narrated by: Joe Jameson
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About this listen

A new gene editing technology, invented just seven years ago, has turned humanity into gods. Enabling us to manipulate the genes in virtually any organism with exquisite precision, CRISPR has given scientists a degree of control that was undreamt of even in science fiction.

But CRISPR is just the latest, giant leap in a long journey to master genetics. The Genetic Age shows the astonishing, world-changing potential of the new genetics and the possible threats it poses, sifting between fantasy and the reality when it comes to both benefits and dangers.

By placing each phase of discovery, anticipation and fear in the context of over fifty years of attempts to master the natural world, Matthew Cobb, the Baillie-Gifford-shortlisted author of The Idea of the Brain, weaves the stories of science, history and culture to shed new light on our future. With the powers now at our disposal, it is a future that is almost impossible to imagine—but it is one we will create ourselves.

©2022 Matthew Cobb (P)2022 Profile Books Ltd Biological Sciences Evolution & Genetics Genetics Physical Illness & Disease Science Genetic Disease Human Brain

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Most relevant  
Genetics and genes I find difficult and hoped to learn here but instead the book is totally non-technical and tells the story of the goals and politics of gene editing. The writer is somewhere up in admin and familiar with grants, resources, the media, lead scientists (both respectable and malign), ambitions and public attitudes in the decades-long story which unfolds in convoluted twists and turns. Absorbed it all in one day !

Great book for non-experts

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