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DNA: The Secret of Life by James D. Watson
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DNA: The Secret of Life

by James D. Watson

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English (5)  French (1)  All languages (6)
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General information about history of DNA discovery.
  sjcomp | Sep 9, 2009 |
From the horse's mouth, a broad-ranging account to mark the 50th anniversary of the double helix. I like his rejection of genetic-engineering-o-phobia.
  fpagan | Dec 9, 2006 |
The book is undoubtedly very interesting. It has lots of information on genetics, genetically modified foods, gene therapy, DNA in crime investigation, in addition to the history of DNA discovery from Mendel onwards. But, it is a one-sided account. Watson touches upon many ethical issues and expresses his, and only his opinion, and finishes there. He never explores pros and cons, never gives other people's opinions, laughs at people who oppose GM foods and gene engineering. Not nice. I, Watson, the "navel of the world". Worth reading, though, for the info. ( )
  Niecierpek | Nov 25, 2006 |
James Watson has long been a hero to many, including this humble reviewer. His justified fame is augmented with a laudable forthrightness, a rarity in this era of political correctness and fear of new scientifically grounded knowledge of the nature of the human beast. His honesty in confronting the meaning in the data and willingness to take on the theologians and the pseudo-scientific quacks who infest the departments of theology, anthropology, psychology and sociology of the academies is an inspiration to us all.
DNA is not just a book about genes and DNA. It is about the essential nature of man himself, and the political controversies generated by the new insights. Is is a tale of how this new science is finally vanquishing the old wives' tales, the mantras of the bishops, and the ignorance of the wishful thinkers. Watson is a brilliant exponent of the hard truth over the comfortable conformity.

He was, though, I thought, a little hard on the eugenics movement of the early part of the last century. This is an idea that has never really been vanquished, nor should it be--man will (hopefully) never cease to try to improve himself and his race. These men knew, as we must, that in these matters we are required to proceed in the absence of perfect information about the consequences of our natal policies. In a hundred years our present ignorance will stand revealed, as will that be two hundred years hence. Should we rely on what we know now, or should we only rely on tradition, theologians, and mass-media induced hysteria in the meantime?

On race, Watson is courageous and not afraid to let the data take us where it will. He believes that we have a lot to learn yet on this subject, and is not ready to be pushed around by the dogmatists who are only to willing to tell us how to think. Good for him!

The book is an excellent read, and is very attractive in its layout and generous illustrations. The writing style he uses is exceptionally clear--even conversational at times, navigating the space between talking down to the reader and an academic rant with great skill and sensitivity to his audience. It has a lot for the reader already knowledgeable about molecular biology, as well as, incredibly, the general reader. ( )
  DonSiano | Oct 20, 2006 |
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Wikipedia in English (4)

DNA

Eugenics

James D. Watson

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Book description

Amazon.com (ISBN 0375710078, Paperback)

What makes DNA different from hordes of competitors purporting to help readers understand genetics is that it is written by none other than James Watson, of Watson and Crick fame. He and his co-author Andrew Berry have produced a clear and easygoing history of genetics, from Mendel through genome sequencing. Watson offers readers a sense of immediacy, a behind-the scenes familiarity with some of the most exciting developments in modern science. He gleefully reports on the research juggernaut that led to current obsessions with genetic engineering and cloning. Aided by profuse illustrations and photos, Watson offers an enthusiastic account of how scientists figured out how DNA codes for the creation of proteins--the so-called "central dogma" of genetics. But as patents and corporations enter the picture, Watson reveals his concern about the incursions of business into the hallowed halls of science.

After 1975, DNA was no longer solely the concern of academics trying to understand the molecular underpinnings of life. The molecule moved beyond the cloisters of white-coated scientists into a very different world populated largely by men in silk ties and sharp suits.

In later chapters, Watson aims barbs at those who are concerned by genetic tinkering, calling them "alarmists" who don't understand how the experiments work. It is in these arguments that Watson may lose favor with those whose notions of science were born after Silent Spring. Nevertheless, DNA encompasses both sides of the political issues involved in genetics, and Watson is an enthusiastic proponent of debate on the subject. The book accompanies a 5-part PBS series. --Therese Littleton

(retrieved from Amazon Fri, 24 Apr 2009 07:57:58 -0400)

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