With increased understanding of hygiene, medicine and nutrition in addition to improvements in bioscience technology, a life expectancy in the triple digits isn't quite as high a leap in imagination as it would have been a couple of centuries ago.

Starting off with a concise science and medical history through the ages, the authors take us through the discovery of germs, viruses and how antibiotics and vaccines were developed. The discovery of the DNA human genome has led to more genetic studies and gene testing that have changed our understanding of diseases, and the development of biotechnology that could prevent or cure them.

But unlike the development of robotic and computer technology which seeks to improve our lifestyles and work, the development in biosciences sometimes come with moral and ethical consideration, especially in the field of cloning. Should we be able to genetically modify embryos and if so, to what extent? Do we have the right to play God? And if we were to continue extending the lifespan of man, what impact will that have on healthcare services and costs? What are the social impacts?

Written succinctly, this made for a very interesting and thought provoking read. Not heavy on medical terminology or detail, it did provide enough information to provide at least a basic understanding in this growing field. ( )