Download PDF Drawing the Map of Life Inside the Human Genome Project A Merloyd Lawrence Book 9780465028955 Medicine Health Science Books

Download As PDF : Drawing the Map of Life Inside the Human Genome Project A Merloyd Lawrence Book 9780465028955 Medicine Health Science Books

Drawing the Map of Life takes the story of the Human Genome Project from its origins, through the race to its accomplishment, and on to today's vast efforts to exploit the complete, ordered sequence of the 3 billion subunits of DNA, the molecule of heredity. It is the first account to deal in depth and balance with the intellectual roots of the project, the motivations that drove it, and the hype that often masked genuine triumphs. McElheny profiles key people, such as David Botstein, Eric Lander, Francis Collins, Watson, Michael Hunkapiller and Craig Venter. He also shows that, besides being a major event in the history of science, one that is revolutionizing medicine, the Human Genome Project is a striking example of how new techniques and instruments (such as restriction enzymes and sequencing methods), often arriving first, shape the type of questions scientists then ask.

Download PDF Drawing the Map of Life Inside the Human Genome Project A Merloyd Lawrence Book 9780465028955 Medicine Health Science Books

"I do not have a strong biology background, but I do have a scientific one. I like my science non-fiction to contain some depth but preferably with some narrative. This book really could have used some heavy handed editing. I think another commentary mentioned that it read like a collection of magazine essays. That said, there is a lot of information in there. It might not come where you expect it. It might not be worked in seamlessly, but its there."

Product details Series A Merloyd Lawrence Book Paperback 400 pages Publisher Basic Books; Reprint edition (July 31, 2012) Language English ISBN-10 0465028950

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Drawing the Map of Life Inside the Human Genome Project A Merloyd Lawrence Book 9780465028955 Medicine Health Science Books Reviews :

Drawing the Map of Life Inside the Human Genome Project A Merloyd Lawrence Book 9780465028955 Medicine Health Science Books Reviews

• I do not have a strong biology background, but I do have a scientific one. I like my science non-fiction to contain some depth but preferably with some narrative. This book really could have used some heavy handed editing. I think another commentary mentioned that it read like a collection of magazine essays. That said, there is a lot of information in there. It might not come where you expect it. It might not be worked in seamlessly, but its there.
• Explains very well the complexity of human genes. Excellent resource.
• Detailed explanation for the foundation of life but written for the layman, with just enough science gossip to keep it light.
• I read other books on the Human Genome project, but this one had quite some new facts in it. Well written too!
• It get's too much into the academic and personal backgrounds of the scientists. It sort of jumps around from story to story and technology to technology without doing a great job of connecting them and giving an overall story.
• I finished reading Drawing the Map of Life Inside the Human Genome Project by Victor McElheny. This fascinating book covers the Human Genome Project (HGP) from its esoteric origin with the double helix structure of DNA by James Watson and Francis Crick through the public genome research and private ventures of Francis Collins and Craig Venter, et.al. It is a testament to the trials and tribulations that ultimately brought together some of the best scientific minds for the collaborative betterment of mankind. This project, perhaps more than any other in history, demonstrates the push-pull and often adversarial relationship between academia and private industry can lead to outstanding results.
  
  McElheny's involvement not only as a science reporter, but as coordinator of human genetics conferences from the early days of the project, gives you the sense that he really knows the people that the book is written about. His storytelling style draws you into the often complex subject in a compelling way. When the project began, the effort required to sequence 3 billion nucleotides (subunits) was mind-numbing and beyond the imagination of most of the scientific community. It took the vision and dreams of the committed few to convince the many, that not only was the project worthwhile, but that the estimated cost of $1 per nucleotide, could be achieved. In comparison, the roughly $3 trillion spent annually on health-care in the United States, this modest investment of $3 billion over the 20 years of the big-science human genome sequencing project smacks of under-investment. Surely vindicated in retrospect, it also serves as a reminder that big-science conducted openly in the public domain has far reaching implications to global well-being.
  
  It is truly amazing what humanity can accomplish when the spirit of scientific collectivism moves it. Individual egos and petty aspirations of glory coupled with corporate profitability can conspire to unravel even the most altruistic of goals, but even these can be managed given the right conditions and leadership. If you are interested in the subject, as most educated people I know are, add this book to your reading list. It restored my trust that the National Institute of Health (NIH) had the necessary guidance and noble aspirations worthy of our nation.
• A very nice book indeed. It summarises all that was known till 2010. It is useful for both the layman,and the specialist,and more particularly for students.