Bibliograph

The genetic age, our perilous quest to edit life, Matthew Cobb

Type

Label

The genetic age, our perilous quest to edit life, Matthew Cobb

Language

eng

Bibliography note

Includes bibliographical references and index

Illustrations

illustrationsplates

Index

index present

Literary Form

non fiction

Main title

The genetic age

Nature of contents

bibliography

Responsibility statement

Matthew Cobb

Sub title

our perilous quest to edit life

Summary

How fifty years of genetic engineering have brought us to the brink of a profound and disturbing future, from Baille Gifford-shortlisted scientist Matthew Cobb. 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

Table Of Contents

Introduction -- Prelude -- Tools -- Biohazards -- Asilomar -- Politics -- Business -- Bio-riches -- Frankenfood -- Suspicion -- Therapy -- Editing -- #CRISPRbabies -- Aftermath -- Biocide -- Weapons -- Gods? -- Perspective

Classification