Recently, a fetus in Sichuan was diagnosed with chimeric hyperandrogen syndrome (47,xyy syndrome) in the hospital. After a month of struggle, the family finally decided to terminate the pregnancy. This rare genetic disease has once again aroused public concern about genetic mutations and genetic diseases.
Because of this, our research on genes is particularly important. It is not only related to individual health, but also determines our understanding of the nature of life. Today, with the rapid progress of medical science, understanding and dealing with these complex genetic problems cannot be separated from the unremitting efforts and in-depth research of scientists. To truly understand the development history and far-reaching impact of these cutting-edge sciences, "Decoding Life: The Race to Cracking the Genetic Code and the Revolution in Molecular Biology since the 20th Century" newly published by CITIC Publishing Group is undoubtedly an excellent popular science guide.
The author of "Decoding Life" is Matthew Cobb, a professor of zoology, neuroscientist, and science writer at the University of Manchester in the United Kingdom. His work "The Brain" won the 18th Wenjin Book Award of the National Library of China and was widely praised.
In "Decoding Life: The Race to Cracking the Genetic Code and the Revolution in Molecular Biology since the 20th Century," Matthew Cobb reviews the scientific community's understanding of genetic phenomena and genetic information, DNA, since Mendel's pioneering pea research. The process of understanding the composition and structure of DNA, the relationship between genes and DNA, and other issues, and describes in a detective novel-like style a competition between scientists from many countries to decipher the genetic code after the discovery of the double helix structure.
This cognitive revolution about life is also the result of the integration of disciplines. This book novelly shows how the fields of physics, information theory, cybernetics, and computers have made great contributions to understanding and deciphering the genetic code through their own unique methods and perspectives. contribute.
In this process, a completely new discipline—molecular biology—came into being. From genetically modified crops to the human genome project, from gene therapy to gene editing, from artificial life synthesis to using DNA to store data, these revolutionary breakthroughs have touched every aspect of our lives and made many plots that once existed only in science fiction become a reality. .
"Decoding Life" not only briefly describes dozens of Nobel Prize winners and their outstanding achievements, but also shows a magnificent picture of human intelligence. This book can be called the prehistory and sequel to James Watson's famous work "The Double Helix". It provides a detailed analysis of the birth, development and widespread influence of molecular biology. It also inherits and updates the classic "The Eighth Day of Creation" .
Text/Beijing Youth Daily reporter Zhang Jia
