Overview

The realisation that an individual genetic code can result in multiple different outcomes is at the heart of epigenetics - the most exciting discipline in biology today. At the beginning of this century enormous progress had been made in genetics. The Human Genome Project finished sequencing human DNA. It seemed it was only a matter of time until we had all the answers to the secrets of life on this planet. The cutting edge of biology, however is telling us that we still don't even know all of the questions. How is it that , despite each cell in your body carrying exactly the same DNA, you don't have teeth growing out of your eyeballs or toenails on your liver? How is it that identical twins share exactly the same DNA and yet can exhibit dramatic differences in the way that they live and grow? It turns out that cells read the genetic code in DNA more like a script to be interpreted that a mould that replicates the same result each time. This is epigenetics and it's the fastest-moving field in biology today. The Epigenetics Revolution traces the thrilling path this discipline has taken over the last twenty years. Biologist Ness Carey deftly explains such diverse phenomena as how queen bees and ants control their colonies, why tortoiseshell cats are always female, why some plants need a period of cold before they can flower, why we age, develop disease and become addicted to drugs, and much more. Most excitingly, Carey reveals the amazing possibilities that epigenetics offers for us all - and in the surprisingly near future. 'Nessa Carey writes brightly and humanely and is full of optimism for this exciting new dawn'. Peter Forbes - The Guardian

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9781848312920

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Reviews

'Nessa Carey takes us on a lively and up-to-date tour of what's known about epigenetic mechanisms and their implications for ageing and cancer.' -- BBC Focus 'A book that would have had Darwin swooning - anyone seriously interested in who we are and how we function should read this book.' -- Guardian '[A] splendidly clear explanation' -- Colin Berry * The Oldie * 'Fascinating stuff.' -- Bookseller 'A hugely compelling explanation of the very latest from the frontline of modern biology ... The Epigenetics Revolution traces the thrilling path this discipline has taken over the last twenty years.' -- Waterstones 'This is a readable book that applies scientific theory to the everyday world.' -- Bookseller 'Her book combines an easy style with a textbook's thoroughness.' -- Nature 'Sees DNA as a film script, with plenty of room for interpretation and retakes. Carey's experience of the biotechnology industry shows in her concluding remarks on the pros and cons of our growing understanding of epigenetics for drug discovery, and on understanding the impact of diet and environment on disease.' -- Nature 'An exhilarating exploration of an exciting new field, and a good gift for a bright biology student looking for a career choice.' -- Kirkus Review

<p>An enlightening introduction to what scientists have learned in the past decade about [epigenetics].--Carl Zimmer The Wall Street Journal (01/01/0001)

Author Information

Nessa Carey has a PhD in virology from the University of Edinburgh and has worked in the biotech industry for nearly ten years.

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