A Crack in Creation: Gene Editing and the Unthinkable Power to Control Evolution in Science and Inquiry

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A Crack in Creation: Gene Editing and the Unthinkable Power to Control Evolution

Jennifer A. Doudna,

Samuel H. Sternberg

Start date: June 1, 2018

Finish date: June 30, 2018

Discussion: Book Club 2018

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Book Club 2018

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What Members Thought

Jun 17, 2018 David Rubenstein rated it it was amazing

Shelves: technology, biology, medicine, ethics

This is a wonderful book, written by the scientist who discovered that the CRISPR reaction could be applied as a powerful gene-editing tool. In the first half of the book, Jennifer Doudna writes a powerful story about the history of gene manipulation and eventually, gene editing. With this technique, scientists can edit an individual DNA letter, replacing or inserting mutation or error in the DNA code. The first half of the book is very technical, and I cannot say that I followed it completely. This is a wonderful book, written by the scientist who discovered that the CRISPR reaction could be applied as a powerful gene-editing tool. In the first half of the book, Jennifer Doudna writes a powerful story about the history of gene manipulation and eventually, gene editing. With this technique, scientists can edit an individual DNA letter, replacing or inserting mutation or error in the DNA code. The first half of the book is very technical, and I cannot say that I followed it completely. The book is illustrated with numerous diagrams, but unfortunately, these diagrams did not shine much insight into the discussion. I am not really sure why they were included, at all.

The CRISPR reaction is a method that evolved in bacteria, to defend against invading viruses. Jennifer Doudna, in collaboration with other scientists, discovered how that very method could be used to edit genes with very high efficiency. Moreover, the method is relatively simply, and does not require an expensive laboratory.

The second half of the book is much less technical in nature. First, the book describes a number of successful uses of CRISPR, in the manipulation of genes in plants, animals, and even in humans. Then the book changes course somewhat, and describes the ethical dilemmas that await society, as we discover the capabilities and limitations of gene editing. These dilemmas will occur when attempts to edit the human genome are begun in earnest. What will be the unintended consequences? The techniques have the greatest promise in curing genetically inherited diseases, like sickle cell, Tay Sachs, some types of cancer, and many others. Right now, there is the possibility that CRISPR might edit no only the intended DNA sequence, but other DNA sequences as well. Perhaps in time, such problems will be overcome.

I just love books by scientists who have been at the forefront of research--provided that the books are well written. This book certainly qualifies, and I whole-heartedly recommend it to anybody who is interested in the new revolutionary advances in the forefront of science and medicine. ...more

49 likes · Like · see review

May 01, 2018 Charlene rated it it was amazing

Shelves: general-science

I found this book equally informative and annoying. So much GREAT information. Crispr is nothing short of miraculous. Have you ever studied viruses or plasmids and been amazed at how a virus knows how to cut into a gene sequence and take over a cell and eventually tons of cells inside an entire organisms? This is that on a much more intense scale. Absolutely love this technology!

The writing not was as great as I had hoped. I liked to be wowed without having to sift through bragging or what seem ...more

10 likes · Like · see review

Jul 22, 2018 Mary rated it really liked it

Shelves: science

If you want to learn about the future of gene therapy and gene editing, read this book. It was published in 2016, and things are moving quickly in this field, but the basics, the problems, and ethical concerns are addressed here.

Written by leaders in the field Dr. Doudna and Dr. Sternberg, it provides clear and concise explanations. I did need to go back and refresh what I may have learned and forgotten about bacteria or I may just have been learning about the developments that have taken place ...more

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Aug 13, 2021 Mag rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

An excellent companion to The Code Breaker by Walter Isaacson, which is mainly about Jennifer Doudna as a person, and about all the intricacies of what the contemporary research race looks like. There is a description there of CRISPR as a technique but not enough for me. This book is written by Doudna and one of her former doctoral students. It explains the technique at length and then goes into its medical and ethical implications. I found it really interesting throughout.

2 likes · Like · see review