Dancing Matrix: How Science Confronts Emerging Viruses [Paperback]

Robin Marantz Henig (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: February 1, 1994

Even as humanity reels beneath the assault of AIDS, epidemiologists are gearing themselves up for the plague's successor. It might be dengue fever, whose carrier, the Asian tiger mosquito, has recently appeared in the United States, or Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, which has been transmitted by contaminated human growth hormone. The next pandemic might be caused by any of a dozen viruses that were once confined to other species or territories but now place human beings at risk as we increasingly cross their boundaries.

Updated to include the latest research and developments, this fascinating and sometimes unsetting book sums up all that we currently know about viruses: what they are, how they spread, and how scientists are trying to outwit them. Interweaving theory and real-life medical drama, A Dancing Matrix is science reportage at its most suspenseful and informative.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"Viruses have never gotten very good press... In Robin Marantz Henig, however, these tiny, protein-coated genes have found their fairest biographer to date."

-- Los Angeles Times



"Provocative and intelligent...useful and highly readable."

-- The New York Times Book Review

From the Inside Flap

Even as humanity reels beneath the assault of AIDS, epidemiologists are gearing themselves up for the plague's successor. It might be dengue fever, whose carrier, the Asian tiger mosquito, has recently appeared in the United States, or Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease, which has been transmitted by contaminated human growth hormone. The next pandemic might be caused by any of a dozen viruses that were once confined to other species or territories but now place human beings at risk as we increasingly cross their boundaries.

Updated to include the latest research and developments, this fascinating and sometimes unsetting book sums up all that we currently know about viruses: what they are, how they spread, and how scientists are trying to outwit them. Interweaving theory and real-life medical drama, A Dancing Matrix is science reportage at its most suspenseful and informative.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 269 pages
• Publisher: Vintage (February 1, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0679730834
• ISBN-13: 978-0679730835
• Product Dimensions: 5.5 x 0.5 x 8.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.5 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 3.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,495,470 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

9 of 10 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars a must-read on what viruses are and how they work, March 17, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Dancing Matrix: How Science Confronts Emerging Viruses (Paperback)

I recently reread portions of this book -- the Primer on Viruses Chapter and the chapter on influenza -- to supplement my current reading of "The Coming Plague" by Laurie Garrett. Henig's book is a must-read for any layperson (like me) trying to attain literacy in the important area of emerging viruses.

I disagree somewhat with MVERNON's assessment: "A good read for those with a knowledge of the history of viruses but not their pure scientific background, but would leave those without, pondering far too much." I had no difficulty with this book, although of course it's not the same as reading a novel. Previous to reading it, I had read "The Selfish Gene," but nothing else relevant, so my background was very limited. The Primer may take a few readings, but it's worth it when the pieces -- DNA, RNA, proteins, genes, retroviruses, antigens and antibodies -- finally come into focus.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Lovely book on a fascinating topic, March 20, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Dancing Matrix: How Science Confronts Emerging Viruses (Paperback)

I really enjoyed this book! It tells gripping tales of real-life nightmares with energy, insight, and even charm. I also found it very well-informed and extremely clear. I knew almost nothing about this field before I picked up the book, and understood it easily. Henig is an outstanding science writer.

5 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Well versed, general history of viruses with probing issues, September 5, 1998

By 

[e-mail] (Australia) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Dancing Matrix: How Science Confronts Emerging Viruses (Paperback)

Whilst this book is written by a 'writer' and not a scientist, her knowledge of the area is extensive, and she presents an addictive presentation of an area those of us know well. The use of 'interdisciplinary' insight (see p18), is an inspiration to any one working in ANY field. The presentation draws one in like a magnetic force, with a roller coaster of emotion and thought involved. A good read for those with a knowledge of the history of viruses but not their pure scientific background, but would leave those without, pondering far too much.