Customer Reviews

The Geneticist Who Played Hoops with My DNA: . . . And Other Masterminds from the Frontiers of Biotech

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Author David Duncan, in The Geneticist Who Played Hoops With My DNA, spotlights the ongoing research in biotechnology. This effort is fueled by "an unprecedented surge of funding from government and the private sector, and supported by a society that loves gadgets, the medical miracles, and the standard of living afforded by modern science."(7) Duncan questions how "we [society] know for sure what they [scientists] -and we- are doing, and what will its impact be?"(10) The consequences of unraveling the human genetic code, while hopefully beneficial, could prove harmful. Scientist's reassurances notwithstanding, breakthroughs in biotechnology, as in all cutting edge discoveries, necessarily involves risks. Searching for the balance between caution and progress, Duncan assesses the motivations and personalities of nine scientists involved in this groundbreaking work.

Duncan compares his subjects to biblical, mythological, or literary figures. His "Eve" is Cynthia Kenyon; an able communicator who cautions that "we shouldn't be taken by surprise"(79) by the potential for extending life. "Paul," Francis Collins, is a scientist as well as being a devout Christian. Duncan's "Faustus," Craig Venter, heralds his innocence from profiteering, proclaiming "it was the tools we were out to sell, not the genome itself."(135) The chief of Greek gods, "Zeus," is James Watson, the overseer of the Cold Spring Harbor research facility. The devilish "Puck," Sydney Brenner, sees "science as a great game."(182)

One eminent scientist, Paul Berg, is characterized by Duncan as the wise "Moses" leading his flock to the Promised Land because Berg delayed an experiment until he was certain it could be conducted safely. The Asilomar Conference in1975, addressed this and other issues that led to formal recommendations for the conduct of potentially dangerous experiments. Berg's leadership in this regard is exemplary. In another time and place, for example, it is doubtful whether Oppenheimer or Groves would have agreed to postpone the testing of the first atomic bomb. Prior to the test the consequences for mankind remained unresolved, but it was wartime and such issues were subordinate to defeating the enemy.

Because of the extraordinary possibilities and risks from genetic research, it is the scientists responsibility to prove themselves deserving of society's confidence. By focusing the spotlight on the "roll of personality in science,"(14) Duncan tells us how geneticists interact to moderate risks while simultaneously advancing cutting edge science. Through personal interviews, Duncan describes their projects, what motivates them, and assesses how moral, ethical, or regulatory boundaries govern the manner and scope of their research. We see that scientists are human but ambitious and sometimes arrogant people who, like Douglas Melton ("Prometheus"), test the limits of what society accepts as ethically "normal."

Duncan's main point is that a dialogue between science and society is the key to balancing safety and risk so, as Cynthia Kenyon cautions, there are no surprises. The fundamental question for society is not whether DNA research should be done at all, but whether any science can be done morally and ethically "right." Duncan leaves the impression that, at least with his nine scientists, society's trust is deserved. This is a significantly endorsement but, since it is limited only to nine geneticists in one field of research, the question remains whether civilization can or will do the right thing. Only time will tell, and it will be up to historians to write the tale.

This is perfect reading for anyone who feels overwhelmed by current biotech events in the news, and that's basically all of us non-scientists. Most of have strong feelings about ethical decisions biotech presents us, big fears about science fiction cloning disasters, and firmly entrenched moral and religious values. But who the hell knows what these scientists are really doing and what goes on in all those molecules? We need to know that to deal with all of our fears, beliefs and passions -- and this book is THE place to start. Fun, a great read, it introduces us to the incredible people behind biotech and the science they offer us.

Duncan has done what we all long for -- delved to the bottom of an important, complex subject, and told us about it in accessible, fun-loving style. This is a great way to get acquainted with a topic that is fast becoming the center of modern life -- how scientists are finding new recipes and tools to play with, and free everyone from, the old confines of the imperfect human body. Read it and laugh, and learn. It's a treat from start to finish.

I ordered this book for my daughter who needed to read it as a school assignment. I paid for expedited shipping but it was mailed first class and it took over a week to arrive. Bad business if you ask me

I am not a person versed in biotechnology, but I LOVED this book. I found Duncan's writing both highly entertaining and educational, full of fascinating science and even more fascinating characters. The profiles of leading scientists made me laugh, shake my head, and want to stand up and applaud. It's impossible not to be dazzled by the people in this book, and turned on by the science itself.

Duncan has skillfully brought readers into the world of some of the key scientists in the biotech field - Doug Melton, Francis Collins, Craig Venter, James Watson etc. The intensive competition & personalities within the field are vividly illustrated, thru Duncan's humourous writing styles, solid research & personal meetings with scientists.
As once said by James Watson: 'Science seldom proceeds in the straightforward logical manner imagined by outsiders. Instead, its steps forward (& sometimes backward) are often very human events in which personalities & cultural traditions play major roles.'; 'The Geneticist who Played Hoops with my DNA' is a slamp dunk & provides readers with an engaging glimpse to such 'human events'.

It's amazing how this author can bring such a complicated subject down to the masses.
I understand that he is an english major, yet he talks the scientific jargon quite well.
I found the book thought provoking, readable and so very interesting.
I recommed it without reservation.

Difficult material on genetics made more readable by focusing on the personal traits of great researchers. It helps if you have some professional background in the bio-sciences. This new, complex world of DNA and genetics will only continue to surprise us in the improved techniques and the great possibilities of treatment for genetic fault diseases. I found the book very interesting.

In the developed world the various sciences connected with DNA are leading a revolution in the way we view the human body.

In part, this book describes a complete genetic scan given to the author. The scan is looking for genes that prescribe a likelyhood of future diseases. Each of the major diseases that affect men are analyzed to see what his future holds. This is combined with some serious thinking about the implications of knowing that you are pre-disposed to have cancer, Alzheimers, Huntington's Disease or something else that is pretty nasty.

In addition the book reports on a series of discussions with leading researchers at the forefront of knowledge about DNA. This gives an up to date view of the state of the art as it exists today.

This is a fascinating book to explain a science that will have impact on us all. As I read it though, I was almost constantly reminded of the situation in Botswanna where the average life span is expected to drop to 27 years by the year 2010 because of AIDS. The differences in the two worlds is astounding.

David Duncan, whose last outing was the best-selling "Calendar", returns with an enjoyable, accessible and highly readable account of some of biotech's leading figures. Mr. Duncan, a prominent journalist in the field, plays a part in the story as he relates his own encounters with his subjects and has his own DNA tested. Despite the potentially challenging subject matter, I found the book entertaining and easy to read. This book is great for those who want to learn about this important and fast-developing field or those who are familiar with it and want to learn more about its history and prominent players. The book also includes a discussion of some of the important issues the industry is facing. Highly recommended.