2nd Edition
by Robert DeSalle (Author), Michael Yudell (Author)
The popular introduction to the genomic revolution for non-scientists―the revised and updated new edition
Welcome to the Genome is
an accessible, up-to-date introduction to genomics―the
interdisciplinary field of biology focused on the structure, function,
evolution, mapping, and editing of an organism's complete set of DNA.
Written for non-experts, this user-friendly book explains how genomes
are sequenced and explores the discoveries and challenges of this
revolutionary technology. Genomics is a mixture of many fields,
including not only biology, engineering, computer science, and
mathematics, but also social sciences and humanities. This unique guide
addresses both the science of genomics and the ethical, moral, and
social questions that rise from the technology.
There have been many exciting developments in genomics since this book's first publication. Accordingly, the second edition of Welcome to the Genome offers
substantial new and updated content to reflect recent major advances in
genome-level sequencing and analysis, and demonstrates the vast
increase in biological knowledge over the past decade. New sections
cover next-generation technologies such as Illumina and PacBio
sequencing, while expanded chapters discuss controversial ethical and
philosophical issues raised by genomic technology, such as
direct-to-consumer genetic testing. An essential resource for
understanding the still-evolving genomic revolution, this book:
- Introduces
non-scientists to basic molecular principles and illustrates how they
are shaping the genomic revolution in medicine, biology, and
conservation biology
- Explores a wide range of topics within the
field such as genetic diversity, genome structure, genetic cloning,
forensic genetics, and more
- Includes full-color illustrations and topical examples
- Presents material in an accessible, user-friendly style, requiring no expertise in genomics
- Discusses past discoveries, current research, and future possibilities in the field
Sponsored by the American Museum of Natural History, Welcome to the Genome: A User's Guide to the Genetic Past, Present, and Future is
a must-read book for anyone interested in the scientific foundation for
understanding the development and evolutionary heritage of all life.
