Not Historical or Balanced

When discussing the reasons why women’s scientific articles appear to be cited less frequently than those written by men, Walter Isaacson quotes from a study that showed that women tend to be more realistic and less boastful than men in assessing the importance of their work. Hence, readers may be less excited and less inclined to give the article great significance.

That point is lost on neither Isaacson, or Jennifer Doudna, his subject. The importance of CRISPR gene editing, and Jennifer Doudna as one of its pioneers, is greatly overstated in this book. Also, it is evident that Isaacson considers himself to be an historian of science, but this book would not be approved by real historians of science. Paul Morange, perhaps the leading historian of the science of biochemistry, wrote an excellent article critiquing a paper about the “Heroes of CRISPR” that Isaacson also cites in this book. But many of the criticisms of Morange could also be directed towards Isaacson. The most telling criticism is that historians of science should not rely on interviews of the participants. This, of course, is the opposite of the approach of journalists, for whom personal interviews are the central source of information. Interviews may give news magazine articles a certain punch, but they are not useful for real history of science.

Also, Isaacson is too eager a proponent of what has been called a “craze” for CRISPR. The discoverers of CRISPR did not invent gene editing. It is believed to be an easier and more precise technology than other gene editing tools, but even that is being disputed. And, editing human genes is of no use if the new genes cannot be delivered to the nucleus of the cell, and then to the right place on the DNA. CRISPR itself does not assist in solving those monumental tasks. When someone has found out how to deliver edited genes to target cells or tissues, and have the genes expressed reliably, that will be a genuine landmark in biology and medicine.

Finally, Isaacson is too eager to promote Doudna as the foremost hero of CRISPR. No doubt she is an outstanding scientist, but scores of outstanding scientists all contributed small but important pieces of knowledge to the overall discovery. The individual stories of many of the scientists, including Doudna, are far from heroic. Yes, she and the others were initially motivated by bona fide scientific curiosity, but the lust for money, power and fame add a tawdry aspect to the “race” to be the first to make advances – a race that one scientist may win by only a few weeks over several others, hardly the distinction of a truly exceptional innovation. It is hard to consider Doudna a hero when she is also one of the largest recipients of funding by the US military, which claims it is interested in defences against weaponized CRISPR generated microorganisms, but which obviously has an equal interest in weaponizing CRISPR itself. (The fact that Doudna, along with Charpentier, were anointed by the Nobel committee is no sure sign that they two were actually exceptional in CRISPR development. Given that the rules say only three can win, the two are likely as deserving recipients as most of the other contenders, but I do not believe they are clearly more deserving as many other contenders).

All in all, this is more a hagiography of Doudna (and CRISPR) than history. If some is interested in the science and the history of the science, go on line (and be discerning). There are many, much better, resources.

13 people found this helpful

one-eyed, one-horned, flyin' purple people eater

No...the book does not promote genetic engineering much!
It segues into the Corona virus vaccines nicely and seems to end in a Kumbay-ya, someone's singing my Lord moment, where it is 2021 and the year of the plague and RNA has answered the call.
Very fascinating and current.

4 people found this helpful

Fabulously interesting, excellent narration

This book is arguably the best book I have read in many years. The author, being a non-scientist, was able to translate the highly technical science into understandable terms for the lay person. I am a biological scientist, with a general understanding of the DNA/RNA technology, although I have not done any lab bench work for more than 30 years (and obviously a lot has happened in this arena in that time), so much of this was new.

The central concepts were well explained and I appreciated how well the author took us through the pre-CRISPR days to our current situation with CoVid-19 The rivalry between scientists was well defined - along with the reminder that such rivalry provides incentive. I think that the current conviviality between scientists and the spirit of cooperation between individuals and institutions will sadly disappear after Covid has been arrested, but I hope I am wrong.

Overall, this was a most enjoyable read. I found myself going back to certain sections to listen once again, and will reread again and again.

3 people found this helpful

Enjoyable and Informative

Very well researched and delivered, with a good balance of the science and the human side of research.

3 people found this helpful

Learned good basics about CRISPR

I am a big fan of science books in general and of James Watson's The double helix.
I have read around 7 books by Walter Isaacson.

This was a great book on a subject (CRISPR) that is quite new, so I was happy to learn the fundamentals related to CRISPR.

As in most of its books, Walter Isaacson has a tendency to minimize the flaws of its main subject. But when you're aware of that, it's easy to enjoy the stories related to each character.

The decision to have the book narrated by Kathe Mazur was great choice, as the performance is excellent and having a feminine voice gets us closer to the main protagonists in the book.

Thanks

2 people found this helpful

Most relevant story in this pandemic

Want to know more about the COVID virus or any other ailment? This book provides the background to the most relevant story of our time. It should be required reading for everyone on the planet.

1 person found this helpful

A fascinating story with a terrific narration

As usual with Walter Isaacson, we can’t stop until the end; it’s a page-turner. One of the best books I have read. It helped me better understand the different interactions between DNA, RNA and mRNA and how Crisper contribute to the progress of science and technology to recode life. A positive promise for the future of humanity. I’m also a fan of Jennifer Doudna! She’s intelligent and creative. She has a special touch for bringing people together; she can be very supportive. She is an inspiring model for all of us.

Great Read

Learned a lot about CRISPR and its impact on Covid from Jennifer Doudna and her associates

The Code Breaker

This book was a delicious listen! I can’t find anything negative to say about it. From the early days with her family I found myself wishing I had a Dad who was interested in science but I didn’t. Nonetheless, I somehow developed a pronounced interest in science and literature. Science won as I won a prestigious award to study in Britain. The all male lab were not supportive but they were unable to competently squash my desire to continue studying science
Long story short, I studied medicine going on to specialize in psychiatry. This is a very broad field of psychology from the bare-bones of brain function to the behavior of the individual with a particular brain. Examining how people write, for example is revealing in that context, This book should be read by anyone interested in science or those who are not sure.
Congratulations to the author on a fine piece of research well narrated and written.

Well told story

This book tells the story of bioengineering in a clear, precise and fun way. I like its objective tone and captivating storyline. The narrator is also excellent with her calm voice