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.

7 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

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.

2 people found this helpful

Fabulous, Reassuring, Seminal,

True to form Isaacson has presented a thorough and balanced description of what has become a frightening experience for humanity, the fact of, the future of pandemics....and our capacity, our willingness to respond.
This audible, the story of CRSPR is complex. The writing and the narration made it not only fascinating but comprehensible (even for a 75 year old white guy😬).
It’s a brilliant piece of research. It’s extraordinarily timely.
Applause and kudos to both Walter and the audible narrator.
PaulW

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.

Great book

I didn’t believe a book could make me excited what progress man has made because of COVID-19. Thank you Jennifer Dowden and the other great. Scientists that such advancements possibly.

An Interesting Introduction to Modern Biotech

While the other reviews decrying the innaccuracies of this book initial made me hesitant, it is clear that much of its contents are just so recent as to be contentious; especially as regards who deserves credit where.

The structure of the book is excellent. It starts with a basic introduction to genetics, then proceeds through the life of Daodna. Each new milestone in her work is paired with an explanation of the associated science that is concise and approachable.

While the book is focused on Daodna, it also spends plenty of time outlining how several other key players contributed. Unfortunately this can devolve into long sections debating who deserves credit; nevertheless the "inside baseball" perspective on scientific progress was fascinating.

I've never learned so much in such a short time

Just a great book to explain things to a neophyte like myself on complex subject.

Science!

Very engaging story of the path to gene editing. the narrator was good for the most part. A little flat at times. I learned a lot from this book and would recommend it to anyone who wanted to learn more about RNA, vaccines or the role of science going forward.

Wonderful Working Women

Powerful story about STEM and the great women doing ground breaking research and saving the world at the same time.