The Catalyst

RNA and the Quest to Unlock Life's Deepest Secrets

De: Thomas R. Cech

Narrado por: Joshua Saxon

For over half a century, DNA has dominated science and the popular imagination as the "secret of life." But over the last several decades, a quiet revolution has taken place. In a series of breathtaking discoveries, the biochemist Thomas R. Cech and a diverse cast of brilliant scientists have revealed that RNA-long overlooked as the passive servant of DNA-sits at the center of biology's greatest mysteries: How did life begin? What makes us human? Why do we get sick and grow old? In The Catalyst, Cech finally brings together years of research to demonstrate that RNA is the true key to understanding life on Earth, from its very origins to our future in the twenty-first century.

A gripping journey of discovery, The Catalyst moves from the early experiments that first hinted at RNA's spectacular powers, to Cech's own paradigm-shifting finding that it can catalyze cellular reactions, to the cutting-edge biotechnologies poised to reshape our health. We learn how RNA may have jump-started life itself, and how, at the same time, it can cut our individual lives short through viral diseases and cancer. We see how RNA is implicated in the aging process and explore the darker depths of the supposed fountain of youth, telomerase. And we catch a thrilling glimpse into how RNA-powered therapies may enable us to improve and even extend life beyond nature's current limits.

©2024 Thomas R. Cech (P)2024 HighBridge, a division of Recorded Books

Captivating

Highly accessible to non experts. A wonderful weekend read. Will recommend to high school students and teachers

Among the best at telling the story of science

As a biology major I was aware of much that Cech covers, but with the addition of much I did not know existed about RNA. Perhaps the best part is his descriptions of the visits, talks, papers, friends that actually drive basic science- it is a team sport.

The down mark is for the speaker who just murdered too many well-known bio words- very distracting.

RNA as catalyst.

The narrative presents a story of biomedical research about complex biomolecules called RNA, following the insights and discoveries of esteemed scientists over the last half century. The story provides some insight into the process of how science occurs, emphasizing progress and the value that RNA holds for medical treatments. The fortuitous and complex aspects of RNA research are outlined as an homage to an exciting sliver of modern biological science. The reading includes many mispronounced words, but otherwise moves along nicely.

Order the paperback instead

Pros: good overview of the progress made in deciphering RNA's role in molecular biology over the last 75-some years by one of the leading experts in the world. He covers the subject well, and includes a look at the future promise of RNA technology, with a nod to funding problems that were present even before the current administration's attack on science.

Con 1: HORRIBLE narration - way too fast - these are not the easiest concepts to follow, Mr. Saxon - I had to put much of the book on 0.7 speed (even though I have advanced degrees in science and medicine myself). Terrible mispronunciations of so many biological terms that also made it difficult to follow what he was trying to say! Did nobody hand this guy a sample chapter to read before he was hired? Dr. Cech could have read the book better himself.

Con 2: Many references to diagrams necessary to understanding which are found only in the books. This audible book cries out for having a PDF!! I ordered a paperback copy and plan to return the audiobook as soon as it arrives. It will only be the second book out of more than 250 in my audible library that I've found that irritating I'll never want to listen to it again.

All about RNA

This is a great book that covers RNA from the discovery of its role in protein synthesis, how it stars in origin of life research, to its use in vaccines. It's part autobiography as the author played an important role in part of this story. It's very accessible without leaving out too many of the important details.

I have one major complaint, though, about a minor point raised in the closing chapter. In discussing CRISPR he mentions the project to eradicate malaria by eradicating the Aedes aegypti mosquito which transmits the plasmodium parasite. He raises as a serious ethical concern whether this action might have unintended consequences, a la the cane toads introduced to Australia, Kudzu introduced to the American South, etc. These examples he gives are all invasive species which, lacking natural predators, do harm to native ecosystems. But this is not analogous in any way to removing a nuisance species. Yes, this is accomplished by "introducing" the gene-drive males into an endemic mosquito population. But the result isn't out of control growth. Quite the opposite. So shockingly invalid is this comparison that I have a hard time believing it is made in good faith. I think he lazily copied this fallacious argument from a anti-GMO source without even seriously considering it himself.