A Crack in Creation

Gene Editing and the Unthinkable Power to Control Evolution

By: Jennifer A. Doudna, Samuel H. Sternberg

Narrated by: Erin Bennett

Length: 9 hrs and 22 mins

Publisher's summary

A trailblazing biologist grapples with her role in the biggest scientific discovery of our era: a cheap, easy way of rewriting genetic code, with nearly limitless promise and peril.

Not since the atomic bomb has a technology so alarmed its inventors that they warned the world about its use. Not, that is, until the spring of 2015, when biologist Jennifer Doudna called for a worldwide moratorium on the use of the new gene-editing tool CRISPR - a revolutionary new technology that she helped create - to make heritable changes in human embryos. The cheapest, simplest, most effective way of manipulating DNA ever known, CRISPR may well give us the cure to HIV, genetic diseases, and some cancers and will help address the world's hunger crisis. Yet even the tiniest changes to DNA could have myriad unforeseeable consequences - to say nothing of the ethical and societal repercussions of intentionally mutating embryos to create "better" humans. Writing with fellow researcher Samuel Sternberg, Doudna shares the thrilling story of her discovery and passionately argues that enormous responsibility comes with the ability to rewrite the code of life. With CRISPR, she shows, we have effectively taken control of evolution. What will we do with this unfathomable power?

©2017 Jennifer A. Doudna and Samuel H. Sternberg (P)2017 Audible, Inc.

Interesting subject matter but not much meat.

The subject is fascinating and the behind the scenes look at the developments leading up to Crispr were very interesting. Most of the book reads like a Nobel application, carefully acknowledging the contributions of others while preserving the authors preeminent role.

Amateur Delivery, Good Content

I learned a number of very interesting things from this book, but it required a bit of slogging. The author devotes significant time to recounting and dramatizing personal encounters, perhaps to lay claim to discoveries or convey her self image, which I found to be tedious and distracting. In other areas of the book she discusses discoveries, developments, implications, possibilities, and her opinions which were generally to the point and well thought out. I am thankful for the audio format as it allows me to glaze over during the sections which should have been edited out on my regular drive to work. I recommend this book if you know nothing about CRISPER, however there may be better, or more succinct books out there.

WowThe film Gattaca is no longer science fiction!

Such an incredible look into the present & future of human heath and science.

Science capture

Scientists, the schools that produce them and what they choose to research are controlled by those who fund them. In this day and age science and scientists are bought and payed for by big pharma and our hopelessly corrupt self serving politicians in our federal government. Never ever trust any of them.

Amazing

what a wonderful book. Enthusiastically describes an incredible new level of understanding. As well as how the tools that come with it can make all our genetic dreams, and nighmares, come true.

Fantastic, and Enlightening!

This should be a must read for all who are concerned about the future of the human race. Prof Doudna and her collaborators should receive the Nobel prize for their genius and dedication .

Super interesting, and a little scary.

This book is informative and also fully understandable by a layman or novice like me. At times it does feel like the authors are trying hard to substantiate the claims that they got there first while simultaneously saying "but if this all goes to hell, that wasn't me" and those parts of the book although brief did make me roll my eyes a bit. The overall information in the book is well thought out, well laid out, and quite interesting. :) The possibilities of this tech are not all good but reallly no progress comes without that risk so as long as we walk into it with eyes wide open I think it can be something great.

Fascinating!

Absolutely enjoyed this firsthand account of one of the revolutionary and game changing discovery of our times. Jennifer DouDNA (capitalization intended!) comes out not just not a great scientist but far more importantly, a wonderful human being, rationally evaluating and concerned about the long term implications of her own revolutionary discovery … almost quoting Oppenheimer’s concerns, we humans, wielding another double edged sword - for good/ … let’s hope!
Fascinating indeed.

An education for lay people in genetics issues

As a person interested in genetic modification issues but without a science degree, I found this book super informative. It was technically rich enough to not gloss over anything yet still made the field feel transparent to a lay person.

This is for people on both sides of any controversy about genetic engineering. Also well-delivered by the narrator.

Must Read!

Incredible insight into scientific research on CRSPR! It has motivated me to look for further and into more research, yet to come.