The Code Breaker

By: Walter Isaacson, Walter Isaacson - introduction

Narrated by: Kathe Mazur

The best-selling author of Leonardo da Vinci and Steve Jobs returns.

In 2012, Nobel Prize winning scientist Jennifer Doudna hit upon an invention that will transform the future of the human race: an easy-to-use tool that can edit DNA.

Known as CRISPR, it opened a brave new world of medical miracles and moral questions. It has already been deployed to cure deadly diseases, fight the coronavirus pandemic of 2020, and make inheritable changes in the genes of babies.

But what does that mean for humanity? Should we be hacking our own DNA to make us less susceptible to disease? Should we democratise the technology that would allow parents to enhance their kids?

After discovering this CRISPR, Doudna is now wrestling these even bigger issues.

THE CODE BREAKERS is an examination of how life as we know it is about to change – and a brilliant portrayal of the woman leading the way.

I want to become a biologist now

This books explains how CRISPR was discovered and it’s impact. It’s incredible to see what this technology is doing and what it can do!

Glimpse of scientist journey at providing solutions to actual problems

Very good blend of actual science and experiences and challenges faced by scientists. It also covers views from various angles for challenges on gene editing

Wonderul

Great and very interesting book. It’s not just about people who change history of science. It also gives some knowledge about DNA, RNA, Crispr and other science breakthroughs

Clarifying and inspiring

After Leonardo, Jobs, Einstein, and the rest, Walter Isaacson proves yet again his ability to systematically approach one person's life's achievements and provide the reader (listener) with all the historical context to aporeciate its impact, importance, and scale. As fascinating as it is illuminating. Great performance by Kathe Mazur. An essential read or listen and thoroughly recommended.

A fascinating story of the history of gene editing.

I know very little about microbiology or genetics. This book takes the reader on step by step journey of how gene editing evolved, from the discovery of the properties of RNA to the creation of Covid 19 RNA vaccines. Equally fascinating are the stories of the individuals who drove this evolution, their insatiable curiosity, their determination and their single-mindedness. This is the new frontier of science, destined to have a greater impact on human life than the microchip and the internet. Mr Isaacson’s book provides an accessible and compelling entree to this world.