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Human genetics has blossomed from an obscure biological science and explanation for rare disorders to a field that is profoundly altering health care for everyone. This thoroughly updated new edition of Human Genetics: The Basics provides a concise background of gene structure and function through the lens of real examples, from families living with inherited diseases to population-wide efforts in which millions of average people are learning about their genetic selves. The book raises compelling issues concerning:
- The role of genes in maintaining health and explaining sickness
- Genetic testing, gene therapy, and genome editing
- The common ancestry of all humanity and how we are affecting our future.
Written in an engaging, narrative manner, this concise introduction is an ideal starting point for anyone who wants to know more about genes, DNA, genomes, and the genetic ties that bind us all.
List of contents
List of Figures & Tables
Acknowledgements
Abbreviations
Chapter 1. From Mendel's Peas to Double Helices
From Genes to Genomes
Agriculture is Applied Genetics
Mendel's Experiments -The Mystery of the Missing Traits
The Chromosome Connection
In Pursuit of the Genetic Material
Chapter 2. How Genes Work
A Brief History of CF
Mikayla's Story
The Individual Level: Tissues and Organs
The Family Level
The Population
Chapter 3. Genes and Health
A Genomic View of Health
Causes of Death - An Organizing Framework
Cancer: The Cell Cycle Out of Control
The Microbiome and Infectious Disease
Chapter 4. Genetic Testing
The First Generation of Genetic Tests: Proteins
The Second Generation of Genetic Tests: DNA
The Third Generation of Genetic Tests: Exomes and Genomes
Chapter 5. Gene Therapy and Genome Editing
Protein Therapy Came First
Gene Therapy
Gene and Genome Editing
Chapter 6. From Ancestry to Destiny
DNA as Clock and Compass
The First Hominins
DNA Evidence Overlaps Fossil Evidence
Expansion Out of Africa
From Archaic Humans to Modern Humans
Into Europe
Genetic Genealogy and Ancestry Testing
The Future: Will Humanity Homogenize or Diverge?
Glossary
Bibliography
Index
About the author
Ricki Lewis is Adjunct Professor of Medical Education at Alden March Bioethics Institute, Albany Medical Center, US. She has a PhD in Genetics, writes the DNA Science blog at the Public Library of Science, is a genetic counsellor, and is the author of several popular titles
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Summary
Human genetics has blossomed from an obscure biological science and explanation for rare disorders to a field that is profoundly altering health care for everyone. This thoroughly updated new edition of Human Genetics: The Basics provides a concise background of gene structure and function through the lens of real examples, from families living with inherited diseases to population-wide efforts in which millions of average people are learning about their genetic selves. The book raises compelling issues concerning:
• The role of genes in maintaining health and explaining sickness
• Genetic testing, gene therapy, and genome editing
• The common ancestry of all humanity and how we are affecting our future.
Written in an engaging, narrative manner, this concise introduction is an ideal starting point for anyone who wants to know more about genes, DNA, genomes, and the genetic ties that bind us all.
Additional text
"A fascinating and informative introduction to the topic of human genetics. This excellent book would be suitable for anyone wishing to obtain a better understanding of genetic topics, especially those related to human health and disease." Elaine Hemers, Liverpool John Moores University, UK
The second edition of this excellent book gives a comprehensive overview of the expanding field of human genetics. Easy to read and illustrated with real life examples the book is enjoyable to read for everyone interested in human genetics, both lay persons and professionals. Katarina Pelin, University of Helsinki, Finland
Report
"A fascinating and informative introduction to the topic of human genetics. This excellent book would be suitable for anyone wishing to obtain a better understanding of genetic topics, especially those related to human health and disease." Elaine Hemers, Liverpool John Moores University, UK
The second edition of this excellent book gives a comprehensive overview of the expanding field of human genetics. Easy to read and illustrated with real life examples the book is enjoyable to read for everyone interested in human genetics, both lay persons and professionals. Katarina Pelin, University of Helsinki, Finland
