The $1,000 Genome: The Revolution in DNA Sequencing and the New Era of Personalized Medicine

by Kevin Davies Narrated by Johnny Heller

Overview

Since the conclusion of the Human Genome Project in 2003, scientists have been racing toward a grand goal: offering individuals a decoding of their complete genetic makeup for just $1,000. As Kevin Davies reveals in this exquisitely reported account, the $1,000 genome will be a reality by 2011 and it will usher in a whole new era of personalized, genomic medicine. Capable of presenting much more advanced information than the current crop of cheek-swab services, the $1,000 complete genome raises some extraordinary possibilities. We will be able to learn if we have genes that predispose us to a host of diseases and to take a wide range of preventative measures. Drug companies may be able to create versions of drugs tailored specifically to our individual DNA. But we may also face the psychological burden of learning that we have the gene for an incurable disease, such as Parkinson's.



Acclaimed author Kevin Davies introduces the pioneers of this medical revolution and probes deeply into both the medical benefits and ethical issues of personal genetic testing, also exploring the psychological complexities of learning one's DNA results, based on both his own experience of being tested and that of a number of others. The $1,000 Genome is an indispensable guide to the new era of personalized medicine.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

"Johnny Heller reads with fluency and fluidly." ---Library Journal Audio Review

Matt Ridley

&'grave;The great impact of a new technology – from cotton underwear to the jet to the computer – comes not when it is invented, but when it becomes cheap enough to be within the reach of everybody. Gene sequencing has now reached that point. With unrivalled knowledge of the people who made this possible, Kevin Davies eloquently explains how it came about, and hints at what will come next.’’

Library Journal

How is it that less than a decade after the first human genome sequencing project was completed, anyone will shortly be able to purchase a personal genomic sequence for just $1000? Molecular biologist Davies (Cracking the Genome) discusses the path of human genomics from government project to commercial product, touching on ethical issues, medical uses, and the psychological implications of learning one's DNA results. The fascinating and clearly presented information is only slightly marred by frequent, unnecessary restatements of the text. Two-time Audie Award winner Johnny Heller reads with fluency and fluidly, even when faced with polysyllabic technical terms. For anyone interested in modern science, especially medical or ethical issues. ["An important overview," read the review of the Free Pr: S. & S. hc, LJ 9/1/10.—Ed.]—I. Pour-El, Des Moines Area Community Coll., Boone, IA

DECEMBER 2010 - AudioFile

Producing the first human genome—the DNA sequence—took 13 years and cost millions of dollars. With advances in technology, start-up companies hope to do it for individuals in a doctor’s office and charge less than $1,000. Since certain sequences correlate with known disease states, experts hope to provide patients with predictive and prophylactic actions to prolong their lives. Narrator Johnny Heller dominates the audiobook’s dense technical language. As always, Heller’s sandy voice moves quickly, even when the science gets heavy. He employs plausible accents for characters of Serbian, Australian, and British descent. Heller cannot, however, give meaning to the author’s excessive use of acronyms—SNP, EGFR, and PGD—all defined at some point but easily forgotten. J.A.H. © AudioFile 2010, Portland, Maine

Product Details

BN ID:	2940170954452
Publisher:	Tantor Audio
Publication date:	09/22/2010
Edition description:	Unabridged

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