A Crack in Creation

Gene Editing and the Unthinkable Power to Control Evolution

By: Jennifer A. Doudna, Samuel H. Sternberg

Narrated by: Erin Bennett

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.

Power of contemporary genetic science

Fascinating journey through contemporary genetic science. The author, a leader in the field also articulates important cautionary warnings. Will people heed those warnings is something that remains to be seen. CRISPR technology is explained. I am sure there odds much more to understand to have a full understanding of the technology. We appear to be on the verge of something that will change the world more than antibiotics X-ray or anesthesia.
Interesting times.

Compelling and eye opening!

I listened to a podcast on Crispr/Cas9 a few years ago. I wanted to build a greater understand if the technology. It's well written & designed for the non-scientist although I was grateful I paid attention in high school biology.

Amazing Science!

What a great story of discovery and introspection. A thoroughly enjoyable and believable narration. I thought I was listening to Jennifer Doudna.

A Chronicle of an astonishing Journey

This is the story of one of mankind's most remarkable discoveries: the ability for homo sapiens to grasp the reins of their own evolution by editing its DNA and virtually rewriting the language of life. Its author, one of the discoverers of the CRISPER CAS9 process skillfully guides us through the back story and the peril and promise it offers in a future that's not so distant that anyone alive can afford to ignore; and does so in a fashion that anyone can understand.

Fascinating

Interesting exploration of Crisper Cas 9, the implications both scientifically and ethically and Jennifer's journey in developing the technology.

mis-spoken jargon

Distracted in chapter 2 by mis-spoken jargon (ex: f-o-k-i rather than f-o-k-one or Fok- one)

Amazing

this book is extremely interesting. It is awesome to witness how far we have come as an intelligent species. We are at the point where we can control evolution and win the fight against diseases once and for all..