Epigenetics

The Ultimate Mystery of Inheritance

By: Richard C. Francis

Narrated by: Kurt Elftmann

Goodbye, genetic blueprint.... The first book for general listeners on the game-changing field of epigenetics.

The burgeoning new science of epigenetics offers a cornucopia of insights - some comforting, some frightening. For example, the male fetus may be especially vulnerable to certain common chemicals in our environment, in ways that damage not only his own sperm but also the sperm of his sons. And it’s epigenetics that causes identical twins to vary widely in their susceptibility to dementia and cancer. But here’s the good news: unlike mutations, epigenetic effects are reversible. Indeed, epigenetic engineering is the future of medicine.

©2011 Richard C. Francis (P)2013 Audible, Inc.

Great Exploration of Epigenetic Differentiation

The lay person's peek into what makes us unique. Teaser for follow-up studies or research.

Dated but decent

This is a fair but limited review of the basics of epigenetics. As a biologist I was left at the end with a desire for a more up-to-date review. It nonetheless cover some bases

excellent in depth fresh

okay so it is 7 years old but still the information is the freshest I have run across in audio form. Lots of very good very detailed information not a casual read

a great book on epigenetics

Great book and narration. highly recommend. does not require a hard science background to understand

Biology background helpful

Great synopsis on the current state of epigentics. It is definitely helpful to have a background with some biology knowledge, at least intro college biology.

fascinating explanation

fascinating explanation of the origin of epigenetics. I also had no idea of the relationship between stem cells and cancer.

Not so spooky science

Concise and scientific introduction to the field. Author uses humor and flair along with interesting case studies and good uses of metaphor. For example think of Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. The script of Romeo and Juliet is akin to the DNA genetic code. The various and highly different theatrical productions and movies based on the same script but appearing very different are a metaphor forepigenetic direction. The science is developing and exciting but spooky supernaturalism and mysticism is not necessary to learn more about this engaging subject.as noted by the author it is more helpful to think of epigenetic's in terms of the cellular and molecular machinery rather then some type etheral software code programmed by a designer. I would recommend this book to a general reader interested in the subject.

Written to be read not listened

Too many acronyms in chapters specially cancer, Overall a good introductory account, worth the orice,

Useful, but fell short

The book was extremely useful in its explanation of what epigenetics is and how it works. But what I wanted to also understand is how one can reverse this sort of genetic imprinting. It mentioned this only briefly in the last chapter and in the epilogue. I wish a larger portion of the book was dedicated to that.

Skips in recording

This is the first Audible recording where I’ve encountered a few skips. Also, the war film storyline was too belaboured. Other than these, it’s an informative piece on epigenetics.