The Catalyst

RNA and the Quest to Unlock Life's Deepest Secrets

By: Thomas R. Cech

Narrated by: Joshua Saxon

For over half a century, DNA has dominated science and the popular imagination as the "secret of life." But over the last several decades, a quiet revolution has taken place. In a series of breathtaking discoveries, the biochemist Thomas R. Cech and a diverse cast of brilliant scientists have revealed that RNA-long overlooked as the passive servant of DNA-sits at the center of biology's greatest mysteries: How did life begin? What makes us human? Why do we get sick and grow old? In The Catalyst, Cech finally brings together years of research to demonstrate that RNA is the true key to understanding life on Earth, from its very origins to our future in the twenty-first century.

A gripping journey of discovery, The Catalyst moves from the early experiments that first hinted at RNA's spectacular powers, to Cech's own paradigm-shifting finding that it can catalyze cellular reactions, to the cutting-edge biotechnologies poised to reshape our health. We learn how RNA may have jump-started life itself, and how, at the same time, it can cut our individual lives short through viral diseases and cancer. We see how RNA is implicated in the aging process and explore the darker depths of the supposed fountain of youth, telomerase. And we catch a thrilling glimpse into how RNA-powered therapies may enable us to improve and even extend life beyond nature's current limits.

©2024 Thomas R. Cech (P)2024 HighBridge, a division of Recorded Books

RNA as catalyst.

The narrative presents a story of biomedical research about complex biomolecules called RNA, following the insights and discoveries of esteemed scientists over the last half century. The story provides some insight into the process of how science occurs, emphasizing progress and the value that RNA holds for medical treatments. The fortuitous and complex aspects of RNA research are outlined as an homage to an exciting sliver of modern biological science. The reading includes many mispronounced words, but otherwise moves along nicely.

Captivating

Highly accessible to non experts. A wonderful weekend read. Will recommend to high school students and teachers

Among the best at telling the story of science

As a biology major I was aware of much that Cech covers, but with the addition of much I did not know existed about RNA. Perhaps the best part is his descriptions of the visits, talks, papers, friends that actually drive basic science- it is a team sport.

The down mark is for the speaker who just murdered too many well-known bio words- very distracting.

All about RNA

This is a great book that covers RNA from the discovery of its role in protein synthesis, how it stars in origin of life research, to its use in vaccines. It's part autobiography as the author played an important role in part of this story. It's very accessible without leaving out too many of the important details.

I have one major complaint, though, about a minor point raised in the closing chapter. In discussing CRISPR he mentions the project to eradicate malaria by eradicating the Aedes aegypti mosquito which transmits the plasmodium parasite. He raises as a serious ethical concern whether this action might have unintended consequences, a la the cane toads introduced to Australia, Kudzu introduced to the American South, etc. These examples he gives are all invasive species which, lacking natural predators, do harm to native ecosystems. But this is not analogous in any way to removing a nuisance species. Yes, this is accomplished by "introducing" the gene-drive males into an endemic mosquito population. But the result isn't out of control growth. Quite the opposite. So shockingly invalid is this comparison that I have a hard time believing it is made in good faith. I think he lazily copied this fallacious argument from a anti-GMO source without even seriously considering it himself.

Disappointing

Given the author’s qualifications, I was expecting something way less superficial. It’s also full of dozens of unneeded and unilluminating analogies that largely serve only as a distraction. Also annoying was the increasingly common in audiobooks disclaimer that the narration refers to illustrations/charts that are found only in the paper/e-book versions of this book, instead of actually providing a PDF of those to refer to.

The narration also was disappointing. Among other things, the narrator could’ve spent a few minutes learning how to pronounce the words he was supposed to read. Or someone who actually understood the subject matter should’ve proof-listened to the narration and insisted on corrections. And it’s not just technical/biological terms that he mispronounces. He even mispronounces La Jolla (California), as “la-HOLE-a.” A truly slipshod effort.

Disappointing reader!!

The reading is more robotic and most of the information is needless— wish it was more direct and accurate.