Epigenetics: How Environment Shapes Our Genes PDF

Rating: (27 reviews) Author: Richard C. Francis ISBN : 9780393342284 New from $9.31 Format: PDF

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Goodbye, genetic blueprint. . . . The first book for general readers 
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. 18 illustrations

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• Product Details
• Table of Contents
• Reviews

• Paperback: 256 pages
• Publisher: W. W. Norton & Company (June 4, 2012)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 039334228X
• ISBN-13: 978-0393342284
• Product Dimensions: 0.7 x 5.3 x 7.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)

Epigenetics: How Environment Shapes Our Genes PDF

There is definitely a market for a good popular science book about epigenetics, and I eagerly awaited this one. But it fell short of my expectations. It simply is too short, and too lacking in depth. For the epigenetics of inheritance and evolution, there already is an excellent book out there: Evolution in Four Dimensions: Genetic, Epigenetic, Behavioral, and Symbolic Variation in the History of Life (Life and Mind: Philosophical Issues in Biology and Psychology) . However, the book by Jablonka & Lamb is getting a little old (in this field, things sure develop rapidly), and it lacks the issues that I was most interested in - the effects of epigenetic change on health. However, I'll restate, for the evolutionary side, the Jablonka & Lamb book is great.

Back to the book by Francis, 160 pages is just too short. I will acknowledge the great many notes and large bibliography included, but the first 160 pages are so superficial, I doubt the author finds the right audience for the notes/bibliography.

The author's writing style and explanations are fine, so if you want a quick overview on a topic of which you have zero knowledge before, this book will serve you well.
However, for many of us, we must wait for a book with more depth, or a vastly expanded second edition.

For an example of excellent and in depth popular science writing, try Power, Sex, Suicide: Mitochondria and the Meaning of Life.

By T. Eagan

This is a fascinating introduction to the new field of Epigenetics - a word to which most people react blankly. Most have no idea what how epigenetics changes the way that we conceptualize human development and inheritance, as well as conditions ranging from cancer to Alzheimer's disease.

Francis starts each chapter with a well-chosen, true story or observation that serves to illustrate the main points of that chapter. Frequently he circles back to the information presented in earlier chapters and it is clear that he is slowly building, in completely understandable terms, the reader's ability to understand the implications and intricacies of this burgeoning field of study, culminating in an outstanding discussion of stem cells.

From the Dutch famine of World War II to the growing obesity crisis to the fact that the experience of past generations can influence the current one - and the scary thought that what we do and experience will also have ramifications for future generations - the book is well-written, witty, and very timely. Don't be surprised if you start to read and can't stop until you are done!

By Jerry M. Wright