The deeper genome

Why there is more to the human genome than meets the eye

John Parrington, Oxford University Press, 272 pages, hardback, £18.99

Over a decade ago, as the Human Genome Project completed its mapping of the entire human genome, hopes ran high that we would rapidly be able to use our knowledge of human genes to tackle many inherited diseases, and understand what makes us unique among animals.

Things didn’t turn out that way. But new advances in genetic science could answer one of its most famous mysteries, according to scientist John Parrington.

The gulf separating what we are capable of from even our closest relatives — chimpanzees — is enormous. But how can that be the case if our bodies are programmed by the genes we inherit from our parents? Humans and chimps share a staggering 99% of genes.

Parrington’s explores this and other issues raised by changes in the way we understand genetics. And he draws on his background as a socialist to help make sense of the controversies thrown up by new technologies, from genetically modified food to “designer babies” and animal testing.

Reviews contributed by the Bookmarks socialist bookshop.

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