Description: From the discoveries of Watson and Crick to the appearance of Dolly the Sheep, the past 50 years have seen an explosion of knowledge about how organisms develop, function, and procreate. Scientists are now engaged in an epic task that will vastly expand this knowledge: the sequencing of the human genome. Indeed, the results of the Human Genome Project will uncover the structure of human life, revealing to scientists the basic information on the 3 billion pairs of sequenced nucleic acids that provide each of us with the traits that make us unique individuals, but that also reveal the remarkable unity of life, from one-celled creatures through human beings.

Consider briefly the scope of this discovery. How different are we from one another? Does race have a scientific meaning? Is there such a thing as a disease gene? What are the potential risks of genetically modified food? Does a clone have a soul? Can traits such as alcoholism, obesity, and schizophrenia be avoided? The Human Genome Project will inevitably lead to landmark changes in medicine, agriculture, and the study of evolution and may ultimately define the course of human history.

The Genomic Revolution: Unveiling the Unity of Life takes readers on a fascinating journey through genomics from the basic presentation of ideas about heredity through the essential principles of molecular biology, including an exploration of the ethical implications of the genome project for individuals and society.

Some of the world's leading experts in genomics -- Harold Varmus, Leroy Hood, Mary-Claire King, Daniel Kevles, and Craig Venter, to name just a few -- contribute their assessment of the state of current scientific research and wherethat research is taking us. Written for anyone wondering why we are the way we are, The Genomic Revolution is a timely and important collection that spans the science, the promise, and the potential pitfalls of a field moving so quickly that its achievements may alternately inspire and trouble us, but almost always surprise us.

The Genomic Revolution is an extraordinary discussion on the building blocks of life. Brought to readers by the National Academy of Sciences and the American Museum of Natural History, it is essential reading for everyone interested in or concerned about the implications and possibilities of genomics.

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