Transducing the Genome: Information, Anarchy, and Revolution in the Biomedical Sciences

by Gary Zweiger

Book Overview

This text provides a behind-the-scenes look at the sequencing of the human genome project and the birth of the science of genomics. It explains genomics as an information science and traces its... This description may be from another edition of this product.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 0071387617
• ISBN13: 9780071387613
• Release Date: February 2002
• Publisher: McGraw-Hill Companies
• Length: 284 Pages
• Weight: 1.10 lbs.
• Dimensions: 0.8" x 6.1" x 9.0"

Customer Reviews

Great biotech and biomed insights

Zweiger, a biotech industry insider, provides an excellent window into the science and business of genomics, proteomics, and bioinformatics. This is an excellent primer for people considering a career in this field or who just want to know what it is all about. His writing is both clear and to the point, and, generally, provides a strong basis for understanding both the issues, legal, business and otherwise, and the underlying science. I highly recommend this book.

Absolutely the best

I've looked at many books on this subject and this is absolutely the best account of the genomics/proteomics revolution in biology and medicine. Zweiger relates many interesting details of the race to sequence and profit from human genes. Especially noteworthy is his honest and unbiased descriptions and the insightful manner in which he explains the science, business and legal issues. This is full of thought provoking science, useful business analysis, and other insights. I do admit though that a 2 of the 15 chapters were a bit too dense for me, a business student, nonetheless most messages come through loud and clear.

Cutting edge science, science history, business, and more

This is an important book. It delivers a stunning commentary on cutting edge science, technology, business, and legal developments. There is no doubt that the human genome and the technology that enabled it to be revealed will transform medicine. Zweiger explains how in a straightforward manner that is approachable to anyone. There are parts of the book that are a bit technical and other parts that breeze along. It touches on a lot of different subjects, including the role of patents, venture capital, philosphical issues, and more. I feel that the author does a good job in being unbiased. He writes from his direct experiences. He touts many companies, but he also credits the efforts of academics and is critical or a bit skeptical of many things. Most importantly, he helps the reader understand what's going on in biotechnology and genomics today, what the underlying science is and what the motivations are. It has inspired me to learn more. I highly recommend this book.

Proteomics too!!!

Zweiger broadly defines genomics as the "access and analysis of thousands of molecules at a time". The book is just as relevant to proteomics as it is to more restrictive definitions of genomics. In fact Transducing the Genome starts out with the scientists' attempts 20 years ago to simultaneously characterize all proteins. Attention turned to DNA in the late '80's, but the early protein work is very relevant to today's efforts to conqueor the "proteome", which are also covered, although to a lesser extent. The book is an excellent read. It is reletively easy to follow and contains some very interesting and informative musings on science fiction, politics, law, business, and other matters. Enjoy!

Genomics Explained!!!

Finally, someone has explained what genomics is all about, where it came from, how it differs from traditional biotechnolgy, and what it means for the future of healthcare and the life sciences! The author does an excellent job of bringing this exciting field of business and science into focus. I would recommend this for anyone with an interest in the convergence of information sciences and life sciences. He basically covers all the bases, the race between the public and private sequencing efforts, the computational challenges of the field, the influence of patents, etc. It is a truly unique book and definately fills a void.