Genesis Machines: The New Science of Biocomputing

by Martyn Amos

The paperback version of the groundbreaking book about the next generation of computers: not only are they smaller—they're alive. Cells, gels, and DNA strands are the "wetware" of the twenty-first century. Imagine taking cells from a cancer patient and programming them to detect disease and then prompt the body to cure itself. Or clothes woven with microchips, nanofibers, and living cells to form wearable bio-weapons detection systems. Both of these revolutionary applications are closer than we think. Some scientists are pushing the boundaries even further by creating synthetic biology where brand new creatures are engineered in the laboratory. In this breathtaking book, a leading expert in the field reveals just how the stuff of science fiction is rapidly becoming a reality. This new technology will change the way we think—not just about computers, but about the nature of life itself.

Genres: Science, Biology, Nonfiction

368 pages, Paperback

First published June 14, 2007

Reviews

[Holly]

fascinating

[Paddy Fagan · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this book - the intro offers a insight into this world that's compelling and tied to lived experience in the world today. But its a real struggle, some parts are really good, well structured and offering sound insights, others feel like flights of fantasy expecting the world to remould itself to allow a business model to prosper... Its a good book and offers insights I haven't seen else where, but it could have been great, and thats disappointing.