Genomes and What to Make of Them

by Barry Barnes, John Dupré

The announcement in 2003 that the Human Genome Project had completed its map of the entire human genome was heralded as a stunning scientific breakthrough: our first full picture of the basic building blocks of human life. Since then, boasts about the benefits—and warnings of the dangers—of genomics have remained front-page news, with everyone agreeing that genomics has the potential to radically alter life as we know it.

For the nonscientist, the claims and counterclaims are dizzying—what does it really mean to understand the genome? Barry Barnes and John Dupré offer an answer to that question and much more in Genomes and What to Make of Them, a clear and lively account of the genomic revolution and its promise. The book opens with a brief history of the science of genetics and genomics, from Mendel to Watson and Crick and all the way up to Craig Venter; from there the authors delve into the use of genomics in determining evolutionary paths—and what it can tell us, for example, about how far we really have come from our ape ancestors. Barnes and Dupré then consider both the power and risks of genetics, from the economic potential of plant genomes to overblown claims that certain human genes can be directly tied to such traits as intelligence or homosexuality. Ultimately, the authors argue, we are now living with a new knowledge as powerful in its way as nuclear physics­, and the stark choices that face us—between biological warfare and gene therapy, a new eugenics or a new agricultural revolution—will demand the full engagement of both scientists and citizens.

Written in straightforward language but without denying the complexity of the issues, Genomes and What to Make of Them is both an up-to-date primer and a blueprint for the future.

Genres: Science, Biology

288 pages, Hardcover

First published November 15, 2008

About the author

S. Barry Barnes was Professor of Sociology at the University of Exeter. He is known for his pioneering work on the sociological study of knowledge generation and evaluation in science, and on the credibility of scientific expertise.

Reviews

[Nicky · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book is from 2008, so in terms of the science and its impact on the world, it’s a bit behind the times. It’s still a good primer on how the world was changing from a fairly monolithic view on genes to an understanding of the whole genome, “junk” DNA included, and it covers some worthwhile discussions. I found it a bit dry and pedantic at times, though it doesn’t help that the science was well below the level I understand now.

It’s most worth it when it focuses on the implications of the new genomics and the technologies involved. But I might be inclined to say skip it and look for something more modern if you’re not super interested.

Reviewed for The Bibliophibian.

[Daniel Duarte · Rating 3 out of 5]

An extensive analysis of what genomes can be in different discourses/context, for different audiences, with the consequences of this variations evaluated. Not much of the science in it is really detailed, but the authors offer relevant insights on the epistemic changes that we are (still) experiencing from the move from mendelian or 'classical' genetics to molecular genetics - from a science of observation, selection and prediction to a science of potential manipulation and control.
The authors adopt a materialistic approach that could inform an understanding of genomes (and its main molecule: DNA) that leaves little chance for a view of it as the ultimate causal origin for life since it is a molecule among other molecules that influence/cordinate/operate the phenotypes of its carriers. The last chapters started a discussion about power, with considerations about eugenic projects and the never ending debate about human dignity (what is? when does it start? who or what is entitled to it?).

[Sharad Pandian · Rating 5 out of 5]

A 2008 introduction to genomics and ethical issues that it gives rise to, written by a philosopher and sociologist, both historically-minded. Given their vocations, they're not really trying to simply give information about the science, and that might appeal to you or put you off depending on your inclination (I thought it was great).

[Robin · Rating 3 out of 5]

Vi står midt i en konceptuel revolution inden for de biologiske videnskaber. Hvis man vil forstå, hvad den går ud på, kan bogen stærkt anbefales.

Hvor vi tidligere kun beskæftigede os med variation og naturlige udvælgelse, ser vi nu, hvordan alle mulige andre mekanismer spiller ind i evolutionen – både i form af de små molekylærbiologiske processer og de større gensidigt afhængige netværk. Hvor vi tidligere kun beskæftigede os med arter og slægte, ser vi nu, hvor vigtige mikroberne er for at forstå det samlede billede. Og hvor vi tidligere kun anså genomet som den essentielle og vigtigste informationsbeholder (og dermed formidlede en slags genetisk determinisme), ser vi nu et meget mere komplekst billede af epigenomer, transposoner, methyleringer, rekombinationer og gensidigt afhængige livscykler.

I bogens anden halvdel beskæftiger forfatterne sig med med at debunke de sociale og filosofiske forståelser af genomikken, som generelt er alt for simplistiske. De diskuterer genetisk modificerede fødevarer, stamcelleforskning, genterapi og mange andre aspekter af den igangværende genom-revolution. Det er her, sociologen Barnes og filosoffen Dupré for alvor kommer til deres ret.

Teksten er ikke svær men heller ikke let, og bogen vil nok primært appellere til akademikeren, som i forvejen har en vis viden om de biologiske videnskaber. Dette er en smule ærgerligt, fordi det jo netop er vigtigt at fortælle den brede befolkning uden den store forkundskab, at den meget reduktionistiske og individualistisk orienterede moderne syntese er på vej ud, og at et nyt, mere helhedsorienteret, men også mere komplekst biologisk paradigme er på vej ind.