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The Code Breaker

By: Walter Isaacson
Narrated by: Kathe Mazur, Walter Isaacson - introduction and epilogue
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Summary

The best-selling author of Leonardo da Vinci and Steve Jobs returns.

In 2012, Nobel Prize winning scientist Jennifer Doudna hit upon an invention that will transform the future of the human race: an easy-to-use tool that can edit DNA.

Known as CRISPR, it opened a brave new world of medical miracles and moral questions. It has already been deployed to cure deadly diseases, fight the coronavirus pandemic of 2020, and make inheritable changes in the genes of babies.

But what does that mean for humanity? Should we be hacking our own DNA to make us less susceptible to disease? Should we democratise the technology that would allow parents to enhance their kids?

After discovering this CRISPR, Doudna is now wrestling these even bigger issues.

THE CODE BREAKERS is an examination of how life as we know it is about to change – and a brilliant portrayal of the woman leading the way.
©2021 Walter Isaacson. All rights reserved (P)2021 Simon & Schuster, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
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What listeners say about The Code Breaker

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Brilliant story telling!

A really interesting and informative read. The complex scientific processes were so clearly explained

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Heavy at points but incredibly interesting

It’s a complex story and involves many elements of which I didn’t understand so it’s not something you can half listen to or listen before bed in my view, as you need to be on it. However CRISPR is one of the biggest/greatest enhancements/discoveries so more people should read and learn about it as it will become more and more common place over the next few years/decades

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1 person found this helpful

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Doudna, the CRISPR breaker…

EN: A great book about the inventor of probably the most important scientific invention of our century, Jennifer Doudna. I loved how Walter Isaacson described the moral dilemmas that CRISPR brings and the association with the books written by Huxley and Orwell. The book is a bit heavy and I found myself listening on repeat a few sections of this audiobook in order to understand all the details presented. The part where he described the patent wars between the scientists was a bit too long, but overall I think it’s important to know a little bit about the hidden story that stays behind any great invention.

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Interesting story but..

read in a monotone. Given the significance of this history why have it read like giving map directions?

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Stick with it. It will amaze and educate

At first I felt a little lost with the science, it’s 40 years since graduating in a mix of softer sciences than these…. But if you have any biology in your education it will come back as you read this well written and narrated account of such important scientific breakthroughs and their potential to revolutionise healthcare. Thank you!


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Good book

Really good book challenging interesting learned a lot well researched and documented I highly recommend

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Wow

The author breaks down complex concepts in an understandable manner. It required me to concentrate hard with various people and biological terms being thrown around. I find CRISPR technology and the promises it holds both mindboggling, nerve racking, and inspiring. This book opened my eyes to the new world of pioneering biotechnology.

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Amazing

Masterpiece now I need to checkout rest of the author books fascinating way of writing and topic classes to my heart and brain. Recommend anyone who is into science but also anyone who has limited knowledge about science

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Enlightening

First of all one of the best narrators, making it a joy to listen to the book. The story is interesting because it shows (in relation to the topic) how past, current and new research, laboratory and university infrastructure and scientists collaborating, making it (Crispr editing etc) all come together into new, clever (potential) disease treatments. Very thoughtfully written I thought.

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WOW

Frustrating at times, other times enraging, exciting, funny and nearly always, awe inspiring and thought provoking.
This is a book about humanity.

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