20000 Genes Under The Skin
348653
Public DNA testing to determine one's ancestral origins and possibly find lost relatives has become something of a fad in recent years. But to really understand our origins, as well as everyone else's, we need to move well beyond surface appearances and grasp the essence of what it means to be human, constructed as we are through the action of some 20,000 genes. The first small group of distinct homo-sapiens appeared some 200,000 years ago in east Africa and began their migration into the rest of the world about 100,000 years ago.

One area surveyed by the author concerns the fallacy of the concept of race. Genetic data shows clearly that variances within accepted 'racial groups' is more pronounced than the differences between them. In other words the genetic differences between a resident of Beijing and a fellow asian from Hanoi would be greater than between the person from Beijing and someone from London. The point being that the gene set responsible for color pales in comparison to the multitude of other traits and characteristics that constitute an individual. And this is the same for any specific physical or psychological aspect of a particular individual. Of course genetics is only part of the picture and doesn't consider cultural differences. But, from a purely physical perspective, the genetic data hardly supports racial separations.

Another revealing insight arising from the data is that virtually every human characteristic is the result of the interaction of a set of genes acting through their agents, the proteins, despite the original hope that traits might be identified with individual genes. This revelation has dramatic implications with regard to health and medicine. There was hope that with the completion of the multibillion dollar effort to map the human genome that matching diseases and disorders with specific genes that rapid advances in medical treatment would be forthcoming. While advances are being made the intricacies and interconnectedness of genes and proteins have resulted in much slower advances than hope for.

Today's state of genetic research is also revealing that several species of human existed at the same time - species that could mate and birth viable offspring. Historically, for example, it was thought that Neanderthals and human were so dissimilar that successfully mating was impossible and that homo-sapiens were so antagonistic to Neanderthals that they were totally responsible for Neanderthal extinction. Humans may indeed have hastened the passing of Neanderthals but they also seem to have had some attraction to one another with most Europeans today having received an average of 2.4% of their genes from Neanderthals.

The author also concludes that evolution continues today and will in the future. Within a decade or so there will be some 9 billion individuals on planet earth, barring catastrophe. And, within each individual, the same mutability that has been occurring since the first of our kind awakened to awareness continues to create mutations in each individual. Whether favorable mutations would result in species wide adaptation is more problematic due to our vast numbers.

My comments have addressed several areas that intrigued me the most. There is much more covered between the covers. It is a worthy read for anyone interested in genetics and inheritance.
2097761
About 5 years ago I started to develop psoriasis on my finger tips that slower progressed down my hands, but at the time my dermatologist believe that it was eczema and not psoriasis. I had never had an issue with either of these growing up before this all started at the age of 30.  After 3 frustrating years of creams, lotions, pills, and UV ray treatments that seemed to do nothing and the what was believed to be eczema continued to spread down my hands I visited another dermatologist who mentioned that it might be psoriasis but her only suggestion was to take methotrexate as a way to help mange it. I even did a skin patch test that came up mostly negative, and also did visited a holistic doctor who did a blood test to determine what foods might be causing a problem, and I later realized the test missed the eventual cause.  Not knowing that it was a steroid that started to drain me of energy as we up the dosage and it started to freak me out that it's original use was for some forms of cancer. After about 2-3 months of the drugs and researching psoriasis instead of eczema, I did a google/amazon search for natural healing which slowly lead me to this book. After reading through the book in 5 days I quickly realized what had caused my issue to develop.... Night Shades and more specifically peppers!! I had never eaten peppers up until about 6-8 months before this all developed and in the book Dr. Pagano points out that peppers can be poisonous to certain people, and in my case I was eating almost 1 bell pepper a day. After one final flare up before finishing to book because I had eaten something spicy in all my meals, I cut out peppers from my diet completely and have avoided other nightshades. I'm happy to say that now after almost 15 months, my hands are about 75% healed and have had only minor irritation since cutting them out. It's been a long process because we use our hands for everything and I'm pretty active on a daily basis which can damage the new skin. Overall, I would suggest any one who has psoriasis to read this book and really examine what you put in your body because something that might seem healthy can cause damage.
2392473
This book reveals a sophisticated understanding of how scientists come up with formal explanations and definitions. Inevitably, as the technologies and observations progress, yesterday's concepts become outmoded and, eventually, restrictive. Evelyn Fox Keller explains how this progression occurred (and still takes place) in our understanding of biological inheritance. She displays a fine sense of the motivations behind pre-DNA theoretical postulates that no longer make sense in light of modern sequence data. Altogether, a splendid account of the gene theory, its problems, and indications of where new concepts are likely to arise.
3439469
Important developments in the rapidly-changing field of human genetics are in the newspaper virtually every day, but the underlying ethical and moral issues seem to remain constant from year to year.  This book does a very  fine job of exploring those concerns and examining the larger implications  of human "germline" engineering.
Although it also contains  additional related essays, "Engineering the Human Germline"  basically seems to be an edited transcript of a thought-provoking symposium  (of the same name) which a thousand or so others and I attended at UCLA in  March 1998.  During that public event, an impressive panel of experts  delivered intelligent, understandable lectures, then debated the great  promises and dangers which might result from altering the genes which get  passed to our children, grandchildren, etc. (such theoretical alteration of  genes, in a nutshell, is what "germline" genetic engineering is).  "Engineering the Human Germline" proves to be a worthy record of  that symposium.
Some say the human gene pool is a sacred thing and that  we should never "play God."  Clearly, if you monkey around with  the genetic code of an early-state embryo, you might wind up with a  monstrosity on your hands.  But what if (at some point in the future) you  knew exactly what you were doing when you corrected (or requested the  correction of) a pre-embryo's faulty genetic code?  What if, as a result  of your intervention, the resulting human being neither developed a deadly  or life-shattering genetic disease (that it would have inherited,  otherwise), nor passed the faulty gene(s) on to the next generation?  The  value of this promise seems to be at the core of what's explored by the  numerous contributors of "Engineering the Human Germline."
At  one point in this book we have a very outspoken James Watson (the 1962  Nobel-winning co-discoverer of DNA structure who also helped establish the  Human Genome Project) saying, "It's common sense to try to develop it  <germline engineering>...  If we could make better human beings by  knowing how to add genes, why shouldn't we do it?  What's wrong with it?  Who is telling us not to do it?... We should be honest and say that we  shouldn't just accept things that are incurable.  I just think, 'What would  make someone else's life better?'"
All in all, "Engineering the  Human Germline" is a balanced, intelligent, readable resource for  professionals, students or the average citizen who wants to know more about  the groundbreaking developments in human genetics and the surrounding  issues which will affect us all.
1254092
I could not put this book down because I know a lot o f people struggling with neurological  diseases and we are all looking for any information to help them. I have recommended this book to a lot of people, which might be the reason that today, at the grocery store, there was only one more jar of the coconut oil we buy on the shelf.  One chapter regarding information on silver dental fillings that contain 50% mercury is consistant with everything we know about it  We had all these fillings removed a few months ago. Particularly interesting are the many ways scientists are examining that people may be getting Alzheimer's from environmental  factors instead of heredity.  Alzheimers is on the upswing.  The number of people projected to get the disease in the next decade is inconsistent with the number of parents available to pass it down, so it makes a lot of sense to look around ourselves before it is too late and make changes if we need to.
4745963
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"In biology, Darwin and Mendel came to define the 19TH century as the era of evolution and genetics; Watson and Crick defined the 20TH century as the era of DNA...

But in the 21ST century it is the new scientific discipline of epigenetics ["epi" meaning over or beyond] that is unravelling so much of what we took as dogma and rebuilding it in an infinitely more varied, more complex, and even more beautiful fashion."

The above comes from the introduction of this well-written, fascinating, and educational book by Nessa Carey, Ph. D. (virology).  She works in the UK biotechnology and pharmaceutical sectors, and for the past seven years has specialized in epigenetics.  She has strong relationships with leading epigenetics researchers, with medical labs in Europe, and with some of the most prestigious institutions in the US (such as the Harvard Medical School).

A human being is the product of an amazing interaction between the genes inherited from one's parents (genetics) and all the modifications that one's lifestyle imposes on those genes (**epigenetics).

Epigenetic modifications do not affect our genetic code but do affect the molecular mechanisms that regulate the genetic code's expression.

This is where this book comes in.  It takes us on a scientific tour of what's known about epigenetic mechanisms and their implications especially for disease and aging.

Near the end of this book there is a chapter on plants and their "highly developed epigenetic system."  Another final chapter explains the honeybee and epigenetics.

Carey concludes with a discussion of the future directions for epigenetics research and its ability to improve human health.

I appreciated the excellent illustrations peppered throughout this book to help me understand important concepts.  As well, there is a glossary that I found to be invaluable.

Finally, it would be helpful to have some basic biology before reading this book.  Also, I found it best to read this book slowly so as to get maximum understanding from it.

In conclusion, this is a good, solid introduction to the fascinating world of epigenetics. Welcome to the revolution!!

(first published 2012;  acknowledgements;  introduction; 16 chapters;  main narrative 310 pages;  notes;  glossary;  index)

<<Stephen PLETKO, London, Ontario, Canada>>

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4070605
What an eye opener.  I now use the website Skin Deep all the time to check products before I buy.  I am trying to discard products that I have always used and replacing them with non-toxic products.  A must read.  Especially if you have children.  You need to start out fresh.  Worth the read.  I have already passed it along to a friend.
1717189
Author Lewontin, a Harvard geneticist, presents his case against biological determinism, and for a form of social constructionism. Don't stop reading this review if the first sentence caused your eyes to glaze over. You don't need to understand those terms. RCL is simply saying that our social environment is more important than our genetic structure.
 And, no, this book is not about Marxist ideas as one reviewer wrote. One is not a marxist because one supports environmental affects on society. He is not spouting Marxism when he suggests that society is responsible for many diseases, and not microbes. Tuberculosis had greatly declined by the early twentieth century, not because of vaccination, but because living conditions and nutrition had improved. The ultimate cause of some cancers is not so much the proximate cause of pollution, but the society that has decided that pollution in the air is acceptable in furthering our society.
Our society is not based on the total genetic activity of its members. First of all there aren't enough genes to begin to determine the billions of circuits in the brain, many of which aren't constructed until after birth. We become individuals in a society. The two most common ways in which children are similar to their parents relate to religion and politics. Are we then to say that there is a Baptist gene, or a Republican gene?
Lewontin believes that the genome project(s) will not fulfill the promises currently being made. His social constructionist beliefs (that science is culturally determined) must be given some credence when he states that no prominent geneticist of his acquaintance is free of a financial interest in these projects. We also cannot assume that mapping the genome of an individual will result in a set of genes that we can accept as a normal reference. You, the reader, and I may be very normal human beings, but our genes differ by about 3 million nucleotides.
The author also states that organisms create their environment; they do not react passively to their surroundings. There is no such thing as a environmental balance he says. 99.99% of all beings that existed are now extinct. The environment has always been in a state of continual flux. He points out that many organisms have had a negative effect on the environment. The beaver, for example, is notorious for its destruction of its surroundings.
A very thought provoking book. I read it through twice which was easy to do because of its 128 page length. You do not need to accept all of his ideas, but he sure stimulates your neurons to form some new connections.
1060984
Where the first Ecoholic book has a small section on health and beauty products that covers just the basics, Ecoholic Body gives us the low-down on just about every product that comes in contact with our bodies. From hair to sunscreen, nail polish to clothes, Ecoholic Body tells you what harmful ingredients to watch out for and lets you know which brands passed the stringent Ecoholic tests. The book even touches on things that you probably wouldn't ever consider having an environmentally friendly option such as tattoos or medical devices.

Even if you're not all that concerned about toxins or chemicals, there really is something for everyone in Ecoholic Body. Sections on health and natural health products offer up new solutions for what ails you. Or you may be surprised to learn just how harmful the production of our clothing and jewellery is to the planet. There's a section on Kids & Babies which sheds light on some of the more harmful products available for kids. I don't have children, but I saw many items that my friends use regularly for their children on the bad list! The helpful Resources section demystifies labels and symbols, explains the differences in plastics and offers a great list of enviro-friendly stores and websites. And one of my favourite things about the Ecoholic books are the well researched lists of products that have been tested and rated by the Ecoholic crew. This is a huge time (and money) saver if you're looking to adapt some of these products into your life!

With so much great information in one book, I could go on for days about all the fascinating things I learned. But for the sake of brevity, here are a few things that fascinated me:
- Feverfew - an organic supplement that is reported to equal the best medical treatments - may help sufferers of debilitating migraines.
- Did you know that Formaldehyde (a known carcinogen!) is used to make our clothes "wrinkle free"? Ew!
- Do your kids wear those cute (and cheap) plastic sandals? Be aware they could be leaching chemicals into their bare skin!
- For Ecoholic advice on a regular basis be sure to check out the Ecoholic Blog!

Ecoholic Body is the third book in Adria Vasil's Ecoholic series, and for those of you who are serious about what you put in and on your body, this entertaining and easy to read book has all your options covered.
4726817
Throughout the world, there are ongoing debates over whether the human genome should be tampered with.  Legislation has already been passed prohibiting numerous variants of genetic engineering as it applies to humans.  But in this book, Gregory Stock explains that we will eventually have the technology to change ourselves intrinsically, and that we will also use it.  He strongly advises us to look toward the future and make decisions regarding how this newfound knowledge should be used, instead of simply whether it should be used.

Genetic engineering has the potential to cure nearly every disease on earth.  For hereditary diseases, such as cystic fibrosis and sickle cell anemia, this is the only way they will ever be cured.  There is much ongoing research into finding a cure for genetic diseases, and eventually those efforts will meet with success.  Once this happens, parents could be screened for defective genes, and if they do have them, their children could be genetically engineered to not have them.  It would be cruel to deny these parents the only option they have to bear a healthy child, and in this way, the engineering of the human genome will begin.

Once diseases begin to be cured through this method, a line will have to be drawn determining what is a disease and what must be lived with.  Is high cholesterol worth curing?  What about obesity, ADD, or nearsightedness?  All of these have a strong genetic component, and could be significantly reduced through genetic engineering.  Inevitably, different countries will have different laws regarding what is considered a disease.

Eventually, genetic engineering will extend into the realm of what isn't a disease, but which could be improved on.  Attributes such as intelligence, life span, physical capabilities, and talents could all be under the control of prospective parents.

This book is a startling look at the near future of the human species, and whether you thing genetically engineered humans are a good idea or not, this book is worth reading.  Dr. Stock does a superb job at approaching this subject from a neutral perspective, stating not what he hopes will happen, but which he believes will happen.  He gives many other examples of what can be accomplished with genetic engineering as well as what has already been accomplished in animals. He also corrects many of the myths surrounding this technology, many which have come from popular science fiction.  If you have any questions or doubts concerning genetic engineering, this is an excellent book to read.
354445
This is a big book dealing with molecular biology in considerable detail. It is organised in 24 chapters subdivided in small paragraphs each one dealing with a particular problem in molecular biology. The book covers the basics first and then deals with more specific matters like immunology, cancer, development, etc all seen from the molecular biologist point of view. Although the approach is purely mechanistic it uses a clear evolutionary orientation, well explained at the beginning of the book, that helps to give a dynamic framework to the whole subject. This is not a book to be read in only a few weeks but roughly a year's time, given the detail and amount of material exposed.
679200
K2 is working.

Important, important book. Have to get more copies and get the word out. So so many health conditions linked to lack of K2 and fat soluble vitamins A & D3.  The research coming out of Japan in particular is very exciting.

I have had stubborn periodontal disease for over a decade (I'm 48).  I had horrible toothbrushing habits as a schoolchild, but I never got a cavity until I had children.  The book explains why.  I went to the dentist in my mid-30s when we finally got dental insurance, after not visiting the dentist for years.  The hygienist remarked that my teeth and gums looked pretty good, till they saw the x-rays. There was bone loss around my tooth roots, so they probed and sure enough, I had active periodontal disease without major symptoms. So did my husband. Since then I have lost a molar, had surgery, had root scaling and planing twice and try to stay on top of my hygiene. There was a period of measureable improvement in pocket depth several years ago when I was eating strict low carb, but I went back to my old lazy way of eating, old habits and my oral health started downhill again, even with 4x a year periodontal cleanings.

Enough already! A couple of weeks ago I started taking K2 drops&nbsp;<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/THORNE-RESEARCH-Vitamin-K2-Liquid-1-fl-oz-Health-and-Beauty/dp/B000FGWDTK/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">THORNE RESEARCH - Vitamin K2 Liquid - 1 fl oz [Health and Beauty</a>].  About 3 weeks ago I started an oral probiotic&nbsp;<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Nature-s-Plus-Adult-s-Dental-Care-Probiotic-Lozenges-Peppermint-60-Lozenges/dp/B0031TMP9Q/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Nature's Plus Adult's Dental Care Probiotic Lozenges Peppermint -- 60 Lozenges</a>&nbsp;which contains Calcium and D3 and the beneficial tongue-dwelling microbe Streptococcus Salivarius M18.  To promote bone & soft tissue healing I added collagen powder, a source of quickly absorbable amino acids.&nbsp;<a data-hook="product-link-linked" class="a-link-normal" href="/Great-Lakes-Gelatin-Collagen-Hydrolysate-Kosher-16-Ounce/dp/B005KG7EDU/ref=cm_cr_arp_d_rvw_txt?ie=UTF8">Great Lakes Gelatin, Collagen Hydrolysate (Kosher) 16-Ounce</a>&nbsp;For a couple of months we've been drinking homemade fermented milk kefir (thanks kefirlady.com!).  The kefir didn't make a quickly observable change in my mouth since it's not grassfed milk, but the microbes are pretty great for your digestion.

My teeth are slick like I just had a professional cleaning, noticeably whiter and less sensitive since starting K2 and the probiotic M18. I brush and floss but it's just so easy to keep them clean. There's hardly any plaque to remove; where before I had rapid buildup of calculus.  The probiotic microbe produces enzymes that break down plaque biofilm and create a favorable pH.  I'm guessing the K2 may be remineralizing exposed sensitive tooth roots.

This is dramatic improvement in a very short time period. Only once I had a bit of blood on my floss by one tooth. I flushed out a tiny seed (strawberry or blueberry)using a waterpik that was probably hanging out in a deep pocket under the gumline.

In a couple of weeks I'll see my periodontist to get probed for periodontal pocket depth again.  I don't need a cleaning.

I'll report back at that time.

After reading the book, I am bumping up the K2 drops I am taking to the recommended dosage of MK-4 of 45 mg in divided doses over the day (I have been taking far less). I have some issues to try to reverse and this dosage is well studied in Japan as effective. This supplement is not nearly as expensive as periodontal disease.

In the meantime, get this book and share it with those you love.
4499048
Very up to date in research...whereas we used to think that the genome and the expression of genes was the last frontier...not any more, as Super Genes reveals...it is the bodies microbiome especially the micro bacteria of the body with heavy reference to the bacteria of the gut being the new frontier as it relates to human health. Very enjoyable reading
3239379
This was a well written and accurately articulated eBook that contained a vast amount of helpful information. Despite how much it is minimized in society under the notion that "teens just need to wash their faces better," it is huge in the eyes of those experiencing the challenges of acne.  This book provides deeper understanding of the issue and solid steps and instruction to overcome it. If more people were aware of this information, a lot less would have to suffer with this condition.
1172304
Every woman wants to know how to improve her skin in a way she can afford and this is the book that'll show you how. Did you know honey removes dead skin cells? I didn't, but I do now. Full of healthy scrubs to soften and smooth your skin, you'll want to grab this one, especially useful during cold weather that dries out the skin or hot summer after hours in the sun. Get yours today! Well-written and easy to understand. This book is like a recipes or a cookbook for the skin.
4612066
In this book Matt Ridley breaks the human genome down into 23 chapters, one for each chromosome in the human body. In each chapter, he discusses the chromosome and the genes thereon, finding something unique and relevant to the human experience on each. This book was released about a year before the Human Genome Project released its report, and it was a good preview of what was to come.

Ridley has a real gift for taking complex subjects such as transposition and making them understandable. He uses analagies such as computer programming languages to describe genetic processes. I came away from reading this book with a new appreciation for the complexity of the human genome. If I were a biology teacher, this book would be required reading for all of my students.
3831343
This is an outstanding text!  It starts with the basics of molecular pathology and diagnosis (greatly welcomed by a molecular dilettante like myself).  This monograph is very well written and well illustrated. It covers all of the important molecular tests relevant to dermatology and dermatopathology and does so in detail.  I learned a great deal from this text.  I highly recommend it to all who work in dermatology and dermatopathology.
Earl Glusac, MD, Professor of Pathology and Dermatology, Yale University School of Medicine.