Interesting to think about your genetic code
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What if you could heal and have your body adapt so that you become stronger each time you face adversity....
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Author James D. Baird, Ph. D. not only writes prolifically, but he also holds a PhD in Natural Health, having spent more than forty years of experience as a successful inventor, a graduate engineer, a pioneer in the new science of ultrasonics, and an entrepreneur who founded Dynasonics, Inc. a design and manufacturing company of ultrasonic sensors and computers and hold several patents. He has explored the fascinating field of genetics, having written books on Happiness Genes, The Mindful Meals Diet, Obesity Genes, in addition to books reflecting his ongoing interest in bringing science and religion into harmony.

Much of the reason James' book makes such an impact while reading it is his sincere no nonsense approach to communicating his thoughts to us. For example, his Introduction (or opening the door to this thoughts) begins: `We often wonder why we do the things we do. For a very long time, people have speculated, theorized, lectured, argued, and written books, poems, and plays about that very mystery. Ancient philosophers philosophized about it, and theologians gave us their opinions based on articles of faith. In those earlier days, with no reliable way to test theories and opinions, one notion might have been just as good as another. Beginning in the 18th-century, scientists developed new methods to scientifically test biology, chemistry and physics. Using those same scientific methods, psychologists and social scientists were able to prove or disprove historic opinions on human behavior. Today, when our behaviors seem illogical-- even self-destructive--research in genetics and psychology can provide insight into their causes.' He then emphasizes the four themes that influence us - genetics, epigenetics, self-awareness, and culture.
A major emphasis is placed on Epigenetics - `Epigenetics uses signals from our environment, such as life experiences, beliefs, and perceptions to modify our biology and behavior without affecting our DNA. Epigenetics proves that genes are not necessarily our destiny. Our life experiences are called epigenetic factors.....This book is dedicated to bringing understanding to the mysteries of ordinary human behaviors. Understanding brings self-forgiveness and the wisdom to make beneficial behavioral changes.'

For the reader intimidated by reading a book on behavior as written by a scientist, a list of the sections of the book should relax: Topics discussed are Our Behavioral Evolution, Where does Personality come from?, Why do we think like we do?, Why are we so unhappy?, How are you doing?, Our stress epidemic,  Why hurt feelings really hurt, What is self-esteem good for?, What makes relationships work?, Why are conflicts inevitable?, It's all about love, What makes men and women different?, Turning down obesity genes, What is epigenetics and how does it change us?, The benefits and practice of Mindfulness, Weight loss by hypnosis, and Epigenetic Behavioral Therapy.

This is a book to read slowly, ponder, return to for an infusion regularly, and all the while knowing that the author is a man who cares about the human condition - scientific, physical, behavioral, and spiritual - total well being. This is a strong and very support book. Highly Recommended. Grady Harp, March 15
4382683
I thought this book was well written and very interesting...at least to this casual student of paleontology.  Cracking the genetic codes has added a whole new dimension to the human story.
508955
I ordered this after hearing an interview with Greg Graffin on NPR. I'm not a big Bad Religion/science fan but thought I'd give this a try and it's pretty interesting, nice to have a different perspective on evolution and I like how he incorporates his own stories about growing up and being in a punk band. :)
3489489
I am giving Genesis Code 5 stars as very interesting, easy to read mystery. Lots of bioethical questions explored.  Wraps politics, religion and personal privacy issues nicely. Characters are well drawn but a bit caricatured. Reads like a book that will become a movie.
361249
I found this book a fascinating and very easy read on a subject I know very little on. As a health professional i have a basic understanding of molecular genetics, but this book really opened my eyes up in to the commercial application of genetics and the link between genes and who we are, as well as the big knowledge gaps that are yet to be filled. I walked away feeling that it may be fun to get my genetic fortune-telling done.  Frank narrates a scientific and sociological topic from her own experiments in getting her genome read and interviewing other people, in such a way that you can snuggle up on the couch with the book and feel like you are reading a fun novel.

Summary:

The first part of this book explores popular genetics-with genealogy now the most popular hobby in the USA, a market has grown for people tracing their heritage through genetic sequences. Commercial organisations have also grown where people pay to for a genome sequence to get risk factors for certain diseases and certain traits.  However, how valid are these commercial products?  There are problems with determining risk factors for diseases, as association studies these genetic markers are based on can be weak and don't account for the multifactorial nature of disease, familial markers are left out, a lot of diseases may be hereditary but the genetic marker hasn't yet been identified, and we are forever finding new disease markers that substantially change ones genetic risk.  Genetic genealogy is also questionable. It looks at only the halotypes of one in a thousand distance ancestors, as mitochondrial DNA and the Y chromosome are the only parts of DNA that don't undergo recombination.  These popular genetic tests currently tend to be gimmicky rather than robust science because of the above limitations, and are financed by the interests of the consumers (so tend to focus on traits such as ability to smell digested asparagus) rather than solid diseases such as parkinsons.
The second part of the book gives us an idea that genetics provides a framework for who we are...that our nervous system is inherited and personality something stable and inherent, with personality being 50% inheritable.  However, it is very difficult to find specific genes that predict behaviour and personality.  The nervous system we have predisposes us to certain behaviours and traits. However, we are also flexible, with the influence of the environment being able to turn certain genetic expressions on and off (epigenetics) which has an implication for both the environment on disease patterns and our psychosocial beings, we can actively choose good environments to shape how our genes are expressed.  Personality is stable, once an introvert, always an introvert, and we need to work within the personality frame we are given.  However, we can make significant modifications to our traits which can have a molecular effect down to the level of our DNA.
 We may one day even be able to develop drugs that target and reverse epigenetic changes. Lone Frank describes genes as being  like playing cards we have been dealt, and some of those cards give a certain amount of latitude in playing the game of life, and can give us information to shape our lives around.
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Vertosick writes:

"....Biologists like to believe that a pristine germline carries all the geneic information we'll ever need from cradle to grave. For individual animals to change genetically during their lifetimes sounds too dangerous. After all, cancers arise because of alterations of our germline DNA, so surely we wouldn't toy with our DNA blueprints intentionally...

...Ah, but indeed we do. In the 1970s, improved DNA analytical techniques allowed immunologists to peer into the DNA of vertebrate immune systems, and they soon learned that we do evolve genetically in response to external threats in the same way that bacteria and flies evolve."

Um, no Frank, we do not.

WE do not 'evolve' during an immune response - if we did, we would all be immune to everything outr parents were immune to.  If a disclaimer was provided indicating that such immunity is not passed on, wonderful.  The fact remains, that was not what was written in the quotes provided.

During an immune response, immune cells that already possess receptors that 'sort of' bind foreign antigens will begin to divide and diversify.  Part of this process involves the rearrangmenet of pre-existing genes and the incorporation of random mutations into these genes as well, with the outcome of this trial and error process being a cell or two whose 'new' receptors bind the antigen even better, and they begin dividing faster than the other cells, which die.

These 'new' genes do not get passed on, and thus, by definition, no evolution takes place.

Readers should be wary of the claims made in this book.  It sounds impressive, but it may be wrong, like his take on this 'evolution' within the body.
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I obtained my DNA info. this year and I have been very interested in exploring my way-back ancestors. What were their lives like?  This book gives you a taste of what my ancestors (and yours),lives might have been like and explains the science that provides prospective on this history.
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Information on the influences of light on biological processes, and how these processes are thwarted by different types of disturbance of the natural solar radiation. The author reports on biological effects on plants, animals and man. Interesting information for anyone seeking to improve their own health, or those interested in medicine, biology and physics. The information has widespread implications and a potential to benefit product development in lighting / glazing / sun protection and the design of homes and medical facilities, to mention a few. It`s a technical book about scientific findings, but is easy to read, funny and wildly interesting. A book that suggests some easy changes you can implement in your everyday life today, along with others that require some more thought and planning.
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I bought and first read this book some time ago.  Since then I have often quoted from its theme.  Bruce Lipton describes how life is, to a large extent, what we believe it is - affecting us even to a cellular level.  We can choose to be a victim or a master of our life, and epigenetics overrides genetics.  Fantastic.
1733575
The author has given us a look into the timeline of research and this illness in particular.  We may finally be on the path to cure(s).  We have a much better understand of this genetic malady that ever before.  If you like science and how it evolves, this is the book for you.
4066101
Dawkins is a fine reader-friendly writer who carefully uses logic and the mathematics of probabilty - in  an  easy way - to deduce the  philosophical goal  of the DNA genes  found  in nature.  It is very thought provoking if you are the sort who like  to have  your thoughts provoked. This is  a  companion book to his Blind Watch-maker book that examines the DNA goal from a different  viewpoint.
1935224
What an amazing idea! Sooooo worth thinking about!  It does however take concentration to read it. Some of the sentences are quite long and involved. (Which I realize is a good thing. But it does that meaning putting effort forth. Again, not a bad thing.) His information, (Diamond does offer conflicting views) just lets so many pieces fit right into place about how different peoples' societies evolved.  Very interesting information.
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Its about GMO'S. Interesting but it takes work and concentration to comprehend and retain
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British science writer, Matt Ridley tells the story of the human genome by concentrating on one gene per chromosome and taking his readers from the beginning of life on Earth to the possible future of humanity.  If you are interested in the advances in genetics, "Genome" is a quick, interesting overview, although it was published in 1999 and is already slightly out-of-date.

For instance, the 'final' human genome sequence wasn't published until 2003 (the 'draft' was published in 2001.)  However, genetics is such a fast-moving field, that any book on this subject is automatically out-of-date even as it is going to press.  So read "Genome" and enjoy!

Ridley does not duck the ethical questions concerning the manipulation of the genome.  His final four chapters on chromosomes 19, 20, 21, and 22 are labeled respectively: "Prevention;" "Politics;" "Eugenics;" and "Free Will."  It is interesting to note that the inventor of DNA fingerprinting, Alec Jeffreys, believes every citizen's genetic information should be stored on a national data base, but for identification purposes only.  It should not be used to store information about susceptibility to disease for fear that governments and insurance companies will use such data to discriminate against those of us who might be greater health risks because of our genetic profiles.

One of Ridley's recurrent themes (the capital letters are his) is that "GENES ARE NOT THERE TO CAUSE DISEASES."  So if you do happen to have the gene for 'bad' blood lipids (see chromosome 19), you are not automatically doomed.  In fact, the author argues very forcefully that this is the genetic information that you (not your insurance company) should know, so that you can take preventative life-style measures.

On the other hand, you may not want to know if you have the mutated version of the gene that causes Huntington's chorea (see the chapter on chromosome 4, entitled "Fate.")

One of the most heartening stories in "Genome" concerns the virtual elimination of cystic fibrosis in the American Jewish population:  "The Committee for the Prevention of Jewish Genetic Disease organizes the test of schoolchildren's blood.  When matchmakers are later considering a marriage between two young people, they can call a hotline and quote the two anonymous numbers" that the boy and girl received when they were tested.  If both are carriers of the same mutation for cystic fibrosis (or Tay-Sachs disease), they are advised not to marry.

This policy seems to be working--why not expand this type of genetic testing to the whole population?

One small mistake should be noted.  In the chapter on "Prevention" the author states that, "After Fleming found penicillin we were guilty of neglect if we failed to take a dying tubercular patient to the doctor."  Actually penicillin is active only against Gram-positive bacteria and not against Gram-negative species, including 'Mycobacterium tuberculosis' (the cause of tuberculosis).

Other than the above, "Genome" is a very meaty introduction to a chordate in "a phylum that survived the Cambrian era 500 million years ago by the skin of its teeth in competition with the brilliantly successful arthropods."  We are lucky to be here, and lucky to have our genetic story told by such an interesting writer.
2041979
DNA (Deoxyribonucleic acid) is all about genetic. It is a useful warning to say the authors are using this word in the title only in a metaphorical meaning. The innovator's "gen" really is all about behaviors and habits. The most interesting about this book is the fact that a formal and extensive research was done in order to propose its conclusions. In a prescriptive sense, read, understand and then put those behaviors in practice, "associating, questioning, observing, networking and experimenting" no doubt will be an enormous challenge to the individual and the organization. But of course is a relief to know (at least) what we don't have in order to be more innovative, or why our efforts don't always blossom.
607461
Amazing book that shows how DNA is just like computer coding.  If coding implies a coder with plans, designs, and purposes, then our DNA also implies a DNA builder. Tells the science along with the humans who discover and discuss it. Excellent presentation, but probably not for a layperson.