This book provides non-experts with an accessible but rigorous introduction to genes. Drawing on contemporary research in genetics and genomics, as well as on ideas from history of science, philosophy of science, psychology and science education, it explains what genes are and what they can and cannot do.
Challenging the narrative of Mendelian genetics
The book challenges the common misconceptions surrounding Gregor Mendel and his contributions to genetics, offering a clearer understanding of his findings and their historical significance. It aims to correct the historical narrative while serving as a valuable reference for scientists interested in the early scholarship of genetics.
Recent social and political psychological research indicates that increased access to ancestry testing has strengthened the notion of genetic essentialism among some groups, or the idea that our biology ties us to particular ethnic identities. Using research from both the social sciences and the genetics literature as support, Ancestry Reimagined establishes realistic expectations about what we can learn from our DNA as a foundation for examining the psychological impact of ancestry testing, including the differences between how this information is perceived versus its reality.
"An accessible introduction to core concepts in evolution for lay readers, which shows that random events have played a critical role in the development of life. Critical historical events--or "turning points"--Have shaped evolution and continue to have a decisive effect on individual lives. This theme is explored and explained in this lucid, accessible book for lay readers. The author argues that, although evolution is the result of unpredictable events, these events have profound influences on subsequent developments. Life is thus a continuous interplay between unforeseeable events and their decisive consequences. As one example, the author cites the fusing of two chromosomes, which differentiated the human species from our closest animal relatives about 4 to 5 million years ago. This event was not predictable, but it had a profound effect on the evolution of our species thereafter. By the same token, certain unpredictable circumstances in the past enabled only Homo sapiens to survive to the present day, though we now know that other human-like species also once existed. The author contrasts such scientific concepts grounded in solid evidence with prevalent misconceptions about life: specifically, the religious notion that there is a plan and purpose behind life, the widespread perception that intelligent design governs the workings of nature, the persistent belief in destiny and fate, and the attribution of an overly deterministic role to genes. This excellent introduction for laypersons to core ideas in biology goes a long way toward dispelling such misconceptions and presents current scientific research in clearly understandable, jargon-free terms"-- Provided by publisher
Anti-evolutionists, climate denialists, and anti-vaxxers, among others, question some of the best-established scientific findings by referring to the uncertainties in these areas of research. Uncertainty: How It Makes Science Advance shows that uncertainty is an inherent feature of science that makes it advance by motivating further research.
An accessible but rigorous introduction to genes for non-experts, explaining what genes are and what they can and cannot do.
What is evolution and why do so many people find it difficult to understand? Understanding Evolution is a concise and accessible introduction to the core concepts of evolutionary theory, presented in the light of common conceptual obstacles. It shows that there is more than religious resistance to accepting evolution.