Understand the Future of Life Science with These Four Books
Science is constantly evolving, as old ideas are replaced with new theories. The gathering of new evidence is a good thing, but with scientific theories changing so quickly, it can be hard to keep up. Here’s four books that explain the forefront of biological science and what discoveries could come next.
Superbugs: Deadly Microbes and the Extraordinary Race for a Cure
By Matt McCarthy
When penicillin was discovered in 1928, it drastically changed the course of human history by making infections easily treatable. Now, overuse of these miracle drugs has led to the rise of antibiotic resistance and “superbugs” like MRSA. Part science history, part clinical trial, and part patient stories, Superbugs is an insightful look into the life of a physician and researcher trying to avoid a post-antibiotic era.
The Code Breaker: Jennifer Doudna, Gene Editing, and the Future of the Human Race
By Walter Isaacson
These days, all anyone can talk about is CRISPR, the amazing gene-editing tool that could one day be used to fix any heredity disease. However, in order to understand CRISPR’s potential, you first need to understand its history. The Code Breaker tells the incredible story of the race to use CRISPR for gene editing, as well as the controversy and ethical issues surrounding gene-editing research.
10% Human
By Alanna Collen
The human microbiome is one of the most fascinating emerging fields of research today, and scientists are only beginning to understand the many effects of the bacteria living in your gut. In 10% Human, Collen thoroughly explains how the microbiome is connected to autoimmune disease, obesity, autism, and more, as well as how restoring the microbiome through fecal microbiome transplants may help treat a variety of conditions in the future.
Deadliest Enemy: Our War Against Killer Germs
By Michael T. Osterholm and Mark Olshaker
Living in a pandemic shown us all the power and destruction of infectious disease, but COVID-19 is not the end of our fight with pathogens. Deadliest Enemy is an overview of the major public health threats we face, from mosquito-borne illnesses to the flu and Ebola. In addition to describing the different types of infectious disease and how they spread, Osterholm and Olshaker explain how we can overcome these challenges through vaccines and other public health measures.
New discoveries are being made every day, and these four books will give you the background knowledge you need to understand whatever comes next.
