"The field of genetics is remarkable in that it holds the key to our past and future. Comprised of DNA sequences, our genes demonstrate how life forged pathways and evolved into the creatures and plants we know and love on Earth today. Strings of genetic code can also hold power over us in the form of viruses, mutations leading to cancer, and more; however, we are beginning to harness genetics to fight back using remarkable leaps in genetic science, producing vaccines and powerful gene therapy. In this bookazine, we’ll take you through the world of genetics to help you understand this crucial avenue of science. Enjoy! "
Welcome
Human Genetics
Genetics • From inheritance to genetic diseases, what secrets are hidden in our genes and how do they determine who we are?
Mapping the human genome • How does our genetic makeup compare to that of other creatures?
The genetic revolution • From the discovery of DNA to the dawn of gene editing in less than 200 years
DNA’s unsung heroes • James Watson and Francis Crick are world renowned for discovering the structure of DNA, but many more scientists made critical contributions to the field
A revolution in gene editing • Precision gene editing with CRISPR-Cas9 could change the way we interact with our genome
Unravelling DNA repair
DNA • Unlocking the secrets of our genetic code will make us masters of our own biology
What is DNA? • Every living creature is a consequence of DNA – discover how it works here
History of DNA • How we’ve come to understand more about it since its discovery
DNA today • The science of DNA has already changed the world we live in
What are microRNAs? • The ‘junk DNA’ that controls at least 30 per cent of our genes
UNDERSTAND THE SCIENCE OF LIFE • Broaden your understanding of the world around us and discover the study of life. From the evolution of the plant and animal kingdoms, to human anatomy and the strange worlds of microbiology, explore the science of all living things.
How babies are made • The fusion of sex cells that begins the great journey of pregnancy
In Vitro Fertilisation • How embryos can be created in a lab
Fertilisation in a laboratory • The artificial fertilisation technique that helps parents overcome natural barriers to conception
One baby, three parents • How doctors can use different genetic material
The science of stem cells
The advantages of cloning • World expert Professor Irina Polejaeva discusses cloning in the agricultural industry
Embryo growth • What allows embryos to develop such complex structures? We speak with Dr Megan Davey to find out
Can we live forever? • What is ageing and why do we get older? We look at the science of senescence and the technologies tackling the inevitable
Cell shutdown • How apoptosis systematically destroys cells
Cutting chromosomes • Here’s how telomeres shorten over time
Forming wrinkles • How skin folds to create laugh lines
Seven ways your brain changes as you age
Who wants to live forever? • The science that seeks to slow down the process of ageing
Immortality • Is the future of everlasting life cryonics?
Inside the cryo coffin • From death to deep freeze, here’s how the human body is preserved
How Genealogy Tests Work • Welcome to the world of the gene-ius DNA detectives solving the world’s ancestral mysteries
Evolution
How life evolves • Discover the biological pathways through time that led to the plants and animals of today
Surprising coevolution • Amazing examples of how two species have steered each other’s evolution
Evolution myths • We bust...