This novel is set in the near future, where human genome editing has become routine. First adopted to fight a lethal virus, it is now widely used to prevent diseases and favor other traits. Ben, Eiko, Celia, Raphael and Leo have just had their coming-of-age genome reading and are struggling with this new information for each their own reasons. Soon, they are cast into the middle of a crisis that threatens the future of their society and pits it against a parallel, but strictly separated, society where genome manipulation is forbidden on religious grounds. The book includes an essay on the potential of human genome engineering and related genome-based choices.

The first human babies with edited genomes were born in late 2018. The technology is here. What do we do with it? Addressing this via fiction allows exploration of both societal and personal issues The accompanying scientific appendix discusses current genetic and genomic techniques and what (ethical) challenges they pose

Autorentext

Pernille Rørth has led research labs at top institutions around the world, including European Molecular Biology Laboratory (EMBL) and Carnegie Institution for Science, Dept. of Embryology, U.S.A., and has published numerous highly appreciated scientific papers in the fields of genetics and cell biology. She also served as Executive Editor (Editor-in-Chief) of The EMBO Journal for five years. Her previous novels 'Raw Data' and 'Tumble Hitch' (Springer, 2016 & 2018), explore ambition in the world of science and its impact on personal relationships. 'Severe Penalties' is a legal thriller set in Singapore (2017).

Inhalt

Part 1: The wall.- The day of the readings.- Transit interviews.- The truth will set you free.- Part 2: Home.- Unrest.- The witch.- Business acumen.- Father Marius.- Peas and politics.- Part 3: Return.- Safe haven.- Summer rain.- Part 4: Scientific Appendix. Manipulating the Human Genome: Technology and Choice.