Coming to Life How Genes Drive Development

About this book

Coming to Life is a remarkable journey through developmental biology that reveals miraculous processes in the microscopic world of cells. Through an accounting of groundbreaking discoveries, Christiane Nusslein-Volhard tells us many answers to historical and contemporary questions in science. For example, she brings us the newest knowledge about embryonic forms, explains the genetic mechanisms that influence adult development of all animals, and shares insights into the ethical standards society moist uphold in the face of new scientific discoveries.

As the author leads us from laboratory research to its applications in human beings, we also come to understand why children look like their parents, how an embryonic cell knows to become an eye rather than an eyelash, and other incredible influences hat result in variety in life. Complete with her own hand-drawn illustrations, Coming to Life gives a rare opportunity to understand a Nobel Prize-winner's passion for science in concise, understandable language.

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Biography

Christiane Nüsslein-Volhard was awarded The Nobel Prize in Medicine in 1995 for her discoveries in genetic research that led to a greater understanding of human biology and the prevention of human birth defects. Recognized around the world as one of the premier authorities in science, Dr. Nüsslein-Volhard has served for more than two decades as Director of Molecular Biology at the renowned Max-Planck-Institute in Germany. Her international honors include those reserved for only the upper echelons in science. Among them are the Albert Lasker Award  and the Leibniz-Prize. She has long been an advocate for students, and in particular for women, to enter into science careers.