Show notes / PDF & Infographic / The Code Breaker is a fascinating ode to scientists who made remarkable discoveries about our genome. It focuses on Jennifer Doudna, who received the 2020 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, and her colleague, microbiologist Emmanuelle Charpentier.
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The Code Breaker: Jennifer Doudna, Gene Editing, and the Future of the Human Race by Walter Isaacson Summary and Analysis
Life gets busy. Has The Code Breaker been gathering dust on your bookshelf? Instead, pick up the key ideas now.
We’re scratching the surface here. If you don’t already have the book, order it here or get the audiobook for free on Amazon to learn the juicy details.
Disclaimer: This is an unofficial summary and analysis. Please consult a professional before attempting to experiment with gene editing.
Walter Isaacson’s Perspective
Walter Isaacson is a historian, journalist, and proclaimed biographer. He is currently a Professor of History at Tulane and an advisory partner at Perella Weinberg Partners, a financial advisory firm. His former positions include CEO of the Aspen Institute, chairman of CNN and TIME magazine editor.
In literature circles, Isaacson is well-known for his biographical efforts. He is the author of best-selling biographies of Steve Jobs, Albert Einstein, Benjamin Franklin, and Leonardo da Vinci.
Introduction
The Code Breaker is a fascinating ode to scientists who made remarkable discoveries about our genome. It focuses on Jennifer Doudna, who received the 2020 Nobel Prize in Chemistry, and her colleague, microbiologist Emmanuelle Charpentier. Although the Nobel-prize-winning gene-editing pioneer is the central figure of this publication, Isaacson offers to look at other scientists, their discoveries, and how they can change our lives. According to Isaacson and the scientific community, Doudna’s findings promise to cure many life-threatening illnesses.
Bill Gates chose The Code Breaker as one of his top 5 favorite books of 2021.
StoryShot #1: The Double Helix Changed Jennifer Doudna’s Life
The Code Breaker's first quarter is about Jennifer Doudna's biography. As a child, she loved learning and decided in sixth grade that she wanted to study chemistry and genetics. She discovered "The Double Helix" by James Watson, which she initially thought was a detective book. However, it inspired her to become a scientist. Despite being told that "women don't become scientists," Doudna became a biochemist and solved the mystery that was unsolved in "The Double Helix."
StoryShot #2: CRISPR Gene-Editing is Used to Cure Cancer, Create Vaccines and Designer Babies
CRISPR is a system used by bacteria to combat viruses by remembering a portion of the virus's code. This mechanism is essential for developing immunity to viruses. CRISPR can even destroy the virus. Doudna's discovery is being implemented in a vaccine against COVID-19 and has been tested to cure cancer and genetic diseases. CRISPR also has the potential to select, enhance, or suppress certain genetic traits in embryos. In 2018, the technology helped create the first "designer babies" with built-in immunity to HIV, but this caused controversy and led to the creator's imprisonment.
This episode was first published on 12/29/2021.
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