Founder connections
- Bill GatesPositive review
“The Code Breaker is highly accessible for non-scientists.”
Gates reviewed The Code Breaker on November 22, 2021. He praises its broad account of the researchers behind CRISPR, its treatment of ethical questions and its accessibility to non-scientists.Source
Summary
Isaacson follows Jennifer Doudna’s life and the scientists involved in developing CRISPR gene editing. The account moves from curiosity about how nature works to research, competition, patents and the formation of companies. It also examines the moral questions raised by changing genetic code, including who should decide how the technology is used and how access could affect inequality.
Why read it Our view
Useful for studying how a discovery moves from research toward commercial use. Compare collaboration with competition, and follow the questions raised when a new tool can affect people beyond its users. The book also gives a reason to discuss access and public input before a technology becomes routine.