Our Genes, Our Choices: How Genotype and Gene Interactions Affect Behavior - First Prize winner of the 2013 BMA Medical Book Award for Basic and Clinical Sciences - explains how the complexity of human behavior, including concepts of free will, derives from a relatively small number of genes, which direct neurodevelopmental sequence. Are people free to make choices, or do genes determine behavior? Paradoxically, the answer to both questions is "yes," because of neurogenetic individuality, a new theory with profound implications. Author David Goldman uses judicial, political, medical, and ethical examples to illustrate that this lifelong process is guided by individual genotype, molecular and physiologic principles, as well as by randomness and environmental exposures, a combination of factors that we choose and do not choose. Written in an authoritative yet accessible style, the book includes practical descriptions of the function of DNA, discusses the scientific and historical bases of genethics, and introduces topics of epigenetics and the predictive power of behavioral genetics. First Prize winner of the 2013 BMA Medical Book Award for Basic and Clinical Sciences Poses and resolves challenges to moral responsibility raised by modern genetics and neuroscience Analyzes the neurogenetic origins of human behavior and free will Written by one of the world's most influential neurogeneticists, founder of the Laboratory of Neurogenetics at the National Institutes of Health

Program discusses the Human Genome Project, the science behind it, and the ethical, legal and social issues raised by the project.

Our Genes, Our Choices: How Genotype and Gene Interactions Affect Behavior, Second Edition explains how the complexity of human behavior, including concepts of free will, derives from a relatively small number of genes, which direct neurodevelopmental sequences. Are people free to make choices, or do genes determine behavior? Paradoxically, the answer to both questions is "yes," because of neurogenetic individuality, a new theory with profound implications. Here, author David Goldman uses judicial, political, medical, and ethical examples to illustrate that this lifelong process is guided by individual genotype, molecular and physiologic principles, as well as by randomness and environmental exposures, a combination of factors that we choose and do not choose. Written in an authoritative yet accessible style, the book includes practical descriptions of the function of DNA, discusses the scientific and historical bases of genethics, and introduces the topics of epigenetics and the predictive power of behavioral genetics. In the decade since the first edition published, knowledge of genetic influences on the neurogenetic underpinnings of behavior has been transformed by genomic technologies. Genome-Wide Association studies, for example, have revealed that hundreds of genes influence vulnerability to psychiatric disease and innate predisposition to risk-taking behaviors. This new edition has been thoroughly revised to focus on free will and its neurogenetic origins. In addition, the use of polygenic scores for behavioral prediction are discussed in-depth, reflecting the GWAS (Genome-Wide Association Study) revolution and combined use of genetic predictors in polygenic scores. Sections on epigenetics are also substantially expanded throughout, better defined, and tied to neuroplasticity and gene-environment interaction. Figures and illustrations have been added or improved throughout, and disease nosology and terminology has been updated. - Updates on the previous edition which was the First Prize winner of the 2013 BMA Medical Book Award for Basic and Clinical Sciences - Poses and resolves challenges to moral responsibility raised by modern genetics and neuroscience - Analyzes the neurogenetic origins of human behavior and free will - Features expanded sections on the neurogenetic basis of free will, polygenic risk scores, and epigenetic influence over behavior, as well as improved figures and updated terminology

Get the low-down on genetics with easy-to-understand terms and clear explanations. From interpreting dominant and recessive genes to learning about mutations, this book shows the different factors that can determine a person's DNA.

In 2001, scientists were finally able to determine the full human genome sequence, and with the discovery began a genomic voyage back in time. Since then, we have sequenced the full genomes of a number of mankind's primate relatives at a remarkable rate. The genomes of the common chimpanzee (2005) and bonobo (2012), orangutan (2011), gorilla (2012), and macaque monkey (2007) have already been identified, and the determination of other primate genomes is well underway. Researchers are beginning to unravel our full genomic history, comparing it with closely related species to answer age-old questions about how and when we evolved. For the first time, we are finding our own ancestors in our genome and are thereby gleaning new information about our evolutionary past. In Ancestors in Our Genome, molecular anthropologist Eugene E. Harris presents us with a complete and up-to-date account of the evolution of the human genome and our species. Written from the perspective of population genetics, and in simple terms, the book traces human origins back to their source among our earliest human ancestors, and explains many of the most intriguing questions that genome scientists are currently working to answer. For example, what does the high level of discordance among the gene trees of humans and the African great apes tell us about our respective separations from our common ancestor? Was our separation from the apes fast or slow, and when and why did it occur? Where, when, and how did our modern species evolve? How do we search across genomes to find the genomic underpinnings of our large and complex brains and language abilities? How can we find the genomic bases for life at high altitudes, for lactose tolerance, resistance to disease, and for our different skin pigmentations? How and when did we interbreed with Neandertals and the recently discovered ancient Denisovans of Asia? Harris draws upon extensive experience researching primate evolution in order to deliver a lively and thorough history of human evolution. Ancestors in Our Genome is the most complete discussion of our current understanding of the human genome available.

Three eminent scientists analyze the scientific, social, and political roots of biological determinism.

Unzip Your Genes will show you how take your own health into your own hands. You will no longer sit on the sidelines—instead you can play an active and empowered role in the state of your own health. In this book you will: • Understand how the environment and your genes interact. • Learn how to use your own genetic information to your advantage. • Create an actionable plan based on your genomics to radically transform your health and improve your vitality. • Discover how to improve your health span and lead a productive, happy and healthy life. Dr. Jennifer Stagg is an experienced physician and expert in Precision Medicine—an emerging approach for disease prevention that takes into account an individual’s genes, environment, and lifestyle. In Unzip Your Genes Dr. Stagg provides insight on how you can take practical steps that can radically transform the state of your health and well-being.

Happiness Genes proves that there is a definitive link between science and spirituality--that you are biologically wired for natural happiness. You have a constitutional right to "life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness." And every day thousands of advertising images seduce you into believing that happiness can be bought. Put away your wallet. Happiness is at your fingertips--it's sitting right in your DNA. The new science of epigenetics reveals that there are reserves of natural happiness within your DNA that can be controlled by you, your emotions, beliefs, and your behavioral choices. Happiness Genes: Unlock the Positive Potential Hidden in Your DNA examines the nature and source of happiness, from ancient times to the present. It presents the epigenetic and other biological research that shows that DNA contains genes for natural happiness and your ultimate well-being. Then it details the 28-Day natural happiness program--you'll learn how to "switch on" your happiness genes, creating a biological cascade of well-being.

Only little more than a decade ago the term "genetic engineering" was hardly known outside research laboratories. Today it regularly makes headlines in the news. Supporters and opponents as well tell us that it could change our lives more than any other technological advance. This book delivers the state-of-the-art facts in order to empower the public to make knowledge-based decisions about plant biotechnology and GM crops and GM food, in particular. It discusses the hot topics of the present debate in a neutral manner and will function as a personal reference book for the interested public, for decision maker, and managers of consumer organisations.

Forget worries about cloning people. In the future, technological advances will bring far more meaningful and controversial changes to our offspring. As scientists rapidly improve their ability to identify, screen and manipulate genes, people will want to protect their future children from diseases, help them live longer and even influence their looks and their abilities. Stock, an expert on the implications of recent advances in reproductive biology, clearly shows that neither governments, nor religious groups will be able to stop the coming trend of choosing an embryo's genes, and that there is little point in even trying.