Hacking the Code of Life

Archival Summary & Scope

Nessa Carey's timely and accessible book delves into gene editing, focusing on the revolutionary CRISPR technology. Unlike traditional genetic modification, CRISPR offers unprecedented precision, ease, and speed in manipulating genes across nearly any organism—a capability that recently sparked global debate with the 2018 birth of genetically modified twins.

This cutting-edge technology promises to radically alter disease prevention and human futures, but also raises profound ethical questions: Is it right to change inheritable genetic material? Should access be denied to those with lethal genetic diseases? Who controls this powerful tool, especially as 'biohacking' becomes increasingly viable?

Praised as "an excellent, brisk guide" (*Los Angeles Review of Books*) and "a brisk, accessible primer" (*Undark*) that offers "a clear-eyed look at a technology that is already driving major scientific advances - and raising complex ethical questions," Carey delivers a focused snapshot of this brave new world.