Book review: Genome

/0 Comments/in /by

Genome: The Autobiography of a Species in 23 Chapters

Matt Ridley’s Genome: The Autobiography of a species in 23 chapters is an extraordinary exploration of the human genetic code, unravelling the mysteries hidden within our DNA.

Summary:

The book presents a fascinating journey through the 23 pairs of chromosomes that make up the human genome, each chapter delving into a specific gene or genetic concept that has shaped who we are as a species.

Ridley’s writing is engaging and accessible, making complex scientific concepts understandable and exciting for readers of all ages. He weaves together stories of scientific discovery, historical events, and personal anecdotes, painting a vivid picture of how our genes influence everything from our physical traits to our behaviour, health and even our susceptibility to certain diseases.

What makes Genome particularly captivating is Ridley’s ability to connect the science of genetics to broader themes of human identity, evolution and future of medicine. Whether you are a curious teenager, a college student with an interest in biology, or an adult looking to understand the roots of human diversity, this book offers something for everyone. It sparks curiosity about the very building blocks of life and leaves readers with a deeper appreciation for the intricate tapestry of our genetic heritage.

Overall, Genome is a must-read for anyone interested in understanding what makes us human. Ridley’s ability to make science not only understandable but also thrilling ensures that this book will captivate readers of all ages, inspiring them to delve into wonders of genetics.

How The Nobel Prize Was Born: From Boom To Brilliance

/2 Comments/in /by

The Man Behind The Explosion

Alfred Nobel wasn’t always associated with peace. In fact, he was better known for his invention of dynamite — a powerful tool that revolutionized construction, mining, and yes, warfare.

Born in 1833, Nobel was a brilliant Swedish chemist, engineer, and inventor. Throughout his life, he held over 350 patents, but dynamite was by far the most famous — and the most controversial.

While he saw it as a force for progress, many began to see Nobel as a man who had made destruction more efficient. And in 1888, that perception came crashing down on him in the most unexpected way.

The Obituary That Changed History

In 1888, Alfred Nobel’s brother Ludvig passed away. But a French newspaper, mistakenly thinking Alfred had died, published a premature obituary titled:

“The Merchant of Death is Dead.”

The article condemned Nobel for profiting from explosives and portrayed him as a villain whose legacy was one of violence and death.

Imagine reading that… about yourself.

It shook Nobel to his core. For the first time, he was forced to face how the world might truly remember him — not as a scientist, but as a symbol of destruction.

The Will That Sparked A Legacy

Determined to change the narrative, Nobel spent the next years quietly crafting a different kind of legacy.

In 1895, just a year before his death, he signed a will that shocked his family and the world:

He left the majority of his fortune — over 90% — to establish a set of prizes that would be awarded to people who bring the “greatest benefit to humankind.”

His will named five areas of contribution:

  • Physics
  • Chemistry
  • Medicine
  • Literature
  • Peace

A Prize For World-Changers

Since 1901, the Nobel Prizes have become the world’s most prestigious honours — celebrating scientists, writers, activists, and leaders who push humanity forward.

Winners have included:

  • Marie Curie, for her work on radioactivity
  • Martin Luther King Jr., for civil rights and peace
  • Malala Yousafzai, for fighting for girls’ education
  • Albert Einstein, for his revolutionary theories in physics

The list goes on — a who’s who of humanity’s most brilliant minds and bravest hearts.

What Can We Learn From Alfred Nobel?

Alfred Nobel’s story is not just about prizes.

It’s about reflection, redemption, and the power of legacy.

He saw how the world misunderstood his impact — and instead of defending his past, he reimagined his future.

He chose to turn his invention of destruction into a platform for discovery, progress, and peace.

 Still Curious?

So, how was the Nobel Prize born?

Not from celebration, but from a moment of doubt — a misprinted obituary that forced one man to ask a powerful question:

“How will the world remember me?”

That question, and the bold action that followed, gave birth to a tradition that still shapes our world today.