Human genetics has blossomed from an obscure biological science and explanation for rare disorders to a field that is profoundly altering health care for everyone. This thoroughly updated new edition of Human Genetics: The Basics provides a concise background of gene structure and function through the lens of real examples, from families living with inherited diseases to population-wide efforts in which millions of average people are learning about their genetic selves. The book raises compelling issues concerning: * The role of genes in maintaining health and explaining sickness * Genetic testing, gene therapy, and genome editing * The common ancestry of all humanity and how we are affecting our future. Written in an engaging, narrative manner, this concise introduction is an ideal starting point for anyone who wants to know more about genes, DNA, genomes, and the genetic ties that bind us all.

Human genetics has blossomed from an obscure biological science and explanation for rare disorders to a field that is profoundly altering health care for everyone. This thoroughly updated new edition of Human Genetics: The Basics provides a concise background of gene structure and function through the lens of real examples, from families living with inherited diseases to population-wide efforts in which millions of average people are learning about their genetic selves. The book raises compelling issues concerning:

• The role of genes in maintaining health and explaining sickness

• Genetic testing, gene therapy, and genome editing

• The common ancestry of all humanity and how we are affecting our future.

Written in an engaging, narrative manner, this concise introduction is an ideal starting point for anyone who wants to know more about genes, DNA, genomes, and the genetic ties that bind us all.

Table of Contents

List of Figures & Tables

Acknowledgements

Abbreviations　

Chapter 1. From Mendel’s Peas to Double Helices

From Genes to Genomes

Agriculture is Applied Genetics

Mendel’s Experiments —The Mystery of the Missing Traits

The Chromosome Connection

In Pursuit of the Genetic Material

Chapter 2. How Genes Work

A Brief History of CF

Mikayla’s Story

The Individual Level: Tissues and Organs

The Family Level

The Population

Chapter 3. Genes and Health

A Genomic View of Health

Causes of Death – An Organizing Framework

Cancer: The Cell Cycle Out of Control

The Microbiome and Infectious Disease

Chapter 4. Genetic Testing

The First Generation of Genetic Tests: Proteins

The Second Generation of Genetic Tests: DNA

The Third Generation of Genetic Tests: Exomes and Genomes

Chapter 5. Gene Therapy and Genome Editing

Protein Therapy Came First

Gene Therapy

Gene and Genome Editing

Chapter 6. From Ancestry to Destiny

DNA as Clock and Compass

The First Hominins

DNA Evidence Overlaps Fossil Evidence

Expansion Out of Africa

From Archaic Humans to Modern Humans

Into Europe

Genetic Genealogy and Ancestry Testing

The Future: Will Humanity Homogenize or Diverge?

Glossary

Bibliography

Index/

"The Forever Fix" is the first book to tell the fascinating story of gene therapy: how it works, the science behind it, how patients (mostly children) have been helped and harmed, and how scientists learned from each trial to get one step closer to its immense promise, the promise of a "forever fix," - a cure that, by fixing problems at their genetic root, eliminates the need for further surgery or medication.