An account of the events which led to the discovery of the structure of DNA, the heredity molecule.

A scientific advisor for the film "Jurassic Park" evaluates the potential for artificially growing a real dinosaur without ancient DNA, discussing the relationships between dinosaurs and birds and how it may be possible to stimulate latent tyrannosaurus rex genes in a chicken.

The co-recipient of the 2009 Nobel Prize in Chemistry discusses his critical research on the ribosome, a molecular machine that actually forces DNA into action, turning genetic code into functioning proteins that create life. "Everyone has heard of DNA--the molecule that seems to hold the secrets to all life. But by itself, DNA is little more than a blueprint for life, resting inertly within our cells. Hardly anyone, however, has heard of a ribosome....

"In the spring of 1940, the aspiring but unknown writer Albert Camus and budding scientist were quietly pursuing ordinary, separate lives in Paris. After the German invasion and occupation of France, both men joined the Resistance to help liberate the country from the Nazis, ascended to prominent, dangerous roles, and were very lucky to survive. After the war and through twists of circumstance, they became friends, and through their passionate determination...

Epigenetics combines genetic code with nurture and nature to help us understand the engineering of biological diversity. In this readily understandable introduction to the foundations of epigenetics, Carey connects the field's arguments to such diverse phenomena as how ants and queen bees control their colonies; why tortoiseshell cats are always female; why some plants need cold weather before they can flower; and how our bodies age and develop disease....