Junk DNA: A Journey Through the Dark Matter of the Genome by Nessa Carey - Non Fiction - Paperback

Details
Condition: BRAND NEW
Format: Paperback
ISBN: 9781848319158
Publisher: Icon Books
Age Range: Adult readers

Overview
Junk DNA: A Journey Through the Dark Matter of the Genome is Nessa Carey's acclaimed popular science paperback exploring the 98% of human DNA once dismissed as functionless. Written for curious general readers rather than specialists, it traces how "junk" regions of the genome turn out to govern ageing, disease, viral defence and even complex traits. Accessible, rigorous and genuinely eye-opening, it is an ideal introduction to modern genomics for students, teachers, healthcare readers and science enthusiasts alike, and a thoughtful gift for anyone fascinated by biology.

About the Book
For decades scientists assumed that anything in the genome which didn't code for proteins was evolutionary debris - hence the label "junk DNA." Nessa Carey unpicks that assumption, guiding readers through the research that has transformed our understanding of the non-coding genome. She shows how these overlooked regions regulate gene activity, influence rare genetic disorders, and shape processes as varied as ageing and immune defence against viruses. The book links laboratory discovery to real-world impact: a cure for an inherited form of blindness, the use of DNA fingerprinting to overturn wrongful convictions, and emerging insights into conditions such as obesity and Down's Syndrome. Carey writes with the authority of a molecular biologist and the clarity of an experienced science communicator, translating dense genetics into a compelling narrative without oversimplifying the science. Readers meet the technologies driving this revolution, from gene therapy to genome sequencing, alongside the scientific debates that remain unresolved. The result is a paperback that rewards both newcomers to genetics and readers already familiar with the field, offering fresh perspective on how tiny, once-ignored stretches of DNA can have outsized consequences for human health and evolution.

• Clear, jargon-light explanations of non-coding DNA and its regulatory functions.
• Real case studies connecting junk DNA to disease, ageing and immunity.
• Insight into cutting-edge genetic technologies and diagnostic breakthroughs.
• Balanced coverage of ongoing scientific controversies in genomics.
• Portable paperback format, ideal for study, commuting or gifting.

About the Author
Nessa Carey holds a PhD in virology from the University of Edinburgh and spent thirteen years working in the biotech and pharmaceutical industry. She was formerly a Senior Lecturer in Molecular Biology at Imperial College London, where she remains a Visiting Professor. Carey is also the author of the widely praised The Epigenetics Revolution, published by Icon Books in 2011. Her writing combines academic credibility with a genuine talent for making complex genetics understandable, making her one of the most trusted voices in popular science publishing today.

Why You'll Love This Paperback
Engaging, authoritative and refreshingly readable, this paperback turns a famously dense scientific topic into a page-turner. Whether you're a student, teacher or simply genetics-curious, it's a rewarding read and a brilliant gift for any science lover.

Please Note: Book cover may vary slightly from image shown; this listing is for the UK edition with ISBN 9781848319158.