She Has Her Mother's Laugh

The Powers, Perversions, and Potential of Heredity

Carl Zimmer

The book explores the concept of heredity, tracing its scientific history from ancient times to modern genetic research, and examines how genes and environment shape organisms. It delves into the complexities of genetic inheritance, the impact of DNA on identity and society, and the ethical dilemmas posed by new genetic technologies.

See full summary

Life's Edge

The Search for What It Means to Be Alive

Carl Zimmer

The book explores the complex question of what it means to be alive, delving into the history of science and philosophy to examine the elusive definition of life. It presents a range of perspectives from biologists, researchers, and thinkers, along with intriguing examples of life's edge cases, such as viruses and artificial life.

See full summary

Parasite Rex

Inside the Bizarre World of Nature's Most Dangerous Creatures

Carl Zimmer

The book delves into the complex and often gruesome world of parasites, exploring their sophisticated behaviors, lifecycles, and the significant impact they have on ecosystems and human health. It examines the evolutionary arms race between parasites and their hosts, shedding light on the scientific discoveries that reveal how these organisms manipulate biology in extraordinary ways.

See full summary

A Planet of Viruses

Third Edition

Carl Zimmer

The book explores the fascinating world of viruses, detailing their significant impact on ecosystems, human health, and evolution. It provides insights into the biology of viruses, their role in shaping life on Earth, and the ongoing challenges they pose to science and medicine.

See full summary