Virolution

Nonfiction, Science & Nature, Science, Biological Sciences, Evolution
Cover of the book Virolution by Frank Ryan, HarperCollins Publishers
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Frank Ryan ISBN: 9780007545278
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers Publication: November 28, 2013
Imprint: William Collins Language: English
Author: Frank Ryan
ISBN: 9780007545278
Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
Publication: November 28, 2013
Imprint: William Collins
Language: English

The extraordinary role of viruses in evolution and how this is revolutionising biology and medicine. Darwin's theory of evolution is still the greatest breakthrough in biological science. His explanation of the role of natural selection in driving the evolution of life on earth depended on steady variation of living things over time – but he was unable to explain how this variation occurred. In the 150 years since publication of the Origin of Species, we have discovered three main sources for this variation – mutation, hybridisation and epigenetics. Then on Sunday, 12th February, 2001 the evidence for perhaps the most extraordinary cause of variation was simultaneously released by two organisations – the code for the entire human genome. Not only was the human genome unbelievably simple (it is only ten times more complicated than a bacteria), but embedded in the code were large fragments that were derived from viruses – fragments that were vital to evolution of all organisms and the evidence for a fourth and vital source of variation – viruses. Virolution is the product of Dr Frank Ryan's decade of research at the frontiers of this new science – now called viral symbiosis – and the amazing revolution that it has had in these few years. As scientists begin to look for evidence of viral involvement in more and more processes, they have discovered that they are vital in nearly every case. And with this understanding comes the possibility of manipulating the role of the viruses to help fight a huge range of diseases.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

The extraordinary role of viruses in evolution and how this is revolutionising biology and medicine. Darwin's theory of evolution is still the greatest breakthrough in biological science. His explanation of the role of natural selection in driving the evolution of life on earth depended on steady variation of living things over time – but he was unable to explain how this variation occurred. In the 150 years since publication of the Origin of Species, we have discovered three main sources for this variation – mutation, hybridisation and epigenetics. Then on Sunday, 12th February, 2001 the evidence for perhaps the most extraordinary cause of variation was simultaneously released by two organisations – the code for the entire human genome. Not only was the human genome unbelievably simple (it is only ten times more complicated than a bacteria), but embedded in the code were large fragments that were derived from viruses – fragments that were vital to evolution of all organisms and the evidence for a fourth and vital source of variation – viruses. Virolution is the product of Dr Frank Ryan's decade of research at the frontiers of this new science – now called viral symbiosis – and the amazing revolution that it has had in these few years. As scientists begin to look for evidence of viral involvement in more and more processes, they have discovered that they are vital in nearly every case. And with this understanding comes the possibility of manipulating the role of the viruses to help fight a huge range of diseases.

More books from HarperCollins Publishers

Cover of the book Platinum Coast by Frank Ryan
Cover of the book The Bookshop of New Beginnings by Frank Ryan
Cover of the book The Last Letter from Juliet by Frank Ryan
Cover of the book How Tory Governments Fall: The Tory Party in Power Since 1783 by Frank Ryan
Cover of the book The Last of the Mohicans (Collins Classics) by Frank Ryan
Cover of the book Blood Ties: Part 1 of 3: Family is not always a place of safety by Frank Ryan
Cover of the book Down on Daffodil Lane by Frank Ryan
Cover of the book Ireland: A Social and Cultural History 1922–2001 by Frank Ryan
Cover of the book The Noose (Detective Club Crime Classics) by Frank Ryan
Cover of the book A Name for Every Leaf: Selected Poems, 1959-2015 by Frank Ryan
Cover of the book Britney: Inside the Dream by Frank Ryan
Cover of the book The Sisters’ Secrets: Pearl by Frank Ryan
Cover of the book The House We Called Home by Frank Ryan
Cover of the book The Little Bed & Breakfast by the Sea by Frank Ryan
Cover of the book Collins Quiz Master by Frank Ryan
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy