Dance of Life: Symmetry, Cells and How We Become Human

The Dance of Life is a fascinating book about science and life that explores how life begins, how cells know how to make a human, and how the body builds itself. It was written by Magdalena Zernicka-Goetz, who was pregnant at 42 and discovered that her baby had an increased risk of being miscarried or born with birth defects. Through her research on mice embryos, she proved that the embryo has an amazing ability to correct abnormal cells at an early stage of its development.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 304 pages
Publication date: 28 January 2021
Publisher: Ebury Publishing

The Dance of Life is a captivating exploration of the intricate processes that underpin the emergence and development of life itself. Authored by renowned scientist and author Alice Roberts, this remarkable book delves into the profound mysteries of science and life, offering a profound and thought-provoking perspective.

In her introduction, Roberts sets the stage for the journey ahead, emphasizing the importance of understanding the origins of life and the mechanisms that drive its progression. She questions the fundamental questions that have captivated humanity for centuries, such as "How does life begin?" and "What drives a newly fertilized egg to keep dividing and growing until it becomes 40 trillion cells, a greater number than stars in the galaxy?"

Roberts' expertise and passion for science shine through as she delves into the intricate cellular processes that underpin life's development. She explains how cells know how to make a human, from lips to heart to toes, and how the body builds itself from the ground up. Through her groundbreaking research on mice embryos, Roberts demonstrates the incredible ability of the embryo to correct abnormal cells at an early stage of its development, a discovery that has the potential to revolutionize the field of reproductive medicine.

The Dance of Life takes readers on a journey inside the incredible world of life as it begins. Roberts provides a detailed account of the earliest and most profound moments in how we become human, shedding light on the complex interplay of genetics, environment, and chance that shape our lives. She explores the role of stem cells in the development of embryos and the potential for artificial embryo-like structures to be created from them.

Through her research, Roberts has doubled the survival time of human embryos in the laboratory and made the first artificial embryo-like structures from stem cells. These groundbreaking achievements have the potential to transform the field of reproductive medicine and offer hope to couples struggling with infertility.

The Dance of Life is not only a scientific exploration but also a celebration of the balletic beauty of life's beginnings. Roberts weaves a narrative that is both informative and engaging, drawing readers into the intricate dance of cells, tissues, and organs that underpin life's emergence. She highlights the remarkable resilience and adaptability of life, emphasizing the importance of preserving and protecting the natural world for future generations.

In conclusion, The Dance of Life is a must-read for anyone interested in science, life, and the wonders of the human body. Authored by a renowned scientist and author, this book offers a profound and thought-provoking perspective on the origins and development of life. Through her groundbreaking research and captivating storytelling, Roberts inspires readers to appreciate the complexity and beauty of life and to explore the endless possibilities that lie ahead.

Weight: 206g
Dimension: 126 x 197 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780753552957