دانلود کتاب Microcosm: E. Coli and the New Science of Life

From Publishers Weekly When most readers hear the words *E. coli*, they think tainted hamburger or toxic spinach. Noted science writer Zimmer says there are in fact many different strains of *E. coli*, some coexisting quite happily with us in our digestive tracts. These rod-shaped bacteria were among the first organisms to have their genome mapped, and today they are the toolbox of the genetic engineering industry and even of high school scientists. Zimmer (*Evolution: The Triumph of an Idea*) explains that by scrutinizing the bacteria's genome, scientists have discovered that genes can jump from one species to another and how virus DNA has become tightly intertwined with the genes of living creatures all the way up the tree of life to humans. Studying starving *E. coli* has taught us about how our own cells age. Advocates of intelligent design often produce the *E. coli* flagellum as Exhibit A, but the author shows how new research has shed light on the possible evolutionary arc of the flagellum. Zimmer devotes a chapter to the ethical debates surrounding genetic engineering. Written in elegant, even poetic prose, Zimmer's well-crafted exploration should be required reading for all well-educated readers. *(May 6)* Copyright © Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved. Review “A powerful account of the dynamic, complicated and social world we share with this ordinary yet remarkable bug. . . . Exciting, original, and wholly persuasive.” —*New Scientist * “Superb. . . . A quietly revolutionary book.” —*Boston Globe* “Creepy, mind-twisting, and delightful all at the same time” —Steven Johnson, author of *The Invention of Air* “This award-winning science writer has turned out an illuminating biography of one of biology’s most influential–and underappreciated–players.” —*Discover * * *“For readers who enjoy a seat at the revolution and a chance to ponder the ‘supple little bugs’ at the dawn of life, *Microcosm* is a bracing read. This timely book deserves shelf space near Lewis Thomas’ classic *Lives of a Cell*.” —*Cleveland Plain-Dealer* “Engrossing. . . . Zimmer adroitly links the common heritage we share with E. coli and the emerging horizons of science.” —*The New York Times Book Review * “All in all, *Microcosm* is a phantasmagoric read that explains how our understanding of the nature of E. coli has helped to unravel the mysteries of our own nature and evolution. The book is impressive for the information it imparts and even more impressive for the ideas it provokes.” —*New England Journal of Medicine * “E. coli has provided answers that have reshaped our very definitions of life. Zimmer succeeds in engendering a healthy respect for the bug that lives inside us all.” —*Seed Magazine * “Engagingly written. . . . [Zimmer’s] prose is vivid without being misleading–surely one of the hallmarks of good science writing. . . . We should be sure to heed the lessons of E. coli. Those little stinkers have been around a lot longer than we have, and they have some story to tell.” —*The New York Sun* “It’s this simple. Carl Zimmer is one our very best science writers. If not the absolute best, bar none.” —*Scienceblogs.com* “[*Microcosm*] delivers what a science book should; it reveals the new and re-enchants the old.” —*Prospect Magazine* “[Zimmer is] an American science writer at the zenith of his profession. . . . [He] has woven a fascinating tapestry, intercalating the energy of world-changing scientific discovery with the fascinating complexity of a well-understood living organism. His work will be welcomed by the scientist and the science enthusiast.” —*The Journal of Clinical Investigation* “An educational tour-de-force. . . . [Zimmer] brings remarkable talents to popular science writing: ability to write succinct, lively prose; genius at applying familiar words to replace the jargon of scientific terms; intelligence to grasp complex ideas . . . and instincts of an investigative reporter. These talents are amply exhibited in *Microcosm*.” —*Microbe* magazine* *