How to Grow a Human: Reprogramming Cells and Redesigning Life, Paperback Book, By: Philip Ball

A cutting-edge examination of what it means to be human and to have a 'self' in the face of new scientific developments in genetic editing, cloning and neural downloading.

After seeing his own cells used to grow clumps of new neurons - essentially mini-brains - Philip Ball begins to examine the concepts of identity and consciousness. Delving into humanity's deep evolutionary past to look at how complex creatures like us emerged from single-celled life, he offers a new perspective on how humans think about ourselves.

In an age when we are increasingly encouraged to regard the 'self' as an abstract sequence of genetic information, or as a pattern of neural activity that might be 'downloaded' to a computer, he return us to the body - to flesh and blood - and anchors a conception of personhood in this unique and ephemeral mortal coil. How to Build a Human brings us back to ourselves - but in doing so, it challenges old preconceptions and values. It asks us to rethink how we exist in the world.

• Books Author: Philip Ball
• Number Of Pages: 384
• Language: English
• Publisher: HarperCollins Publishers
• Books Category: Science & Math
• Book Format: Paperback
• Books_ISBN: 0008331812
• Other Feature 2: Weight: 340 grams
• Other Feature 3: Size: 129 x 198 x 29 mm
• Publication Date: April 30, 2020