The Mutant Project

Inside the Global Race to Genetically Modify Humans

By: Eben Kirksey

Narrated by: Jonathan Todd Ross

An anthropologist visits the frontiers of the next scientific revolution to ask: Whose values are guiding gene editing experiments, and what are the implications for humanity?

At a conference in Hong Kong in November 2018, Dr. He Jiankui announced that he had created the first genetically modified babies - twin girls named Lulu and Nana - sending shockwaves around the world. A year later, a Chinese court sentenced Dr. He to three years in prison for "illegal medical practice".

As scientists elsewhere start to catch up with China's vast genetic research program, gene editing is fueling an innovation economy that threatens to widen racial and economic inequality. Fundamental questions about science, health, and social justice are at stake: Who gets access to gene editing technologies? As countries around the globe, from the US to Indonesia, loosen regulations, can we shape research agendas to promote an ethical and fair society?

Eben Kirksey takes us on a groundbreaking journey to meet the key scientists, lobbyists, and entrepreneurs who are bringing cutting-edge genetic modification tools like CRISPR to your local clinic. He also ventures beyond the scientific echo chamber, talking to disabled scholars, doctors, hackers, chronically ill patients, and activists who have alternative visions of a future shaped by genetic engineering.

The Mutant Project empowers us to ask the right questions, uncover the truth, and better prepare for this brave new world we're already entering.

©2020 Eben Kirksey (P)2020 Recorded Books

Not bad, but not what I was hoping for

I was hoping for more talk about scientific discoveries and not so much about social justice issues.

Informative with a side of minutiae

The material is excellent.
Didn’t love the reader. He was okay. Many unnecessary details which, when reading would have drawn you in, yet when spoken by the reader came off as if he was reading from a list. That being said, the readers voice was clear and easy to understand. After a bit you rather get used to it...
However, I find the material timely, informative, and exceptionally interesting considering what is going on in the world and PRC’s desire to push forward— no matter the obstacle. I feel that we all should have our eye on the world of science right now, as there are so many ground breaking things happening that don’t make the MSM or your newsfeed. Did you know that anyone can take a Crispr course? That they can edit DNA themselves? Interesting stuff contained in this book!

Great book! Very low recording volume

The content is fantastic but the volume is very low. I could barely hear the narrator with my speakers and even headphone volume maxed out!