Rebel Cell
Cancer, Evolution and the Science of Life
Format:Paperback
Publisher:Orion Publishing Co
Published:5th Aug '21
Should be back in stock very soon
In Rebel Cell, Kat Arney provides a compelling exploration of cancer, emphasizing its genetic roots and the ongoing battle to understand and overcome this complex disease.
In Rebel Cell, Kat Arney embarks on a captivating exploration of cancer, revealing how genetics plays a critical role in our understanding and potential overcoming of this pervasive disease. The narrative begins with a historical perspective, tracing cancer's existence from the dawn of life on Earth to modern times, illustrating its deep-rooted presence across various species. Arney emphasizes that cancer is not merely a modern affliction but a fundamental aspect of life itself, intricately linked to the very genes that sustain us.
The book delves into the nature of cancer, describing it as a rebellion within our cells, where they break free from their normal regulatory mechanisms and multiply uncontrollably. This biological uprising is portrayed as a paradox, as the same genetic traits that can lead to cancer are essential for life. Arney's engaging writing style makes complex scientific concepts accessible, allowing readers to grasp the intricate dance between life and disease.
As the narrative unfolds, Rebel Cell highlights the significant advancements in cancer research over the past century, showcasing the efforts of scientists who are uncovering the secrets of this formidable foe. Through vivid metaphors and relatable analogies, Arney invites readers to reconsider their perceptions of cancer and inspires hope for future breakthroughs in treatment and understanding. This book serves as both an informative guide and a thought-provoking reflection on the nature of life and the challenges we face in combating cancer.
This book is packed with big ideas about life. Every chapter has something in it which made me think wow. Having worked in a major cancer charity for many years, Arney writes with genuine in-depth understanding and is a perfect guide. * Daniel M. Davis, author of The Beautiful Cure *
Rebel Cell is a bright, engaging read, fizzing with energy and metaphor. Kat Arney is a science writer for all of us - a powerful and talented story teller. * Stephen McGann *
Kat's book is Dynamite. A crystal clear reappraisal of the story behind that word we fear to mention. * Dallas Campbell, author of Ad Astra: An Illustrated Guide to Leaving the Planet *
Forget magic bullets and much hyped miracle cures, to improve the chances of cancer patients we need revolutionary new thinking. And that new thinking, Arney forcefully argues, is evolutionary. She not only places cancer in its evolutionary context but shows how understanding a cancer as an evolving entity leads to new therapeutic approaches that work. This lively, scholarly and accessible book should be essential reading. * Professor Laurence D Hurst, President of the Genetics Society *
Better than just a history or scientific rundown of cancer, Kat Arney presents a philosophy for how to think about cancer. * Zach Weinersmith author of Soonish: Ten Emerging Technologies That Will Improve and/or Ruin Everything *
Kat Arney does it again: taking the complex and making it easy to grasp, demystifying the mysterious, asking the right questions and finding the surprising answers - and all with rollicking good humour and bonhomie. The war on cancer would itself be far more advanced if its practitioners knew how to communicate with us and each other as well as Kat does in this mind-thrilling page turner. * Mark Stevenson, Futurist and Author of We Do Things Differently: the outsiders rebooting our world *
A lively study of the Big C, which makes the case that cancer is the price we pay for our marvellously complicated bodies. * The Times *
ISBN: 9781474609319
Dimensions: 196mm x 126mm x 28mm
Weight: 287g
416 pages