The Secret Language of Life. A Dialogue with a Scientist about Genes, Genomes, and Heredity

One molecule of DNA in your cells contains the instructions by which your organism is built. Why do children inherit traits from their parents, but never completely replicate them? Can a genetic test reveal your talents or your ancestry? In his book, Konstantin Severinov — Doctor of Biological Sciences, Professor at Skoltech and Rutgers University, a leading Russian specialist in molecular biology — invites you on an exciting journey through the microcosm hidden in every cell.

In the book, you will find answers to the main questions about life and heredity:
- How is the «instruction of life» — DNA, structured, and what do the words «gene» and «junk DNA» really mean?
- How was the human genome decoded and how was the sheep Dolly cloned?
- How does genetics help establish kinship, study the history of peoples, and diagnose rare diseases?
- And, most importantly: why can DNA not predict fate, genius, or nationality — and where are the real boundaries of the possible.

Who is this book for?
For high school students and undergraduates who want to understand the basics of modern biology.
For anyone who wants to make sense of news about genetics, gene editing, and DNA tests.

Take a look at the code that writes the history of every living cell — from bacteria to humans. Understand how life works.