The latest book ‘Next‘, by Michael Crichton is now lying in my hands. I had been waiting for the soft cover for a long time, and recently i managed to get hold of it. He is one of my favorite authors of the fictional series. Even though i am only halfway through this book, I cant keep my fingers from sharing some of the juicy parts of the story here. Okay, i promise there’s no spoiler.

What’s interesting about this book entitled ‘Next’ is, it focuses on the power of genes. …

When i studied Biology some years back, it’s been stated that it took a great number of years for Watson and Crick to discover the human DNA structure. But this book has already started talking about genes therapy that can make one become more mature and intelligent. They can even cultivate one’s own cells to repair cancerous cells - stem cells technology.

My eyes became even wider when the author wrote about talking chimpanzees. Geez… and the chimpanzees speak understandable French and Dutch. Pretty scary. But when i rethink about it, i will say why not? Human beings evolved from ‘monkeys’ anyway, so what’s so surprising if those animals can really be ‘configured’ to speak in the next century?

Another strange and debatable idea which the author touches on is, people who are:

• Overly desirous of joining the majority
• Feel depressed when they were alone
• Surrounded by like-minded people most of the time

have genetic disorders. Blah… this i don’t quite agree. Personality disorder might be a better term, but genetic? Oh great.

You may think it’s all been very ridiculous. But what’s written in this book is nothing far from the near reality.

Some years back, i read about another of his book - Prey. This book focuses on the use of nano-technology. Months after reading the book, the news announced the use of the technology in the medical surgery area. The book ‘Prey’ was also featured in the papers. What makes his fictional books more credible than some other authors is, the author himself is a distinguished medical scholar in academic history. I cant wait for his next book.

Related articles

• Regulating Evolution: How Gene Switches Make Life [Scientific American Magazine] [via Zemanta]
• DNA Link Found Between Frozen Aboriginal Man and 17 Living People [via Zemanta]
• Embryo Created From DNA Of 2 Women, 1 Man [via Zemanta]
• Researchers examine human embryonic stem cell genome [via Zemanta]

Stumble it!