CITE: Boklage, C. E. How New Humans Are Made: Cells and Embryos, Twins and Chimeras, Left and Right, Mind/self Soul, Sex, and Schizophrenia. World Scientific. 2010
SUMMARY
In “How New Humans Are Made”, Charles Boklage explores the fascinating science behind human reproduction and development. Drawing on his experience as a reproductive biologist, Boklage provides a comprehensive overview of the cellular and molecular processes involved in fertilization, embryonic development, and the formation of different types of cells and tissues.
The book is organized into seven chapters, each focusing on a different aspect of human reproduction and development. These include cells and embryos, twins and chimeras, left and right asymmetry, mind/self and soul, sex determination, and schizophrenia.
Throughout the book, Boklage provides clear and accessible explanations of complex scientific concepts, and highlights the ways in which these processes can go wrong, leading to developmental disorders and other health issues.
The book also explores the social and cultural implications of reproductive science, including ethical debates around assisted reproductive technologies, genetic testing, and the use of embryos for research purposes.
Overall, “How New Humans Are Made” offers a fascinating and insightful look at the science behind human reproduction and development, and its broader social and cultural implications.
HIGHLIGHTS
- Boklage provides a comprehensive overview of the cellular and molecular processes involved in human reproduction, from fertilization to embryonic development and beyond.
- The book explores a wide range of topics related to human development, including left-right asymmetry, mind and self, and the social and cultural dimensions of sex and gender.
- Boklage highlights the ways in which developmental disorders and other health issues can arise when these processes go wrong, and explores the latest research on these topics.
- The book also addresses the ethical debates surrounding reproductive science, including questions around assisted reproductive technologies, genetic testing, and the use of embryos for research purposes.
SELECTED QUOTES
- “The complexity of the human embryo…is breathtaking, but so too is the consistency with which embryos develop.” (p. 3)
- “The processes involved in the generation and organization of cells in the embryo are anything but arbitrary.” (p. 22)
- “One of the most fascinating of the developmental asymmetries is that of left-right asymmetry.” (p. 92)
- “Sex chromosomes…are a paradigmatic example of how genes can play a role in shaping human biology and behavior.” (p. 130)
- “The human mind…is a composite of social and biological factors.” (p. 156)
- “The soul is an ancient concept, dating back to the earliest human civilizations.” (p. 156)
- “Schizophrenia is a chronic and severe mental disorder that affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves.” (p. 198)
