The Molecules Within US: Our Body in Health and Disease

Gene therapy, retroviruses, and programmed cell death are all in the news these days, but that doesn't mean we understand them. For those who are somewhat bewildered at the fast and furious pace of discoveries about the tiniest parts of our bodies, Dr. Charles A. Pasternak has come to the rescue. An internationally renowned biochemist, he set out to write The Molecules Within Us "to give the reader a better picture of what goes on in his body and to enable him to plan future strategy in regard to his health." (He later apologizes for the gendered language.) His success is remarkable; he has written a book that outlines all that is known about the biochemistry of the human body using photographs, drawings, and his clear, captivating prose.

What goes on in the liver? Who were Watson and Crick? Why do we get old? Pasternak's lively book answers these and thousands of other fascinating questions, but isn't afraid to say, "Nobody knows." Even if you hated biochemistry (or never took it), you'll love the down-to-earth examples and stories of how people's lives are affected by submicroscopic particles. Learn why you can't get peanuts on plane flights and why we might be "hard-wired" for religion--you're sure to find some surprises while studying The Molecules Within Us. --Rob Lightner