Have you read 'The Genome' by Matt Ridley? A physicist's take on genetics.

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The discussion centers on Matt Ridley's book "The Genome," which explores genetics in an accessible manner. Despite a preference for physics over biology, the original poster found the book engaging and understandable, even with limited prior knowledge of biology. The text covers various chromosomes and presents intriguing information about each. While some participants express that the book may be too basic for those with a strong biology background, they appreciate its ability to bridge different scientific disciplines. The recommendation from a physics teacher highlights the book's appeal across fields, making it a worthwhile read for those interested in genetics.
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Has any1 else read The Genome by Matt Ridley? Just 4t I'd start a post about it, as despite prefering Physics as a science to Biology, I read it and thought it was really good. It's all about genetics and although some knowledge of Biology is helpful (Im doing A level and I could understand pretty much all of it with a little concentration) you don't really have to know much as it's all explained in the first chapter. One of the reasons I don't usually like Biology as a science as opposed to Chemistry and Physics is because it is so general (if u understand what I mean, I can't define it really) but I find genetics interesting because it is more specific (ok now I am really not making sense). Anyway the book goes through all the chromosomes and talks about something interesting on each one. The book was recommended to me by my Physics teacher as well, so I am not the only Physicist that likes it :smile:.
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I am not particularly into reading on biological topics, but I made Ridley's book an impulse purchase last year at Barnes & Noble. It was enjoyable and enlightening to read. The members here who specialize in biology would find it too basic to do them any good, I reckon.
 
No, I have not read 'The Genome' by Matt Ridley, but it sounds like a fascinating read. As a biologist, I can understand your initial hesitation to delve into genetics, but I am glad to hear that the book was able to capture your interest and explain the concepts in an accessible way. It is always exciting to see different disciplines intersecting and collaborating, and I am glad that your physics teacher recommended the book to you. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and recommendation. I will definitely add it to my reading list.
 
The book is fascinating. If your education includes a typical math degree curriculum, with Lebesgue integration, functional analysis, etc, it teaches QFT with only a passing acquaintance of ordinary QM you would get at HS. However, I would read Lenny Susskind's book on QM first. Purchased a copy straight away, but it will not arrive until the end of December; however, Scribd has a PDF I am now studying. The first part introduces distribution theory (and other related concepts), which...
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