The Dependent Gene

Now that the human genome has been decoded, there's renewed hope that we will soon unlock the genetic secrets of such diseases as cancer, diabetes, and schizophrenia. It would seem that there are genes for everything: fat genes, gay genes - even math genes. But how large a role do genes really play in defining who we are? A much-needed antidote to genetic determinism, The Dependent Gene reveals how all traits - even apparently straightforward characteristics like eye and hair color - are caused by complex interactions between genes and the environment at every stage of biological and psychological development. How we understand the nature vs. nurture debate directly affects our thoughts about such basic issues as sex and reproduction, parenting, education, and crime, and has an enormous impact on social policy. With pressing questions in the balance surrounding stem-cell research, cloning, and DNA fingerprinting, we can no longer afford ignorance of human development. An enlightening guide to this brave new world, The Dependent Gene empowers us with the knowledge we need to take control of our own destiny.