The Code Breaker: 8 key ideas
The core ideas of The Code Breaker, each in under a minute, written in our own words. Want the full depth? Get the book.
- IDEA 1 OF 8
A curious girl became a pioneer
Isaacson tells the story of Jennifer Doudna, who grew up in Hawaii fascinated by nature and science.
Her curiosity about how molecules work led her to become one of the scientists behind a revolutionary gene-editing tool.
- IDEA 2 OF 8
Bacteria taught a new trick
Isaacson explains that CRISPR began as a natural defence system in bacteria, which use it to recognise and cut the DNA of invading viruses.
Scientists realised it could be adapted to edit genes.
- IDEA 3 OF 8
Collaboration made the breakthrough
Doudna worked with French scientist Emmanuelle Charpentier to show how CRISPR could be programmed to cut specific DNA.
Their 2012 discovery later won them the Nobel Prize. Isaacson shows that two scientists working together achieved what neither might have done alone.
- IDEA 4 OF 8
Gene editing has huge potential
Isaacson describes how CRISPR could help cure genetic diseases, improve crops and fight viruses.
It made editing genes faster and cheaper. Isaacson also notes that this power raises serious questions about how it should be used.
- IDEA 5 OF 8
Patents caused rivalry
Isaacson describes a fierce patent battle between Doudna's team and Feng Zhang's team at the Broad Institute.
Both sides claimed key discoveries. Isaacson shows that big discoveries can bring competition about who deserves the credit.
- IDEA 6 OF 8
Editing babies sparked alarm
In 2018, Chinese scientist He Jiankui announced he had edited the genes of twin babies.
Scientists worldwide condemned the experiment as reckless. Isaacson presents the case as a sign that science can move faster than the rules meant to guide it.
- IDEA 7 OF 8
Scientists fought COVID
During the pandemic, Doudna and others used CRISPR and related tools to develop tests.
Isaacson shows how science responded to the crisis. Isaacson uses this example to show how research tools can be turned quickly to help people in an emergency.
- IDEA 8 OF 8
Ethics must guide science
Isaacson explores questions about whether and how humans should edit their own genes.
He argues that society must decide these questions carefully. Isaacson suggests that the choices should not be left to scientists alone.
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