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The Cancer Chronicles: Unlocking Medicine's Deepest Mystery

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In The Cancer Chronicles, acclaimed science writer George Johnson tells the riveting story of the scientific quest to understand cancer, one of the most complex and deadly diseases afflicting humanity. From the early days of cancer research to the cutting-edge breakthroughs of today, Johnson provides a comprehensive and accessible account of the scientists, the discoveries, and the stories behind one of the greatest medical challenges of our time.

The Cancer Chronicles: Unlocking Medicine's Deepest Mystery

by George Johnson

4.2 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	4152 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	306 pages
Screen Reader	:	Supported

A History of Cancer Research

The Cancer Chronicles begins with a look at the early history of cancer research. In the 18th century, doctors believed that cancer was caused by a buildup of toxins in the body. In the 19th century, scientists began to suspect that cancer was caused by abnormal cells. And in the 20th century, researchers made major breakthroughs in understanding the genetics of cancer.

Johnson tells the story of these breakthroughs through the lives of the scientists who made them. We meet Rudolf Virchow, the German pathologist who first proposed the cell theory of cancer. We meet Theodor Boveri, the German biologist who discovered that cancer cells have abnormal chromosomes. And we meet James Watson and Francis Crick, the American and British scientists who discovered the structure of DNA.

The Cutting-Edge of Cancer Research

The Cancer Chronicles also provides a look at the cutting-edge of cancer research. Johnson describes the latest advances in cancer treatment, including immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and genetic profiling. He also discusses the challenges that still face cancer researchers, such as the development of resistance to drugs and the spread of cancer to other parts of the body.

Johnson's account of cancer research is both informative and inspiring. He shows how scientists have made great progress in understanding and treating cancer. But he also shows that there is still much work to be done. The Cancer Chronicles is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand one of the most important medical challenges of our time.

Reviews

"The Cancer Chronicles is a gripping and informative account of the scientific quest to understand cancer. George Johnson has written a book that is both accessible and authoritative. It is a must-read for anyone who wants to understand this complex and deadly disease." -Siddhartha Mukherjee, author of The Emperor of All Maladies

"George Johnson has written a masterful account of the history of cancer research. The Cancer Chronicles is a fascinating and important book that will appeal to anyone interested in science, medicine, or the human condition." -Steven Pinker, author of The Blank Slate