Examples of books to read about exciting medical research

[Kajol]

Reading books about medical research can provide valuable insights into the world of healthcare, scientific discovery, and advancements in medicine. Here are some recommended books:

1. “The Emperor of All Maladies: A Biography of Cancer” by Siddhartha Mukherjee - This Pulitzer Prize-winning book explores the history of cancer, the evolution of cancer treatments, and the scientists and researchers who have dedicated their lives to understanding and combatting the disease.

2. “The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks” by Rebecca Skloot - This book delves into the story of Henrietta Lacks, a woman whose cancer cells were used in medical research without her knowledge. It raises important ethical and scientific questions about consent and the use of human tissue in research.

3. “Bad Blood: Secrets and Lies in a Silicon Valley Startup” by John Carreyrou - This book tells the story of the rise and fall of Theranos, a biotech company that promised revolutionary blood testing but ultimately engaged in fraudulent practices.

4. “The Gene: An Intimate History” by Siddhartha Mukherjee - Mukherjee explores the history and science of genetics, from Mendel’s experiments to the latest breakthroughs in gene editing and personalised medicine.

5. “The Man Who Touched His Own Heart: True Tales of Science, Surgery, and Mystery” by Rob Dunn - This book takes a fascinating journey through the history of cardiac surgery and the incredible stories of those who have pushed the boundaries of medical knowledge.

[Patrick]

I’ve made a note of these, @Kajol - thank you!

The Theranos book I read as soon as it came out (and lent it to someone so I need to get another copy!) and the 2019 HBO TV programme The Inventor: Out for Blood in Silicon Valley is great too (you’ll need a VPN to watch it as it’s not currently available in the UK).

I’ve also had the Henrietta Lacks book on my to-buy list for a while too, as that’s another amazing story.