Next

In Next, Michael Crichton explores the frightening possibilities of future genetic experimentation. Some turns out okay - a humanzee, or chimp-human mix - makes a good addition to a family. And a parrot with human genes added can help a child with math homework.

Then there is the bunny with bioluminescence, the pig with wings, or the giant cockroach pets. Plus the idea that is already happening today: the ability to patent a gene or protein that occurs naturally. Thereby making it expensive or even illegal for others to use it.

So what happens when a court rules that a university research facility owns the rights to use one man's genes in a cancer cure? What about the genes still inside of him? Or in his daughter or grandson?

And interesting, if sometime extreme, look at one possible future for genomics. Crichton is an easy to read author whose books are as exciting as his movies.

Crichton, Michael. (2006). Next. New York: HarperCollins Publishing.