Hard copy of the book now available on Amazon*
This Sci-Fi novel is based on Manuel Corpas’ experiences in personal genomics. Here he speculates on the technological advancements of the genomics field and infer what could happen in the future when genomics become widespread in society. This book is a key resource for those interested in learning how genome science could influence family relationships, privacy, monetisation of the personal genome, etc.
Book also available on Kindle*
Synopsis
Perfect DNA is set in the mid 2030’s. The main protagonist is John Malcolm, a forty-something average-joe accountant based in London. The sudden death of his father has got him thinking about his own health. On a whim he signs up for a genetic test. This test includes an extensive personality, environmental and genetic survey that predicts fairly accurately the life expectancy of the customer (assuming that no accidents happen).
The novel follows John and his wife Jessica after they get widely different test results. John’s prognosis is brilliant. Jessica’s is the reverse. Traumatised, they seek advice from a genetic counsellor, Professor Riera, who is overwhelmed when he discovers that John has the greatest life score prediction he has ever heard of. He immediately sees the business potential of marketing John’s personal genetic information to pharmaceutical corporations for gene therapy.
Repulsed by the idea, but with his marriage on the line and no money to remedy Jessica’s genetic flaws, John is cornered into considering selling his own genetic identity in order to prolong his wife’s life and ultimately save her from a terrible death.
Acknowledgements
I am deeply indebted to my cousin Ruth McGuire, whose help was crucial for adding colour and texture to the characters. I am grateful to Chris Bennett for designing the cover and to my publishers at DNAdigest, in particular Nadia Kovalevskaya, Alexander Frolkin, Craig Smith and Fiona Nielsen for their incredible support which was instrumental.
