The Song of the Cell: An Exploration of Medicine and the New Human

Frankly bought this book only due to my enjoyment of the author's previous works - how interesting can a discussion of cells be to a biology major who went on to medical school? Nothing new about the sequence of development of the understanding of cells but fascinating discussions of the background of alternative thinking and arguments against what we now view as simple facts. Often brought me back to my excellent college courses and made me wonder why I never questioned how new knowledge we now accept without question was debated and finally accepted by peers with alternative points of view. Siddhartha Mukherjee is a fantastic writer who clearly spends tremendous energy researching the background of the history of medicine and science. I have recommended The Emperor of all Maladies and The Gene: an Intimate History to numerous colleagues and medical students and will add The Song of the Cell to the list.

Siddhartha Mukherjee has that gift of being a gifted writer and teacher. In this book, The Song of the Cell, Mukherjee demonstrates his love and passion for the work to which he dedicates his life. Mukherjee uses his gift for writing to explain in simple terms to non medical specialists the history of the discovery and the workings of cells. Mukherjee clearly and simply explains current cell research and describes the creation of forms of cell based medical practices that will someday be able to repair and or create new humans.

This extremely well written and informative book is about cells, “organs and systems—organs that perform discrete functions (kidneys, hearts, livers) and systems of cells (immune cells, neurons) that enable these functions.” It ranges from history of science to cutting age discoveries and their implications for medical treatment. Fortunately for me at least, the history concentrates on how the discoveries were made, with limited, mostly interesting anecdotes; perhaps there could have been even less on the totally incorrect ideas. For how more recent discoveries were made, the author has a talent for including just enough detail to inform without overwhelming. He does the same with the human immune system, well perhaps a bit too much detail. One of the problems with the immune system was the need to evolve multiple, distinct checks on the activation of T cells – to prevent autoimmune diseases, although obviously we still have some.Following are a few cutting age discoveries, not always completely accepted yet. Chemical neurotransmitters, like Serotonin, have “slow” effects with “profound biochemical and metabolic changes in the recipient” neuron, as well as the commonly accepted fast effects for propagating nerve signals. Given that science still does not understand how Serotonin and the like impact depression, or even how general anesthetics work, I can anticipate an explosion of work elaborating on this conclusion.Osteoarthritis is commonly thought to result from the wear and tear on cartilage, but the real problem is likely one of diminished repair - “the cells that form cartilage in joints decay dramatically with age”; work is underway to combat this decay.“Fetal blood cells therefore carry a unique form of hemoglobin—fetal hemoglobin—that is especially designed to extricate oxygen in the (low oxygen) fetal environment;” work is underway to capitalize on this to cure sickle cell anemia, since apparently that disease dos not impact the fetal blood cells.Finally, this is hardly cutting age, but baby aspirin is given to many heart patients because “Aspirin, at low doses, blocks the key enzyme that produces these injury-sensing chemicals, thereby decreasing platelet activation and subsequent clots.”

Mukherjee has a way of writing about the discovery of the cell up through the use of stem cells today in fighting cancer and other diseases in such a way that makes it understandable and fascinating even for the layman to read.

Having read and enjoyed the authors past two books (The Emperor of all Maladies and The Gene), I eagerly awaited his most recent book, The Song of the Cell. The book doesn’t disappoint. For many of us who studied biology in high school, this book covers a lot of familiar terrain. But this isn’t a textbook. Mukherjee possesses a storyteller’s instinct, and the book moves forward propelled by a cast of characters straight out of a Dicken’s novel.Staring from the Dutch trader Leeuwenhoek peering into his crude microscope to examine the tiny organisms in drain water to the eccentric German physician Rudolf Virchow who’s free thinking led to the advancement of cellular medicine, the book is replete with amazing scientists whose curiosity and thirst for knowledge has made these wondrous breakthroughs in medicine possible. Reading this book, one realizes how much we take for granted. How complicated the human body is and how magical its operation. Also noteworthy are the thousands of unsung scientists who for years have toiled away (and continue to toil) on lab-benches to enable all the many discoveries that make our present lives so much easier.Culling stories from his personal and professional life, Mukherjee weaves his tale deftly while explaining complex concepts of cell biology with verve and clarity. The dude clearly loves his subject matter!My biggest quibble with this book is the lack of clear illustrations. There are some, but they are not particularly helpful. I still can’t figure out where the damn Gremlin cells are located – somewhere in the bones – can you?Towards the end of the book, Mukherjee touches on Homeostasis, the ability of the human body to reset itself to “factory settings”. This January 2023, the average temperature in New York City has been 10 degrees above normal. The warmest January on record. Our planet is running a fever, and alas mankind has screwed up the planet’s homeostatic functions. I hope for humanity’s sake, there are a band of motivated citizens who help us reset the planet’s systems back to its “factory settings”. Reading “The Song of the Cell” would be a good place to start!

Gostei da organização dos capítulos, da clareza das explicações e das informações históricas.O autor nos mostra com clareza como foram feitas as descobertas da célula e dos seus componentes e o avanço das terapias celulares através dos séculos.Nos ensina também o papel das células no nosso organismo, descrevendo as funções de seus principais componentes, além dos vários sistemas celulares importantes para o corpo.Não tenho nenhuma crítica a fazer, pois o livro me satisfez completamente.

Siempre es un gusto leer a Siddhartha

A couple of years ago I read Mukherjee’s 2010 book: The Emperor of All Maladies: A Biography of Cancer, and was impressed by his ability to both explain very complex biological processes while at the same time grounding explanations with historical or real world personal stories.Similarly, The Song of the Cell: An Exploration of Medicine and the New Human, is a fascinating exploration into cell biology and how it is integral in our existence. Mukherjee is rightly known for his ability to bridge the gap between scientific research and storytelling to help explain complex concepts. An ability that he again demonstrates with this work.The book takes readers on an enlightening journey from early myths and beliefs regarding the intricacies of human biology to the recent advancements in medical science that are shaping our understanding of the human body. With his signature clarity and lyrical prose, he paints a vivid picture of the complex symphony within and between our cells, unravelling some of the secrets that lie within and their profound implications for medicine.The author infuses the text with his own experiences and reflections from medical practice and research, creating I think, an intimate connection between the author and the reader. His humility and genuine curiosity is evident, making the scientific journey feel personal and relatable.Given the very broad ambition of this book inevitably there are sections I found either too technical or just too detailed. This aside, Mukherjee’s strength is the ability to make complex scientific concepts accessible, while also delving into the deeper medical and ethical questions that arise from the progress of medical science. This book will leave readers informed, inspired, and with a profound appreciation for the awe-inspiring symphony that unfolds within the cells of our bodies and is the reason I rated it 5 stars.

This book is exceptionally well written, the chapters are insightful and easy to follow. Each chapter is broken into small segments that make for quick reading if you have time here and there. The level of detail is perfect, not too deep and not too shallow. Adding to my favourite authors collection right up there with Nick Lane

Excelente resumen de los avances de la biología celular y la medicina genomica