The Making of You: A Journey from Cell to Human

Description

Join Katharina Vestre on an adventure to relive your very first moments. From your first cell to your first breath, this is your story as you have never heard it before. Did you know it took three attempts to make your kidneys? Or that tiny twirling hairs on your back showed your other organs where to go? Or that hiccups are probably a legacy from our ancient, underwater ancestors? With cutting-edge science and a wry sense of humour, Vestre reveals all this and more. Like: how sperm know which way to swim. Why sex and gender are more complicated than one might think. What you have in common with every living being, and why you are unique. Set off on a true voyage of discovery through an inner universe whose secrets we are still unravelling. A miniature drama of cosmic significance, this is the story of how you became you.

Katharina Vestre is a cell biologist and Doctoral Research Fellow at the University of Oslo Department of Biosciences. The Making of You is her first book. It is illustrated by Linnea Vestre and translated by Matt Bagguley. Wellcome Collection is a free museum and library that aims to challenge how we think and feel about health. Inspired by the medical objects and curiosities collected by Henry Wellcome, it connects science, medicine, life and art. Wellcome Collection exhibitions, events and books explore a diverse range of subjects, including consciousness, forensic medicine, emotions, sexology, identity and death. wellcomecollection.org

Vestre has a rare talent for breaking down complex biology and turning it into something captivating and compelling -- Linda Geddes * Bumpology * Tremendously enjoyable... From Hox genes to glial cells, The Making of You wears its evident scholarship lightly -- Jessie Greengrass, author * Sight * Ideal reading for anyone who was ever an embryo -- Matthew Cobb, author * Life's Greatest Secret * Captivating * Bookseller * Engrossing... has the knack of sparking wonder * Nature *