The Violinist's Thumb (2012) (edit title/settings)

Ridiculously Simplified Synopsis edit

Write a ridiculously simplified synopsis.

Characters/People edit see section history

• Craig Venter: Leader in genome mapping.
• Francis Collins: Leader in genome mapping, researched cystic fibrosis and Huntington's disease, christian, persuasive.
• Johannes Friedrich Miescher: Studied salmon sperm and pus laden bandages of soldiers to isolate the DNA molecule.
• Herman Muller: Studied drosophila fruit flies, eugenics
• Calvin Bridges: Studied drosophila fruit flies with Morgan
• Thomas Hunt Morgan: Nobel Laureate, studied drosophila fruit flies
• Lynn Margulis: Developed the theory of endosymbiosis
• Barbara McClintock: Scientist who discovered jumping genes in maize. She was ridiculed for many years, but was finally awarded the Nobel Prize for her work.
• Illya Ivanovich Ivanov: Soviest biologist, tried to interbreed chimps and humans. Expert at creating hybrids.
• William Buckland: Known for his eating habits
• Niccolò Paganini: Inspiration of this book's title; violinist whose ability to play the violin was closely tied to a genetic disease.

Setting & Locations edit see section history

• Africa
• Europe
• Toulouse
• Hiroshima
• Nagasaki
• Paris
• Asia
• New York
• England
• Philadelphia
• Egypt
• Japan
• Germany
• Soviet Union
• Russia
• Överkalix
• Columbia
• Manhattan
• Texas
• United States
• India
• Drosophila
• North America
• Chiba
• St. Thomas
• Wolbachia
• Barentsz
• Lautrec
• London
• California
• Sukhumi

Organizations edit see section history

• Celera: Craig Venter and team created this company, announced in 1998, with the purpose to sequence the human genome in three years. Intentions to destroy the international consortium or Human Genome Project. Became bitter rivals. Would patent genes, backed by a for-profit health care corporation.
• Human Genome Project: Created with the goal to map the human genome. Publicly funded by the United States' Department of Energy with $1-billion dollars and a 7-year time line starting in 1987.

First Sentence edit see section history

Series & Lists edit see section history

Authors & Contributors edit see section history

1. Sam Kean (Author)

First Edition edit see section history

Classification edit see section history

• Library of Congress: QH437.K43 2012
• Dewey: 572.8

Subjects edit see section history

• Books › Science › Evolution › Genetics
• Books › Science › Biological Sciences › Biology