Katie Thomas:
> I was surprised to read so many negative responses to Matt Hawthorn's
> request.
I agree with Katie and Barbara.
Like others, I don't understand what Matt means by "materiality of
DNA" or "cultural theorist"; these aren't scientific terms, of
course, at least not in the way i assume he is using them. However,
his message is an interesting and important one. There is little
doubt that the molecular structure of DNA has entered the public
consciousness in a way that no other scientific discovery has done
(apart, perhaps, from some of what has emerged from nuclear physics).
As Barbara indicates, there is a beauty about it; it is a widely
recognised and influential image, and there is an enormous power in
what DNA is and does, as well as the implications of what is likely
to be possible in the future as a consequence of molecular genetics
reserch. Looking at DNA as a cultural concept might teach us a lot
- possibly some of it rather unwelcome.
Dr MJ Pearson
Department of Chemical Pathology & Immunology
Old Medical School
Leeds General Infirmary (Leeds Teaching Hospitals NHS Trust)
LEEDS LS1 3EX
Tel 0113 392 3945
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