"We live in the age of cancer" | Dr Siddhartha Mukherjee meets Adam Rutherford (part 1)

Summary

In this engaging conversation, Dr. Siddhartha Mukherjee and Adam Rutherford explore the fundamental role of the cell in biology, emphasizing how it is the true 'musician' that interprets DNA, the 'score.' Mukherjee reflects on his journey from India to becoming a leading figure in cancer biology, touching on his bestselling books *The Emperor of All Maladies*, *The Gene*, and *The Song of the Cell*. The discussion delves into the blurring of boundaries between disease and desire in modern science, the ethical implications of genetic advancements, and the historical context of genetics and eugenics, offering profound insights into the intersection of medicine, ethics, and human nature.

Takeaways

• 😀 The event features Siddhartha Mukherjee, a renowned oncologist and author, discussing his new book 'The Song of the Cell'.
• 😀 Mukherjee’s previous works include the Pulitzer Prize-winning 'The Emperor of All Maladies' and the New York Times bestseller 'The Gene'.
• 😀 Mukherjee's journey in science began in India, with studies in Delhi, Stanford, Oxford, and Harvard, followed by a medical career and laboratory work at Columbia.
• 😀 Mukherjee's writing blends scientific expertise with personal experience as a clinician, focusing on both the history of science and its real-world impact on patients.
• 😀 'The Emperor of All Maladies' was inspired by a patient's question about how they ended up with cancer, leading Mukherjee to explore the history and future of cancer treatment.
• 😀 In 'The Gene,' Mukherjee explored the complex and often uncomfortable history of genetics, including its ties to eugenics and human selection.
• 😀 The concept of 'disease vs. desire' is central to Mukherjee's work, illustrating the blurring lines between therapeutic medical interventions and enhancements.
• 😀 Mukherjee's new book, 'The Song of the Cell', emphasizes the importance of cells as the fundamental unit of life, which often gets overlooked in popular biology discourse.
• 😀 Cells are described as active and diverse units that give life meaning and purpose, despite their often-unremarkable appearance under a microscope.
• 😀 Mukherjee argues that while DNA is crucial for genetic information, it is the cell that brings DNA to life and performs the essential functions of life.
• 😀 The book highlights the universality of three foundational biological principles: genetics, cell theory, and evolution, with cells being the smallest living unit of life.

Q & A

What inspired Dr. Siddhartha Mukherjee to write 'The Emperor of All Maladies'?

Dr. Mukherjee was inspired by a patient's question about how they got to their diagnosis and where they were going. This question led him to explore the history of cancer and fill a gap in scientific literature on the subject, as there was no comprehensive history of cancer at the time.

How does Dr. Mukherjee view the relationship between disease and desire?

Dr. Mukherjee explains that historically, disease and desire were seen as distinct: disease being linked to suffering and desire to enhancement. However, with advances in genetics and cell biology, these boundaries are becoming increasingly blurred. This shift is a central theme in his work.

What is the main argument of 'The Song of the Cell'?

'The Song of the Cell' argues that the cell, not DNA, is the fundamental unit of life. Dr. Mukherjee emphasizes that cells are the doers and makers of life, interpreting DNA much like a musician interprets a score. He explores the significance of cells and their central role in biology, which has often been overlooked.

What are the three foundational principles of biology highlighted by Dr. Mukherjee?

The three foundational principles of biology, according to Dr. Mukherjee, are: 1) The universality of the genetic code, 2) Cell theory (the idea that all organisms are made of cells), and 3) Evolution. These principles form the bedrock of biological science.

Why does Dr. Mukherjee think that cells have been neglected in popular discussions of biology?

Dr. Mukherjee points out that while DNA is frequently highlighted in popular discussions (e.g., in advertising and media), the cell, which brings DNA to life, is often overlooked. He argues that the cell is the true actor and essential unit of life.

How does Dr. Mukherjee describe the role of cells in relation to DNA?

Dr. Mukherjee compares DNA to a musical score, which in itself is lifeless. It is the cell that interprets the DNA, much like a musician interprets a score. The cell is responsible for carrying out the functions that sustain life, thus making it the true foundation of biological life.

What does Dr. Mukherjee mean by the 'unremarkable' nature of cells?

Dr. Mukherjee refers to cells as 'unremarkable' because, under a microscope, they may appear as simple, translucent blobs. However, he argues that despite their seemingly simple appearance, cells are the 'actors' and 'makers' of life, with incredible complexity and significance.

What role did Dr. Mukherjee's academic background play in his writing?

Dr. Mukherjee's academic background in medicine, immunology, and genetics allowed him to write from a unique perspective as both a scientist and a clinician. This enables him to blend scientific history with real-world applications, particularly in his works about cancer, genetics, and cells.

How does Dr. Mukherjee describe his books in relation to each other?

Dr. Mukherjee sees his books as part of a larger narrative. He suggests that *The Gene* should be considered first, as it addresses the foundational role of genetics. *The Song of the Cell* follows, exploring how cells are crucial in the expression of genetic information, and *The Emperor of All Maladies* comes last, addressing what happens when cells malfunction, leading to cancer.

What does Dr. Mukherjee mean when he says that cells are the 'doers' and 'makers' of life?

Dr. Mukherjee highlights that cells are not just passive structures; they actively perform all the essential functions required for life. Cells are responsible for growth, metabolism, response to stimuli, and reproduction, making them the fundamental units of life.