National Geographic Investigates: Genetics: From DNA to Designer Dogs (National Geographic Investigates Science) Hardcover – October 14, 2008

Hatshepsut was a no nonsense queen in ancient Egypt who ruled for 22 years. She was an unusual woman in that day and age who looked and even dressed like a man. When she died, she simply seemed to disappear from the face of the Earth as all trace of her was erased by her successor. The discovery of a large mummy was discovered in 1903, but it wasn't until 2007 that scientists took a much closer look at it. Perhaps Hatshepsut had been found, but the only way to find out was through the use of DNA. There was a lone tooth in "a special box holding the organs" that was "placed in the tomb with the mummy." Was this the key to finding the lost Hatshesput?In this book you will learn about chromosomes and DNA, how DNA can tell us about the past, how "genetics will bring new, better ways to clean up pollution," how plants can be used to "clean up polluted environments" like Chernobyl, how scientists are inserting animal genes into plants, genetically modified (GM) crops, how scientists have "found the key to long life in roundworms," how genes determine our inherited traits, how "wildlife crime investigators can link DNA evidence" to animals (endangered species), animal DNA databases, how Dyan Straughan figured out what kind of mysterious animal was killing off sheep, how DNA links the crime to the criminal and much more!This is a fascinating book that will keep the reader mesmerized at many of the stories and mysteries inside. The book grips the reader from the very first two pages with a photograph of Queen Hatshepsut's mummy filling the background. There are numerous sidebars, amazing photographs and illustrations. In the back of the book is an index, a glossary, and additional recommended book, article and web site resources. Do you think that kittens born to African wildcat clones are weird looking? You can judge for yourself because there is a picture of some in this book!

Though presented in an interesting manner, this book falls short in content and depth. I would recommend it for the 8-9 year age group. Beyond that age group, it is a skim-the-surface kind of book, and doesn't go any deep. This book could be used as an introduction for the 10-plus age group, especially to kids who have not heard about genetics.

The book wasn't what I expected it to be. The title itsself was missleading. For that reason I do not blame the seller. But I do think that it was a little over priced.

Very interesting read.