For over half a century DNA has dominated science and the popular imagination as the "secret
of life". But over the last several decades a quiet revolution has taken place. In a series of
breathtaking discoveries the biochemist Thomas R. Cech and a diverse cast of brilliant
scientists have revealed that RNA-long overlooked as the passive servant of DNA-sits at the
centre of biology's greatest mysteries. In The Catalyst Cech brings together years of
research to demonstrate that RNA is the true key to understanding life on Earth from its
origins to our future in the twenty-first century. A gripping journey of discovery The
Catalyst moves from the early experiments that first hinted at RNA's spectacular powers to
Cech's own paradigm-shifting finding that it can catalyse cellular reactions to the
cutting-edge biotechnologies poised to reshape our health. We learn how RNA-once thought merely
to transmit DNA's genetic instructions to the cell's protein-making machinery-may have
jump-started life itself and how at the same time it can cut our individual lives short
through viral diseases and cancer. We see how RNA is implicated in the ageing process and
explore the darker depths of the supposed fountain of youth telomerase. And we catch a
thrilling glimpse into how RNA-powered therapies-from CRISPR the revolutionary tool that uses
RNA to rewrite the code of life to the groundbreaking mRNA vaccines that have saved millions
during the pandemic and more-may enable us to improve and even extend life beyond nature's
current limits. The Catalyst is a must-read guide to the present and future of biology and
medicine.
