Almost Chimpanzee - 9780805083071

"Almost Chimpanzee is an extraordinary journey into a world of great interest but---until now---little understanding. An astute observer and engaging writer on complex issues at the intersection of science and society. Cohen summons his prodigious talents in this examination of chimpanzee research and conservation. In this wide-ranging synthesis of genetics, epidemiology, anthropology, history, and the sociology of science, Cohen demonstrates how much we can learn about chimpanzees---and ourselves---by exploring their unique qualities."---Paul Farmer, M.D. PhD. Partners in Health, Haryard Medical School

"How human are chimpanzees? Jon Cohen, in his well-written and carefully argued report, provides an up-to-date examination of the question. The bottom line is that we are far from understanding chimp/human relationships, but Almost chimpanzee is a fascinating look at how investigators are probing the unknowns and searching for definitive answers."---David Baltimore, nosel ladreate and professor at the california institute of technology

"A dazzling look at a field in which no two scientists seem to agree on what makes us either human or animal, or both. Jon Cohen has a gift for bringing this issue to life: he gives our species its due without losing respect for our fellow evolutionary travelers, the apes."---Frans De Wall, Author of the age of Empathy

"It's often been said that we can look into a chimpanzee's eyes and see ourselves. Well... almost. And it's that very big almost that Jon Cohen so tenaciously explores in this extraordinary scientific odyssey. To get at the truth, Cohen clomps through malarial jungles, travels in an RV with a baby orangutan, even handles fresh chimp sperm. The result is world-class science writing that is also a rollicking adventure story-one that takes us to the ends of the earth and to the margins of our species."--- Hampton Sides, editor at large at outside magazine and Reststine Author of Hellbond on his trail

"Jon Cohen has done a magnificent, masterful job of showing us why chimps are not like humans, yet---or because of the differences---they must be saved, in the wild. Controversial? You bet. But it's high time humanity takes responsibility for both its sins: killing species with the `kindness' of making them us and through outright ruthless slaughters."---Laurie Garrett. Pulitzer Prize winner and author of the Coming Place

The Captivating Story of How a Band of Scientists Has Redrawn the Genetic and Behavioral Lines That Separate Humans From Our Nearest Cousins

In the fall of 2005, researchers sequenced the chimpanzee genome and provided a startling new window into the differences between humans and our closest primate cousins. For the past several years, acclaimed Science reporter Jon Cohen has been following the DNA hunt, as well as eye-opening new studies in ape communication, human evolution, cognition, disease, diet, and more.

In Almost Chimpanzee, Cohen invites us on a captivating scientific journey, taking us behind the scenes in cutting-edge genetics labs, rainforests in Uganda, sanctuaries in lowa, experimental enclaves in Japan, even the Detroit Zoo. Along the way, he ferries fresh chimp sperm for a time-sensitive analysis, gets greeted by pant-hoots and chimp feces, and investigates an audacious attempt to breed a humanzee. Cohen challenges many widespread myths, like the inaccurate claim that humans and chimps differ by a mere 1 percent, and offers a fresh and often frankly humorous insider's tour of the latest research, which promises to lead to everything from insights about the unique ways our bodies work to shedding light on stubborn human only problems, ranging from infertility and asthma to speech disorders.

And, in the end, Cohen explains why it's time to move on from Jane Goodall's plea that we focus on how the two species are alike and turns to examining why our differences matter in vital ways---for understanding humans and for increasing the chances to save the endangered chimpanzee.