An example of genetic disease is the condition porphyria variegate, found in some South Africans, which geneticists tracked back to the arrival of a Hollander, Gerrit Jansz, and his wife Ariaantje in 1688. They had many children and passed on the gene (responsible for porphyria). It gives a blistering skin rash in the sun, which isn’t a problem if you stay in the shade.

But it became a problem in the early 20th Century when people (with this gene) being given barbiturate anaesthetics were dying abruptly because of their incapacity to metabolise that drug. In a sense here is a genetic disease that, once identified, could be treated provided the person stayed out of the sun and didn’t take barbiturate anaesthetics. But that doesn’t mean it’s cured, because the person’s still carrying the spelling mistake in that gene.

But we do treat and cure many people with genetic diseases.

A very successful launch of Dr Wilmot James new book "Nature's Gifts" was held at the Cape Town Book Fair to a packed audience in the Dalro Forum.

Professor Raj Ramesar, Head of the Human Genetics faculty at the University of Cape Town, opened proceedings and guest speaker, Dr Mamphela Ramphele, delighted the audience with her observations. Dr James discussed aspects of the book and questions from the floor offered a lively debate.

The book is published by Wits University Press and will be available at leading book stores. Price: R250.

Wilmot James is fascinated by science: by the people who do research, by their results and by the implications of their efforts for creating a just society. In this book, he discusses ideas, people and history and does it with elegance, skill and a deep human sympathy.
David Baltimore, Emeritus President of the California Institute of Technology

The modern scientific discipline of genetics has in recent years helped us to understand the nature of humanity, both biologically and behaviourally, and Wilmot James has played a key role in promoting a popular understanding of it.

With examples replete from Africa and especially South Africa, in his new book, Wilmot James draws on established biological science to tell some compelling stories about the genome, why we have different skin colours, how blood tells a special story of human history, why the brain likes music, how smell works, the nature of rock art, why kids love bugs and the teaching of evolution.

James also gives an account of a great South African scientist called Eddie Roux who was known more for his politics, and of an extraordinary naturalist Eugene Marais who became known more for his Afrikaans poetry.

Wilmot James is a sociologist by training, the author moved over to genetics through his association with the Africa Genome Education Institute, of which he was founder and director. He writes fluently and convincingly and is spectacularly well-read in subjects ranging from biochemistry to music to literature and anthropology.

Nature’s Gift is published by Wits University Press, and is due to be released at the Cape Town Book Fair on the 01 August 2010 from 16:00. Dr Mamphela Ramphele is a guest speaker.