In the late 1600s, Mukherjee sets the stage for an extraordinary tale. It revolves around two notable individuals: Robert Hooke, a renowned English polymath, and Antonie van Leeuwenhoek, an eccentric Dutch cloth-merchant. These individuals peered through their meticulously crafted microscopes and witnessed a revelation that would revolutionize the fields of biology and medicine. They observed a groundbreaking concept: living organisms, including our own bodies, are intricate assemblies of small, self-contained units that operate independently. These units, which Hooke named “cells,” govern our organs, physiology, and overall being, encompassing our hearts, blood, brains, and more.

The revelation of cells and the subsequent understanding of the human body as a cellular ecosystem marked the inception of a new era in medicine. This paradigm shift led to the development of a therapeutic approach centered around manipulating cells. Conditions such as hip fractures, cardiac arrests, Alzheimer’s dementia, AIDS, pneumonia, lung cancer, kidney failure, arthritis, and COVID pneumonia could now be reimagined as the consequences of cellular or systemic aberrations. Moreover, they could be perceived as potential targets for cellular therapies.

Mukherjee’s captivating book, “The Song of the Cell”, brings this remarkable journey to life. Through vivid, clear, and suspenseful writing, complex scientific discoveries become enthralling. The narrative follows the trajectory of cell exploration, comprehension, and its application in the creation of new human possibilities. Divided into six parts and enriched by Mukherjee’s firsthand experiences as a researcher, physician, and avid reader, The Song of the Cell achieves a perfect balance between panoramic insights and intimate anecdotes. It stands as a masterpiece, delving into the essence of humanity itself.

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