The Yogurt Maker. Chapter 12 - notes from the code breaker.

A very routine need may often lead to path for a great discovery. Chapter 12 describes the accidental discovery of the first gene editing concept comming from an Yogurt  industry which had the ingredients of curiosity driven development. Rodolphe B and Philippe H are the stars in this chapter and for a while it was appearing as if Doundua would no longer be required. It was certainly am amazing piece of contribution on part of the two industry based scientist with an intention to make better yogurt producing bacteria. 

The author starts the chapter by introducing the idea of ' linear model of innovation ' and basic research. And eventually he prove the presence of exceptions. This bit of important contribution was a lateral stream , powered by an alternate purpose and located far from the academic mainstream. there was enough mention of the extent of engagement by the two scientist which did not discount the notion of dedication on behalf of the two. Early publication of results preceded by hectic scientific data collection were crucial to the development of intuitive science. It is not intuitive mind alone that can bring proof to the table. It has to backed by positively made effort to prove the method and the matter in a time bound schedule. Rodolphe and Philippe collected and correlated historical data , which was available at the Danisco laboratory and was able to demonstrate that each virus attack was followed by lengthening of the DNA and development of immunity in the bacterial cells. The bacteria was editing its own genome and passing it to generations ahead. It was a novel concepts and thrilling to the curious mind. 

The author further describes the origin of the CRISPR meetings and the initiation of conventions in nomenclature. The chapter then introduces an element of surprise by introducing a controversy - the cas system operates on the DNA- a matter which was rigousrly proven by Sontheimer and Marraffini from the UCLA. It was not a twist but a statement of truth which necessitates the revision of many ideas about how the process was working. 

The chapter intend to convey ideas of lateral thinking minds , nonlinearity of research and need to pursue contextual updates in research since the earlier the lateral streams join in strongershall the flow be. 

Pratyush Chaudhuri