This refreshingly clear layperson's overview of genetics shows how heredity actually works and how it is studied in plants and animals, clearly explaining these concepts without an overload of technical jargon. The author devotes separate chapters to such popular topics as: the genetic differences between males and females, the potential effects of radiation on the human genome, eating irradiated or genetically modified foods, cloning, genetic therapy, stem-cell research, nature vs. nurture, and how genes are related to many diseases, psychological disturbances, and possibly other behaviors. The book concludes by addressing common misconceptions about genetics and emphasizing the discipline's potential for curing some diseases, extending human lifespan, enhancing medicine and agriculture, and generally improving society.