When a Gene Makes You Smell Like a Fish: And Other Tales About the Genes in Your Body.

Trimethylaminuria, otherwise known as fish odor syndrome, is a devastating condition whose origin, until recently, remained mysterious. Sufferers emit a foul smell that no amount of hygiene can remove. The disease's mystery was solved when scientists discovered that mutations in a gene known as FM03 prevent the body from breaking down a smelly substance found in foods high in protein. The discovery, a direct result of scientists' success in sequencing the human genome, could be the first step to curing this unusual and embarrassing disease, writes journalist Seachrist Chiu. She highlights other unique conditions with recently discovered genetic origins, such as a type of cerebral palsy found disproportionately among the Amish and a condition that makes certain animals and people abnormally sensitive to the sun (and that may account for the madness of King George III). These conditions can be attributed to the workings, or malfunctions, of specific genes. Seachrist Chiu focuses not only on odd genetic effects, but also the many less-dramatic traits attributable to genes. Examples include right- or left-handedness, male-pattern baldness, and whether or not we can stomach milk. In telling these stories, the author explains how genetic information controls human traits, Oxford, 2006, 219 p., b&w illus., hardcover, $27.00.