Can't Live Without It

Why is blood red? Because it contains Haemoglobin -- the most important molecule in the human body. In health -- the average person has 4 lbs. of haemoglobin and manufactures seven billion molecules of haemoglobin every second. It carries oxygen from the lungs to the cells and helps the body remove waste carbon dioxide. In sickness -- an estimated one billion people around the world have some disorder related to haemoglobin: sickle-cell anaemia, pernicious anaemias, iron-deficiency anaemia, porphyries, haemoglobin E disease, alpha-thalassemia, beta-thalassemia, and G6PD deficiency. One type of haemoglobin can be used to monitor diabetes. This basic introduction to haemoglobin includes information on the reselection of Richard Nixon, the madness of King George III, werewolves, lead poisoning, legends about Pythagoras, genetics and genetic screening, diabetes, respiration, the production of red cells, and translation of the DNA code. Haemoglobin is a fascinating molecule that touches our lives, our politics, our myths and our history. This new book presents current analyses of one of the most controversial issues of our times -- affirmative action. Proponents on both sides of the issue claim clear-cut evidence for the rightness of their arguments, yet evidence is hazy at best. This volume helps shed light on the underlying basis for affirmative action and elucidates the latest legal and social developments.