Dr. Wyatt explains his genetic testing to Eli for the first time. Scientific American recently published an article detailing the possible uses for the information gathered from the Human Genome Project. Modern advancements in gene studies currently can detect and, in some cases, even predict the presence of a genetic abnormality. In Double Helix, this ability to detect flaws before birth was used to genetically engineer a “more perfect son, devoid of flaws and with a proper chance to live free of Huntington’s.” For some people, the biggest issue with genetic engineering is whether or not to seek out and act on knowledge about genetic flaws. Double Helix attempts to explore the life saving and life destroying aspects of genetic engineering. The book proposes that, while Eli's life was saved by avoiding the Huntington's disease gene, his concept of life and self were destroyed when he found out he was genetically engineered to be a certain way. References 2004 American novels American young adult novels Novels about genetic engineering Molecular biology