Martin Moder "Genetics for Breakfast. Scientific Life Hacks for Everyday Life," 2019

Chapter 1. From Pink Protoplasm to the Mongolian Lothario

Moder explains how life emerged from chemical reactions, carbon, and simple molecules, evolving from self-assembling membranes to complex cells and multicellular organisms. He shows that evolution is not a miracle, but rather natural selection of random changes, and that all living beings, including humans, descend from a common ancestor.

Understanding these processes helps to realize that health begins at the cellular level — with the protection of DNA, mitochondria, and biochemical balance, rather than with "genetic determinism."

Chapter 2. What is love?

Love is viewed as a product of biochemistry — the interaction of dopamine, serotonin, and oxytocin that create attachment, joy, and trust. Evolutionarily, it is a survival mechanism that ensures care and the continuation of the species.

Moder shows that even modern forms of love adhere to the same laws: physical contact and emotional connection remain more important than digital communication. Understanding the biological nature of feelings helps to avoid idealizing love, seeing it instead as a natural, yet manageable part of human behavior.

Chapter 3. Fruit Flies and Digital Worms

Moder demonstrates how studying simple organisms helps to understand brain function and the origins of consciousness. Experiments with flies, fish, and digital models of neural networks reveal that behavior is a result of biochemical and electrical processes, rather than a mystical "soul." He also notes that even familiar phenomena, such as alcohol tolerance, are a consequence of evolutionary adaptation.

The human mind is a product of long biological experiments by nature, which science is now reproducing in the laboratory.

Chapter 4. Dr. Schmidt and the Halves of the Brain

This chapter is dedicated to how the brain shapes the perception of pain, emotions, and behavior.

Moder explains that fear responses, feelings, and even personality traits are the result of the work of neurons, hormones, and microbiota. He debunks the myth of the "left" and "right" brain, showing that their interaction is more important than dominance. Nutrition, parasites, and chemical balance affect the brain just as much as experiences do.

The author concludes that the mind is biology in action, and understanding its laws allows one to manage their state and maintain mental health.

Chapter 5. The Daily Rhythm of Life

Moder explains that our well-being, energy, and mood are governed by biological clocks. Light, hormones, and neurotransmitters set the rhythm of activity and rest, so sleep disturbances, late screens, and stress disrupt the entire metabolic balance.

Alignment with natural cycles — morning light, movement, and quality sleep — makes the work of the brain and body more efficient and resilient.

Chapter 6. We are the Result of Evolution

The author shows that humans are products of random mutations, symbioses, and adaptations. Even "errors" in DNA and viral insertions have become drivers of evolution.

Nutrition, genes, and the microbiome are closely interconnected: what we eat affects gene expression and the rate of aging.

Moder emphasizes that biologically we are not special, but it is the awareness of our nature and the ability to understand the mechanisms of life that makes humans unique and allows us to influence our own evolution through a conscious lifestyle.