a personal

[Jeffrey Hildt]

Peter,

As a molecular biologist (and lover of hip lit) let me recommend, if you
haven't already made its acquaintance, THE GOLDBUG VARIATIONS by Richard
Powers, one of the best books by one of my favorite (and, in spite of
several NBA and NBCCA nominations, I believe underrated) authors.

It's the story of . . . a molecular biologist!  . . . told essentially
in two time frames: as a young man doing Nobel-level DNA research in the
50s at the University of Illinois and, as an older man, 25 years later,
withdrawn and working as a computer programmer on a night shift where
he's befriended by a young couple who try to piece together his story. 
It's Powers most passionate and romantic book (TWO wonderful love
stories!) and perhaps his smartest (and that's saying something).  It
changed the way I think about evolution: the accidental vs. "grand plan"
views of nature.  And it's a good read.

Best of luck to you and your mice.

Jeff Hildt, (also) NYC