Age-Decoded

What could possibly go awry with the advent of CRISPR genetic engineering? This novel is a fascinating exploration of the impact of technology on humanity. As with previous scientific breakthroughs such as nuclear and IT, genetic engineering will have double-edged implications. First-time author Dr. Mark Ryall beautifully crafts this reality through the lives, feelings, and struggles of several compelling characters in the near future. It's a future he forecasts for you, for all of us. The story's heroine is Nobel-winning genomicist Dr. Frieda Sengmeuller, who invents "age-decoding" - a genetic engineering method to stop human aging. When most humans are age-decoded in the year 2053, Authority leaders secretly use CRISPR to entrench their power by removing people's "propensity to dissent". They contain Frieda underground for two centuries and force her to research "reverse-aging". Frieda's daughter Ximena teams up with government insider Tavon Brooks in a desperate attempt to rescue her. ​​​This literary work depicts the moral and political challenges humans could face with the impending tsunami of genetic engineering.

Mark Ryall taught economics and mathematics at Royal St. George's College, Toronto and Hillfield Strathallan College, Hamilton for a combined twenty-two years. Age-Decoded is Mark's first novel. He wrote it to educate himself and the world about the imminent tsunami of genetic engineering. He believes this technology will fundamentally alter human nature, and that it must be carefully controlled and applied to serve humanity well. Mark competes in triathlons and is also an avid golfer. He enjoys acrylic art, painting historic structures and sports portraits. Mark currently serves as a volunteer cross country coach for Westdale Secondary School, Hamilton. His education is eclectic, including BSc, MBA, and PhD (University of Toronto, Education).