New Science Fiction Novel Genes of the Past Explores the Evolutionary Trade-Offs That Shaped Modern Humanity
Buffalo, United States, 7th Feb 2026 – A newly released science fiction novel, Genes of the Past, by author and scientist Christer Jansson, presents a scientifically grounded exploration of human evolution and the ethical boundaries of modern genomics. This book blends evolutionary biology, molecular science, and political intrigue to examine how forgotten traits from humanity’s deep past could redefine the future.
Genes of the Past begins with a real-world-style archaeological discovery in 1967 Morocco, where fossil remains of a previously unknown hominin species, later designated Homo crassus, are found. Although the find initially appears to be a routine paleoanthropological event, its true significance remains dormant for decades. The fossil’s rediscovery in the present day leads to an unprecedented scientific breakthrough: the extraction of ancient olfactory receptor proteins unlike any known in modern humans.
The story follows the charismatic Ludvig Bertil “Symphony” Thovén, director of the OMICS National Laboratory, a fictional U.S. research facility specializing in genomics, proteomics, and computational biology. Under his leadership, scientists identify a previously unknown class of sensory receptors embedded in the ancient hominin genome. These receptors suggest that early humans possessed perceptual abilities that modern humans no longer have, raising fundamental questions about what was gained and lost as language, cognition, and civilization evolved.
As the research progresses, the discovery attracts the attention of government agencies concerned with national security applications. What begins as a scientific inquiry quickly becomes a complex ethical and political dilemmaas the possibility of reintroducing ancient sensory capabilities through genetic engineering becomes real. The novel traces the escalating consequences of this research, including classified programs, internal conflicts, and congressional scrutiny, while maintaining a focus on the moral responsibilities of scientists working at the edge of human knowledge.
Genes of the Past is presented with a good portion of intellectual and ironic humor, while offering insight into the inner life of a scientist navigating institutional pressure, moral uncertainty, and the unintended consequences of discovery. The novel ultimately poses questions rather than answers. It invites readers to consider how much of humanity’s future may depend on its willingness to confront or its evolutionary past.
Genes of the Past is available on Amazon.
About the Author
Christer Jansson is a retired scientist whose lifelong curiosity about life’s building blocks has found new expression through storytelling. With decades of experience leading groundbreaking research in genomics and molecular sciences, as Chief Scientist at both Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory and Pacific Northwest National Laboratory, he has long explored the mysteries written into our DNA. Now, as a fiction author, he channels that same fascination into imaginative narratives that blend science, human emotion, and the complexities of discovery.
His debut novel, Genes of the Past, draws on his deep understanding of biology and the ethical questions that come with scientific advancement. Meticulously researched and thought-provoking, the book marks his transition from scientific inquiry to creative exploration.
Away from the writing desk, Christer is equally passionate about food and family. An avid cook and baker, he can often be found experimenting in the kitchen with vegetarian dishes or perfecting his sourdough bread. He enjoys chess, hiking, pickleball, board games like Catan and Wingspan, and spending time with his children and grandchildren.
Christer lives in Berthoud, Colorado, on the Front Range of the Rocky Mountains, where he shares his home with his wife, a dog, and a cat, and where he’s currently working on his next novel.
Company Details
Organization: Kinetic Digital Publishers
Contact Person: Emma Parker
Website: https://www.kineticdigitalpublishers.com/
Email: Send Email
Contact Number: +15103980823
Address: 4498 Main St Suite 4 # 1697 Buffalo, NY 14226
City: Buffalo
Country: United States
Release Id: 07022641115