Blood Music

"Blood Music" by Greg Bear tells the story of Virgil Ulam, a scientist who, using company equipment and time, secretly develops some sort of intelligent organisms based on his own DNA (using a part that is presumably unused). When he is discovered he injects the material into his bloodstream where the organisms multiply.

The story then follows the development of these organisms and the spread of them, spelling disaster for the world. The story is well told, following different characters who are all affected differently by the spread. The title is very fitting. I found this book didn't really show its age (1985 is the original publishing date) and is well worth its induction into the SF Masterworks series by Gollancz (my copy). A must read for Greg Bear fans.