Controversies in Science and Technology: From Maize to Menopause (Science and Technology in Society) [Hardcover]

Daniel Lee Kleinman (Editor), Abby J. Kinchy (Editor), Jo Handelsman (Editor)

Book Description

Series: Science and Technology in Society | Publication Date: April 19, 2005

Written for general readers, teachers, journalists, and policymakers, this volume explores four controversial topics in science and technology, with commentaries from experts in such fields as sociology, religion, law, ethics, and politics:

* Antibiotics and Resistance: the science, the policy debates, and perspectives from a microbiologist, a veterinarian, and an M.D.

* Genetically Modified Maize and Gene Flow: the science of genetic modification, protecting genetic diversity, agricultural biotech vesus the environment, corporate patents versus farmers' rights

* Hormone Replacement Theory and Menopause: overview of the Women's Health Initiative, history of hormone replacement therapy, the medicalization of menopause, hormone replacement therapy and clinical trials

* Smallpox: historical and medical overview of smallpox, government policies for public health, the Emergency Health Powers Act, public resistance vs. cooperation.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Inaugurating a semiannual series about scientific disputes with policy implications, this volume presents four public-health topics often in the news: antibiotics in animal husbandry, genetically modified (GM) crops, menopause and hormone replacement therapy, and smallpox. The viewpoints expressed go beyond a simplified pro-con format, however, and delve into research methodology that underlies the findings trumpeted in the media. Sober in character, then, Kleinman and colleagues' 19 articles approach the frontier between popular and professional literature but do not cross it; yet they will challenge readers prompted by headlines to look further into the topics covered. Addressing specific arguments, such as a contested 2001 paper in Nature about genetic drift to Mexico of GM maize, the authors underscore the indicative rather than causative conclusions that can justifiably be drawn from statistical research. Although these conclusions may not fill the yearning for clarity and reassurance, especially where personal health is concerned, they are valuable to lay readers trying to sort out clashing scientific opinions. Gilbert Taylor
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

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Science and Technology in Society

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Product Details

• Hardcover: 356 pages
• Publisher: University of Wisconsin Press; 1 edition (April 19, 2005)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0299203905
• ISBN-13: 978-0299203900
• Product Dimensions: 9.1 x 6.1 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #5,580,715 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

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5.0 out of 5 stars An extensive set of scholarly discussions of scientific, health and technological issues, August 8, 2005

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Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Controversies in Science and Technology: From Maize to Menopause (Science and Technology in Society) (v. 1) (Paperback)

Biologist Jo Handelsman and sociologists Daniel Kleinman and Abby Kinchy gather scholars together in Controversies In Science & Technology From Maize To Menopause, considering such diverse topics as hormone replacement therapy, overuse of antibiotics, genetic modifications of crops, and agricultural issues. The result is an extensive set of scholarly discussions of scientific, health and technological issues not to be missed.