Customer Reviews

Sex, Drugs and DNA: Science's Taboos Confronted

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For anybody who has the courage to learn what it really happening in the world of science and policy today, this book is a call to arms. It will piss you off -- but for the right reasons. Culling his expertise in cutting edge research, science journalism, and policy, Dr. Stebbins unmasks the BS that muddles contemporay issues in stem cell research, evolutionary debate, medical insurance, birth control, global warning, drugs, education, and much more. But he does so in a straight-ahead, accessible style that it is as humorous as it is revealing -- if not damming. Are our politicans pulling the wool over our eyes? Is our ignorance and laziness partly to blame? Yes and Yes. Perhaps you may already know that. But Dr. Stebbins does not just reveal these problems; he offers provactive solutions. Read this book, tell your friends to read it, and demand accountability from your representatives and senators. And even if you are lazy, do it for your kids's sake! Before it is too late.

Let me start out by saying that I do not have any background in science AT ALL. That being said, this book was extremely insightful and fun to read. You know those controversial scientific issues that you've seen on the news but never really have had the proper information to form an opinion on? For me, this book cleared out all of the crap sitting on the surface of these issues and finally gave me the tools to think intelligently about them. If you consider yourself a "critical thinker" and don't like to take things at face value, do yourself a favor and read this.

I ripped through this book in a matter of two days. i couldn't put it down. It moves and an absolutely incredible speed and is chock full of information on everything from Stem Cells to Intelligent Design to Bioterrorism. Stebbins lays out what everyone should know about these subjects in language that even I as a non-scientist could understand. Then he rips apart the policies that have been put in place by Bush and his Republican cronies. No question, best science book I have read in years. Seriously, it's about time someone wrote so honestly and passionately about science.

If you do not know much about current biological science and its implications for society, then you must read this book. - The author uses colloquial language to explain key issues on stem cells, cloning, healthcare, science education and other issues. It is a truly enjoyable read.

Buy or steal this book! It is very refreshing to have a scientist who is not afraid to speak his mind in areas beyond science. And unlike a lot of authors, Dr. Michael Stebbins will not only tell you what we are doing that is wrong, he suggests ways to fix the problems. I look forward to more books by Dr. Stebbins, although I hope there is never again a need for his insights and outrage.

Great read for those interested in the latest in science and science policy. Plain spoken and honest. What has been missing from science books and newspaper articles on cloning, race, genetics, education, etc. Should be a part of the library for any interested in the future of science in this country.

Sex, Drugs and DNA is a fantastic literary find. Michael Stebbins shares a voice seldom heard in today's news and politics, that of an independent and experienced scientist. Most of what you hear on the news about science these days seems to consist of "expert" journalists with no more information on the subject they are discussing than a brief overview of a watered-down scientific abstract. This is a man who has devoted his life to science and is not afraid to give his opinions on what is wrong with today's society, and, more importantly, how these problems might be solved.

I was personally very impressed with his first chapter. It is something that I would highly recommend to most young and developing scientists. I feel it gives an honest and needed look at what they will be dealing with in the near future.

Michael Stebbins makes this foray into the world of a science an entertaining and informative journey. I highly recommend it.

i bought this book a couple of weeks ago and read it in one day. as a former scientist myself, i can definitely say that stebbin's depiction of a life in science is accurate and honest. the scientific issues he addresses are dealt with in a "no holes barred" approach that is refreshing, easy to read, and even funny. i would recommend this book to anyone interested in scientific issues and how they affect our society.

Being able to explain scientific concepts to nonscientist is an art. Michael Stebbins has accomplished the goal of explaining several areas of scientific research that sometimes gets drawn into politics (embryonic stem cell research). He takes every subject and explains it in language that the lay person can understand. He does a great job of showing how special interest groups can take some segment of the subject, distort it and promote opposition to the research and make it look legitimate to the unknowing public. We need more books like this and more scientist like Michael Stebbins!!!

Dr. Stebbins fresh and candid look at how science totally gets screwed over by the government is a great read! I have reccommended it to all of my friends and literally could not put it down while reading it!

Kudos to the doctor -- looking forward to more from him!