Current Controversies in the Biological Sciences: Case Studies of Policy Challenges from New Technologies (Basic Bioethics) - Softcover

Greif, Karen F; Merz, Jon F

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0262572397 ISBN 13: 9780262572392

Publisher: MIT Press, 2007

Synopsis

In recent years, advances in biological science and technology have outpaced policymakers' attempts to deal with them. Current Controversies in the Biological Sciences examines the ways in which the federal government uses scientific information in reaching policy decisions, providing case studies of the interactions between science and government on different biomedical, biological, and environmental issues. These case studies document a broad range of complex issues in science policy―from the Human Genome Project to tobacco regulation―and provide an accessible overview of both the science behind the issues and the policy-making process. The cases illustrate the different ways in which science and politics intersect in policy decisions, as well as the different forms policy itself may take―including not only regulatory action but the lack of regulation. Among the topics examined are public and private research funding, as seen in gene patenting; reluctance to regulate even when a product has been proven unhealthy, as in the case of tobacco; a comparison of U.S. and international policy responses to genetically modified organisms; and the competing interests at play in air pollution policy. Each chapter includes shorter side essays on related topics (for example, essays on issues raised by the SARS epidemic accompany the detailed case study of the public health response to the anthrax-laced mail received in the weeks after 9/11). This clear and readable introduction to controversial issues in the biological sciences will be a valuable resource for students of science policy and bioethics and for professionals in industry, government, and nongovernmental organizations who need background on emerging issues in the biological sciences.

About this title

About the Author:

Karen F. Greif is Professor of Biology at Bryn Mawr College.

Review:

--Barbara Redman, Dean and Professor, College of Nursing, Wayne State University

--Sheldon Krimsky, Professor, Tufts University, and author of "Science in the Private Interest"

" This book is a significant contribution to the field. In thirteen substantive chapters it describes in well-documented and accurate detail cases in which science issues have developed and been subject to policy making. The book is strong on technical discussion of these scientific issues and does so in language a nonscientist can understand." --Barbara Redman, Dean and Professor, College of Nursing, Wayne State University

" This book provides an excellent overview of diverse topics in science policy, including socio-legal and ethical issues in biomedical research. It stands out as a leading text, its breadth and richness of cases supported by excellent sources from mainstream science and medicine. The topics covered are very current." --Sheldon Krimsky, Professor, Tufts University, and author of "Science in the Private Interest"

& quot; This book provides an excellent overview of diverse topics in science policy, including socio-legal and ethical issues in biomedical research. It stands out as a leading text, its breadth and richness of cases supported by excellent sources from mainstream science and medicine. The topics covered are very current.& quot; -- Sheldon Krimsky, Professor, Tufts University, and author of Science in the Private Interest

"This book provides an excellent overview of diverse topics in science policy, including socio-legal and ethical issues in biomedical research. It stands out as a leading text, its breadth and richness of cases supported by excellent sources from mainstream science and medicine. The topics covered are very current."--Sheldon Krimsky, Professor, Tufts University, and author of "Science in the Private Interest"

"This book is a significant contribution to the field. In thirteen substantive chapters it describes in well-documented and accurate detail cases in which science issues have developed and been subject to policy making. The book is strong on technical discussion of these scientific issues and does so in language a nonscientist can understand."--Barbara Redman, Dean and Professor, College of Nursing, Wayne State University

About this edition

• Publisher: MIT Press
• Publication date: 2007
• ISBN 10: 0262572397
• ISBN 13: 9780262572392
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 385