Current Controversies in the Biological Sciences: Case Studies of Policy Challenges from New Technologies

Greif, Karen F.; Merz, Jon F.

ISBN 10: 0262572397 / ISBN 13: 9780262572392

Published by MIT Press, 2007

Former library book; May have limited writing in cover pages. Pages are unmarked. ~ ThriftBooks: Read More, Spend Less. Seller Inventory # G0262572397I4N10

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 the Authors:

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

Jon F. Merz is Associate Professor in the Department of Medical Ethics at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine.

Bibliographic Details

Title: Current Controversies in the Biological ...
Publisher: MIT Press
Publication Date: 2007
Binding: Paperback
Condition: Very Good
Dust Jacket Condition: No Jacket