News about the Science Shelf archive of book reviews, columns, and comments by Fred Bortz
Issue #19, Vernal Equinox, 2007
Dear Science Readers,
Happy Spring (or Autumn to my Southern Hemisphere readers)!
Despite global warming and the scientific predictions of an early end to winter by the rodent meteorologist known as Punxsutawney Phil, spring arrived here in southwestern Pennsylvania more or less on schedule and in the usual way: snowy one day and warm enough for shirtsleeves the next.
Since my last update, I have added one new book review to the Science Shelf and two titles to the "Books by Dr. Fred" page on my website for young readers.
The review gives a brief overview of a book that puts the science and politics of stem cell research in perspective, providing a detailed look at research and clinical applications.
Cell of Cells by science journalist Cynthia Fox as is ambitious and wide-ranging as its subtitle, The Global Race to Capture and Control the Stem Cell. Whether derived from embryos or rejuvenated adult tissue, the benefits of these remarkable cell precursors go beyond health care. They may prove to be the engines of economic development and the foundation of international technological leadership.
With the exposure of fraudulent results in Korea and a changing U.S. political environment, the global stem cell race is rounding a new turn. The scientific and political excitement has only begun. If readers want to hazard a guess about how will it turn out, Cell of Cells is an essential handicapper's guide.
My own writing includes a book that will be of interest to adults. Written as part of a high school and college level Twentieth Century Science reference set from Facts on File,
Physics: Decade by Decade presents the story of how a science was transformed by events and discoveries in the last century, while its discoveries influenced history and transformed technology.
As my web page about the book notes, I am currently developing a college-level or university seminar or colloquium presentation based on this book entitled "Ten Decades, Ten Physicists: A History of Physics in the Twentieth Century As Seen Through the Lives of Ten Outstanding Scientists." If you have connections to a college or university, I would appreciate your bringing this to the attention of faculty who schedule guest speakers. Please e-mail me for further information.
More information about both books will be added as their publication dates approach.
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If you decide to buy any of the books that you discover through the Science Shelf, I hope you will be kind enough to use the links on my pages so that I can continue to get enough income to cover the cost of hosting the website. I never find out who is buying; I just find out what they have bought, how much they paid, and how much my commission amounts to.
In the meantime, happy science reading, and thanks in advance for your support!
