Pandora's Lab

Seven Stories of Science Gone Wrong

Nonfiction, Health & Well Being, Medical, Reference, Public Health, Health, Health Care Issues, History
Cover of the book Pandora's Lab by Paul A. Offit, MD, National Geographic Society
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Paul A. Offit, MD ISBN: 9781426217999
Publisher: National Geographic Society Publication: April 4, 2017
Imprint: National Geographic Language: English
Author: Paul A. Offit, MD
ISBN: 9781426217999
Publisher: National Geographic Society
Publication: April 4, 2017
Imprint: National Geographic
Language: English

What happens when ideas presented as science lead us in the wrong direction?

History is filled with brilliant ideas that gave rise to disaster, and this book explores the most fascinating—and significant—missteps: from opium's heyday as the pain reliever of choice to recognition of opioids as a major cause of death in the U.S.; from the rise of trans fats as the golden ingredient for tastier, cheaper food to the heart disease epidemic that followed; and from the cries to ban DDT for the sake of the environment to an epidemic-level rise in world malaria.

These are today's sins of science—as deplorable as mistaken past ideas about advocating racial purity or using lobotomies as a cure for mental illness. These unwitting errors add up to seven lessons both cautionary and profound, narrated by renowned author and speaker Paul A. Offit. Offit uses these lessons to investigate how we can separate good science from bad, using some of today's most controversial creations—e-cigarettes, GMOs, drug treatments for ADHD—as case studies. For every "Aha!" moment that should have been an "Oh no," this book is an engrossing account of how science has been misused disastrously—and how we can learn to use its power for good.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

What happens when ideas presented as science lead us in the wrong direction?

History is filled with brilliant ideas that gave rise to disaster, and this book explores the most fascinating—and significant—missteps: from opium's heyday as the pain reliever of choice to recognition of opioids as a major cause of death in the U.S.; from the rise of trans fats as the golden ingredient for tastier, cheaper food to the heart disease epidemic that followed; and from the cries to ban DDT for the sake of the environment to an epidemic-level rise in world malaria.

These are today's sins of science—as deplorable as mistaken past ideas about advocating racial purity or using lobotomies as a cure for mental illness. These unwitting errors add up to seven lessons both cautionary and profound, narrated by renowned author and speaker Paul A. Offit. Offit uses these lessons to investigate how we can separate good science from bad, using some of today's most controversial creations—e-cigarettes, GMOs, drug treatments for ADHD—as case studies. For every "Aha!" moment that should have been an "Oh no," this book is an engrossing account of how science has been misused disastrously—and how we can learn to use its power for good.

More books from National Geographic Society

Cover of the book National Geographic Kids Chapters: Dog Finds Lost Dolphins by Paul A. Offit, MD
Cover of the book Facing the Lion by Paul A. Offit, MD
Cover of the book National Geographic Kids Chapters: Horse Escape Artist by Paul A. Offit, MD
Cover of the book Wild, Beautiful Places by Paul A. Offit, MD
Cover of the book National Geographic Angry Birds Seasons by Paul A. Offit, MD
Cover of the book National Geographic The Angry Birds Movie by Paul A. Offit, MD
Cover of the book Imagined London by Paul A. Offit, MD
Cover of the book National Geographic Readers: Animals That Change Color (L2) by Paul A. Offit, MD
Cover of the book Confessions of an Alien Hunter by Paul A. Offit, MD
Cover of the book Life is Good by Paul A. Offit, MD
Cover of the book National Geographic Readers: Woof! 100 Fun Facts About Dogs by Paul A. Offit, MD
Cover of the book USA 101 by Paul A. Offit, MD
Cover of the book Vampire Forensics by Paul A. Offit, MD
Cover of the book Explore My World Nighttime by Paul A. Offit, MD
Cover of the book National Geographic London Book of Lists by Paul A. Offit, MD
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy