Pandora’s Lab: Seven Stories of Science Gone Wrong
- Narrated by:
- Length: 7 hrs and 51 mins
- Unabridged Audiobook
- Release Date:04-04-17
- Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.
People who bought this also bought...
Publisher's Summary
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.
Pandora's Lab takes us from opium's heyday as the pain reliever of choice to recognition of opioids as a major cause of death in the United States; 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 ideas from the past such as advocating racial purity or using lobotomies as a cure for mental illness. These unwitting errors add up to seven lessons both cautionary and profound, explained by renowned author and speaker Paul A. Offit. Offit uses these lessons to investigate how we can separate good science from bad, using as case studies some of today's most controversial creations: e-cigarettes, GMOs, and drug treatments for ADHD.
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.
©2017 Paul A. Offit (P)2017 Blackstone Audio, Inc.
More from the same
What Members Say
Sort by:
-
"excellent source of information"
I always love learning especially when it's about science and science history. This book gives an insight on why critical thinking is so important and at how wrong we can be.
1 of 1 people found this review helpful -
Armygunsmith Planet Earth 04-26-17 Member Since 2016Yes, that's what i do.
- HELPFUL VOTES
- 4
- ratings
- REVIEWS
- 6
- 2
"More of the medical, less of the political"
The medical stuff was pretty fascinating, but the author kept inserting political points that had little to do with the subject matter.
4 of 6 people found this review helpful -
"Stick to the science and drop the political slant."
Would you listen to Pandora’s Lab again? Why?No. The science and story were good, but the author did a lot of Republican political bashing and drawing unfounded similarities. That would have been fine for a book on politics, but was not appropriate for a book on scientific discoveries. It seems like nothing is non-partisan these days.
Would you ever listen to anything by Paul A. Offit, MD again?No
Have you listened to any of Greg Tremblay’s other performances before? How does this one compare?Yes, he is an excellent performer.
Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?No
3 of 5 people found this review helpful -
"A great book...captivating."
A great book...captivating.
Was a little concerned about his references to "the data" but in general a story well told.0 of 0 people found this review helpful -
"Amazing"
Dr. Offit is an amazing writer and scientist. This book, using stories from history, illustrates how professionals and the public should think about science and medicine. Amazing and should be basic reading in every medical/dental/Phd program.
1 of 2 people found this review helpful -
"Like Another Author"
What made the experience of listening to Pandora’s Lab the most enjoyable?The book has good stories and is told in a narrative form - Similar to another series I have read/listened to which shall not be named but if you like spoons.......<br/>Enjoyable enough that I have ordered the print version to read-
What other book might you compare Pandora’s Lab to and why?See Above
Which character – as performed by Greg Tremblay – was your favorite?NA
Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?NA
Any additional comments?NA
0 of 1 people found this review helpful -
"insightfully thought-provoking while disturbing"
a look at what once wasnt, but should have been, but probably wont be yet again,next time 'round.
0 of 1 people found this review helpful -
"political opinions ruined the book"
Although the historical references are fascinating, the Author hurt his credibility by insinuating that Trump is Hitler and Border protection from trespasser's is analogous to Eugenics engineering. disregarding the genuine concerns of people who want to protect their country, culture language health and homogeneity from unscreened mass immigration. the book is to politically motivated. Another liberal trying to sneak in their radical experimental ideology under the auspices of science. Narration was good though.
2 of 7 people found this review helpful -
"temerary truths"
this book makes you wonder what are we doing wrong in science actually as we did in the past.
0 of 1 people found this review helpful -
"Mixed Feelings"
Just like in the book Silent Spring, the author choose not to highlight several studies
0 of 1 people found this review helpful
© Copyright 1997 - 2017 Audible Inc.