Scibooks

Book review: Doctors in Denial

Sarah-Jane O'Connor • Mar 11, 2017

• cervical cancer,
• Herb Green,
• Medical Ethics,
• National Women's Hospital,
• unfortunate experiment

One of the doctors who blew the whistle on National Women’s Hospital’s ‘unfortunate experiment’ has written about his experiences in an attempt to set the revisionist history straight. Ron Jones was a junior obstetrician and gynaecologist when he joined National Women’s Hospital in 1973, by which point Professor Herbert Green was well into his study that has since become … Read More

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Book review: The Conversation Yearbook 2016

Sarah-Jane O'Connor • Jan 20, 2017

• essays,
• experts,
• politics,
• Science,
• The Conversation

Toward the end of the year there can be a glut of ‘best of’ publications, but The Conversation Yearbook 2016 stands out as an enjoyable, wide-ranging collection of essays. The Conversation has been running in Australia since 2011, collating news and views from the academic and research community on hot topics of the day or longer-burning issues. My main … Read More

Book review: Falcon

Sarah-Jane O'Connor • Dec 14, 2016

• conservation,
• falcons,
• helen macdonald,
• natural history

You may have already devoured H is for Hawk, but Helen Macdonald’s precursor is worth a visit (or revisit) for its marvellous story telling of the cultural and natural history of falcons. Better known for her acclaimed H is for Hawk, Helen Macdonald’s precursor book Falcon has been re-released on its tenth anniversary. I’ve yet to read H is for Hawk, … Read More

Book review: What’s so controversial about genetically modified food?

John Kerr • Dec 11, 2016

• agriculture,
• book review,
• controversy,
• crops,
• genetic modification,
• GM,
• GM crops,
• gmo,
• Science and Society,
• Séralini

John T Lang’s new book tackles a tough question: What’s so controversial about genetically modified food? The answer is: It’s complicated. While far from satisfying, this conclusion isn’t a cop out. The staggering complexity of our modern food systems is a returning theme in Lang’s small treatise on genetic modification (GM) and food. His observations and insights are … Read More

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Book review: Cowspiracy – The Sustainability Secret

Sarah-Jane O'Connor • Nov 12, 2016

• agricultural greenhouse gases,
• climate change,
• documentary,
• vegan diet

A documentary regurgitated into book format falls flat in Cowspiracy, which investigates the role of animal husbandry in global greenhouse gas emissions. With its gripping image of a cow in dark colours staring out at you – the documentary Cowspiracy has been sitting unwatched on my Netflix queue for some time now.  I’ve been hesitant because anything that implies a … Read More

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Book review: The story of the Hauraki Gulf

Sarah-Jane O'Connor • Oct 28, 2016

• Environmental Defence Society,
• Hauraki Gulf,
• Raewyn Peart

A new book on the Hauraki Gulf spans the breadth of natural and human history and will be an enjoyable read for those who make their home and livelihoods around the Gulf. The Story of the Hauraki Gulf: Discovery, transformation, restoration has been lovingly compiled and written by Raewyn Peart – policy director at the Environmental Defence Society. At first glance, The Story … Read More

Book review: Protecting Paradise

Sarah-Jane O'Connor • Oct 21, 2016

• 1080,
• conservation,
• Science in Society,
• Scientific literacy

A new book on the history and science of 1080 in New Zealand goes beyond simply relaying facts and instead delves deep into science denial and the psyche of those who favour conspiracy over science. Protecting Paradise: 1080 and the fight to save New Zealand’s wildlife, written by Dave Hansford and published by Potton & Burton, covers the … Read More

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Book review: Big, bold and blue – Lessons from Australia’s Marine Protected Areas

SciBooks • Oct 04, 2016

• Australia,
• CSIRO,
• EDS,
• marine reserves,
• New Zealand

By Raewyn Peart As of 2015, Australia has designated over a third of its waters as marine protected areas, leaving much to be learnt from their experience – as is covered in a new book on the topic. This impressive book, edited by James Fitzsimons and Geoff Westcott, provides a comprehensive description of progress with establishing networks of marine … Read More

Book review: The First Migration – Maori Origins 3000BC – AD1450

Peter Griffin • May 31, 2016

• book review,
• Great Fleet,
• Maori,
• Melanesia,
• micronesia,
• Pacific,
• Polynesia

If Tangata Whenua, the fantastic illustrated history of Māori from Pacific origins to modern day, is the coffee table book every Kiwi family should own, The First Migration is the truncated desk reference for the office. Both are published by Bridget Williams Books and The First Migration, by acclaimed archaeological researcher Professor Atholl Anderson, draws heavily on the first two … Read More

Book review: I think you’ll find it’s a bit more complicated than that

Sarah-Jane O'Connor • May 28, 2016

• ben goldacre,
• columns,
• evidence-based policy,
• Science journalism,
• science media,
• The Guardian

Dr Ben Goldacre’s collection of columns and essays, I think you’ll find it’s a bit more complicated than that, is a snackable read for anyone interested in science and how it’s used and misused in media, policy, and everyday life. I must first admit to being a bit sucked in on this book. I picked it up in a bookstore thinking … Read More