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Pandora’s Lab

Seven Stories of Science Gone Wrong

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Pandora’s Lab

Written by: Paul A. Offit MD
Narrated by: Greg Tremblay
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About this listen

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. Biological Sciences Environment Medicine & Health Care Industry Science
All stars
Most relevant
loved this book. such an eye-opener. it was engaging from the start. highly recommend! listened to it at X2 speed though.

brilliant!

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The one thing that stands out about this book is the causation and then the ramifications, which made it a delight to read. Eg how someone's intent to add nitrogen to the soil as a fertilizer finally led to the development of harmful gas used by Germans in WW2. Or how the scientifically proven use of a certain painkiller ultimately led to addiction, despite the momentary comfort it provides. The author has established that the number of men who won the Nobel prize went on do numerous destructive activities, and their peers celebrated their achievements by choosing to award them - one questions where science is headed. Later on, the author flipped the coin over and claimed that how a nature conservationist attempt to stop a pesticide's use (and save the birds and bees) led to the deaths of many due to malaria. Or how the banning of E- Cigarettes was not suitable for the betterment of society as they were a good alternative to smoking which caused lung cancer. However its so easily sidelined that E Cigs are still delivering the same or more nicotine and causing addiction. Rampant usage of pesticide would have been equally disastrous to as the destruction caused by the ammonium fertilizer. But then he goes on to say that the dosage matters and a little of a bad thing is not always harmful- well humans dont know how to limit the use of a little bad thing. I take the message that when humans are allowed to mess with the working of nature, they only deliver disasters. And any good invention/discovery will be ultimately labeled a bane as the users do not limit its harmonious and judicious application.

Its brilliant and yet questionable

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Pandora's Lab: Seven Stories of Science Gone Wrong by Dr. Paul Offit is a compelling examination of scientific and medical missteps throughout history. As a favorite author of yours, Offit continues to impress with his thorough research, engaging narrative, and ability to convey complex topics in an accessible manner.

The book delves into seven case studies where well-intentioned scientific endeavors led to disastrous outcomes. Offit meticulously documents how overconfidence, lack of skepticism, and societal influences can lead to significant errors, underscoring the importance of learning from these mistakes. His unbiased approach ensures that the stories are presented factually, allowing readers to form their own judgments.

One of the standout features of Pandora's Lab is its balance. Offit's narrative is so well-crafted that it is sometimes difficult to discern whether he is critiquing or appreciating the scientific endeavors he describes. This non-biasness adds depth to the discussion, making it a thought-provoking read.

The book's central theme is a caution against the blind acceptance of scientific claims without critical examination. Offit encourages readers to maintain a healthy skepticism and to always seek evidence-based conclusions. This approach is particularly relevant in today's world, where misinformation can spread rapidly.

In summary, Pandora's Lab is an enlightening read that not only highlights historical scientific errors but also provides valuable lessons on the importance of critical thinking and skepticism in science. Dr. Paul Offit's engaging writing and thorough analysis make this book a must-read for anyone interested in the complexities of scientific progress.

Loved This One for Its Fascinating Insights

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Narrative was good enough!! Good material to go through although some chapters could be more brief

Quiet informative

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