The Complement System Rises Again

In the best articles, generally those dealing with basic Chromosome Puffs research, the combination of depth and accessibility is impressive. One on Hox genes introduces the notion of The Science Times Book of Genetics a conserved body plan among species, illustrating the Edited by Nicholas Wade point with the fauna of Star Trek, and continues with New York: The Lyons Press (1999). 256 pp. an explanation of the relationships between Hox gene $25.00 arrangements and Hox gene activities. Quotations from scientists involved in the research, and a terrific graphic, explain the singularity and compelling nature of this rela-Readers of Cell do not rely upon the New York Times tionship. The article's treatment of a novel model for Science Times section to keep up with the latest discov-coordination of Hox gene function makes clear that it eries in biology, but apparently other people do. Every is only theory, as yet unsupported by evidence, while Tuesday, the Times publishes a section on science and managing to demonstrate its power in clear and effective health. Most weeks, the coverage features new contri-language. butions to biomedical research, and especially modern Most of the articles feature multiple quotes from sci-genetics, the origins of disease, gene therapy, geno-entists who participated in the work, or who know it. In mics, and development. The weekly, prominent commit-some instances, the scientist is objective and under-ment of that much space in our most nearly national stated, portraying honest uncertainty in a fashion that newspaper makes the Science Times the most impor-supports the credibility of the scientific enterprise. A tant print source, and probably the most respected model of candor is the comment from a leading investi-source, of news about biology. It is not coincidence gator in the olfaction field: " It's really not clear what is that basic biomedical science and its applications now going on yet. " In other cases, the quotes show enthusi-receive this level of attention. The public is aware of asm and inject a human element into research. That's biological research more than ever before, because bio-understandable, but often the authors have somehow medicine is moving closer to what people want from it, elicited and then selected for publication some unfairly and in some instances to what they fear from it. Biolo-silly and unhelpful remarks. A surprisingly large fraction gists in turn have a serious stake in a well-informed of quotes from scientists begin with the …