Anecdotal Accounts of Science

point, these fields have not completely merged. For ex-fer into technologies that are impacting everyday life. Notwithstanding recent difficulties in the technology ample, we don't fully understand how the effects of sector, science and technology are recognized as major various chromatin-modifying activities on the transcrip-economic engines, distinguishing the national haves tional machinery may result in epigenetic phenomena from the have nots. Not a day goes by without a new that affect a single locus or an entire chromosome. How-product, service, or bold new project being announced. ever, the question is no longer whether chromatin struc-And this new joint public and private activity is deliv-ture plays an active and dynamic role in regulating gene ering. Immunology has given us edible vaccines and expression, but how the complexities and intricacies of xenotransplantation; nuclear physics has given us con-this role are accomplished. By the time we see a third trolled fission and positron emission tomography; bio-edition of this useful volume, it is likely that at least some chemistry has given rise to genomics and designer of these mechanisms will be more clearly defined. drugs; and electronic engineering has delivered everything from cell phones to massively parallel computing. if the new technology is to be controlled and used to improve the human condition. As Einstein said, " Never forget this, in the midst of your diagrams and equations: concern for man himself and his fate must always form Anecdotal Accounts of Science the chief interest of all technical endeavors. " A worthwhile first step is to make sure that the public understands science and learns how to critically assess its Death of a Rat. Understandings and Appreciations risks and benefits. Only then will society be able to direct of Science science and technology, and not vice versa. Stansfield makes a worthwhile contribution to this cause. His declared aim is " to provide an audience of inquisitive minds (high school or adult level) in the gen-Many of us with an interest in public understanding of eral population (laity, non-specialists) with an entertain-science have a favorite quote to illustrate the extent of ing way to broaden its understanding and appreciation the challenge. Here is mine: of science. " His strategy is to talk through some classic and mostly well-known case studies, teasing out the A 1999 international marketing poll (published by Seed lessons to be learned and highlighting what these cases Trade News) asked the general …