The New Fifth Edition Of Science And Society Provides Readers With A Firm Overview Of AIDS From Both Biomedical And Psychosocial Perspectives. The Book Covers The Molecular And Cellular Aspects Of The HIV Virus And The Immune System’S Response To It, And Then Considers Epidemiology And Its Role In Understanding HIV/AIDS.
This book was required reading for a Molecular Biology of HIV/AIDS course and was a great launching point into the subject. The discussion on the immune system mechanisms is simple enough, yet descriptive enough, to build a good foundation on. When the class delved into greater detail about various HIV proteins the quick overview provided in the book was helpful in keeping track of everything. I would have liked to see more on societal impact and consequences of the ways that AIDS was initially discussed and investigated (this might be expanded on in later editions I don't know whether or not it has). Over all a great read.
Second time reading this through after a class in immunology. Definitely insightful and I appreciated the application to practical methods of addressing the spread as well as social stigmas. However, it is a very introductory text. I couldn't see this being used in the academic setting.