Sex, Drugs and DNA: Science's Taboos Confronted

by Michael Stebbins

In a frank, edgy and entertaining style that pulls no punches this book reveals the truth about modern biology and debunks the commonest myths surrounding some of the most controversial topics in science and health. It says what most scientists and politicians are afraid to say about what research can and, perhaps more importantly, cannot deliver on topics ranging from sexuality, race and genetic modification to stem cells, cloning, modern medicine, fertility treatment, creationism and bioterrorism.

Having worked at the heart of government science, at the most prestigious science publishing company in the world, and in one of the world's leading biology institutions the author has a unique view of the politics, culture and reach of science. He illustrates how we are facing dangerous times where political agendas and public misunderstanding are hobbling truly novel work and hence calls for wide reaching changes in science education, funding, publishing and promulgation.

Genres: Science, Nonfiction, Politics, Philosophy, Evolution

350 pages, Hardcover

First published March 20, 2006

Reviews

[Theodore Wilson]

Scientists have this tendency to build themselves up in castles of vocabulary and reason. Yet, the walls block both ways preventing the people from grasping the informations that for the most part is created explicitly for them. And at the same time the walls prevent scientists from defending themselves from attacks that are irrational and ideologically driven. This book comes down from that lofty fortress, rolls in the mud, and throw spunches back in a rhetorical style of the adversaries. We don't see verbose passages expertly crossreferenced or arguments confined explicitly to the logos. The author presents what it takes to develop a real drug and the depressing stories of the lives that end up trying to scratch into the academics. He goes into healthcare, science education, stem cells, cloning and the warped lies present in discussions about sex.

"Let me make one thing absolutely clear: this is not a scholarly tome. There are no references, interviews or balanced arguments. It is, in essence an experiment. you see the public often finds science books boring, and frankly so do I. They can be very pretentious. Science is anything but pretentious. It is really a humbling endeavor. The decision to write this book did not come out of any overwhelming need to document moments of discovery, or the history of science, or to make balanced scientific arguments. It came from my perception of a need to address the litany of of bullshit and lies spewed to the public . This sort of no-holds-barred writing is virtually never used in science, so i am going to take a lot of shit. So be it."

-Dr Michael Stebbins

[Book Shark]

Sex , Drugs and DNA: Science's taboos confronted by Michael Stebbins

Michael Stebbins entertains while he educates and that's a winning combination.

I highly recommend this book. Mr. Stebbins was able to cover the most contentious scientific topics of our time in an edgy, irreverent tone that is so overdue. The book is well written, well researched, and most importantly entertaining and all done in a way that even non-scientists can enjoy.

I always enjoy a book that takes you through a journey of knowledge. I'm an engineer by profession and even I wasn't aware of "the life of a scientist." But that was just the beginning...the author jumps from one topic to the next with ease and provides valuable information: stem cells, sex, genetics, race, global warming, bioterrorism, drugs, healthcare, evolution, politics, and science education. And every topic is covered thoroughly, backed with supporting data and with a fervor that's contagious.

If you are an educator, a politician, a scientist or just care about the truth, you need to get this book and read it.

[George Dimitrov]

The only chapter worth reading was chp. 1. The rest is arrogant leftist propaganda justified by scientific excuses.

[Kai]

I loved Sex, Drugs and DNA by Michael Stebbins. This book is a brilliant, fearless deep dive into some of the most controversial and fascinating issues in science and society. From genetic engineering to drug legalization and the ethics of cloning, Stebbins takes on taboo topics with a refreshing mix of humor, logic, and unapologetic candor.

What I found most compelling is how accessible and engaging the writing is. Stebbins has a rare talent for breaking down complex scientific ideas without oversimplifying them, making the book both informative and incredibly entertaining. His ability to challenge deeply ingrained societal fears and misconceptions is both thought-provoking and empowering. For example, his arguments for the potential benefits of cloning and regulated drug use are not just provocative—they’re backed by solid evidence and careful reasoning that made me rethink my assumptions.

The humor in the book is another highlight. Stebbins doesn’t just make science interesting; he makes it fun. That said, his irreverent tone might not be for everyone, especially readers who hold strong moral objections to some of the topics he covers. For me, though, it made the book even more enjoyable and engaging.

While the book covers a wide range of subjects, each one feels relevant and important. Admittedly, some sections—like his critique of religious opposition to scientific progress—could have been expanded, but this didn’t detract from my overall experience. The breadth of topics added to the book’s charm, showing how interconnected science is with every aspect of our lives.

I can’t recommend Sex, Drugs and DNA enough. It’s a bold, thought-provoking, and incredibly entertaining read that challenges you to question your biases and consider the transformative power of science. For anyone curious about the future of humanity and the role science plays in shaping it, this book is an absolute must-read.

[Hannah]

This is the result of an American scientist being fed up with the lack of scientific education and understanding displayed by those around him. It portrays his frustrations and disappointments at the all too common mass errors in thinking.

I enjoyed the read but didn't realise how American focused this book would be. Having read it in Australia I wasn't able to understand some of the issues that Stebbins raised. It was still an enjoyable read.

[Elizabeth Hutton]

Fun science factoids.

[John Gurley]

Loved it.

Would reread!

[Broodingferret]

Data driven and abrasive, Stebbins' diatribe on the woeful state of science education in the U.S. is amusing and depressingly detailed. Stebbins really communicates the hair-pulling frustration many scientists feel with the willful embracing of scientific ignorance in politics, the media, and among many of the people themselves. Written during Bush Jr.'s second term, Stebbins relies heavily on then-relevant issues, which date the work and can somewhat obfuscate its continued relevance; he would have done better by cataloging instances across several decades that demonstrated the steady decline of scientific knowledge rather than focusing primarily on the early 2000's. It's also clear that his expertise is in science and academia, as some of the solutions he puts fourth for some of the problems are superficially appealing, yet would be clearly problematic to even a novice student of economics. As Stebbins' primary goal, however, is to present the sorry state of science literacy in America, this book definitely qualifies as an engaging success.

[Don]

Good book with a lot of information. A couple negative issues I have with this book is nothing is referenced, ever, and the author's arguments are backed up with generalized information, no information directly from the source. It would be helpful for the reader to be able to look into these issues more closely if there was more specific information. Sometimes the autor uses seemingly random comparisons to force the reader into a specific thought. The only example I can think off of the top of my head is comparing the similarties of the opinions of Christians to the uneducated regarding stem cell research. This book, along with any other piece of information you pick up, should be taken at the readers discrection; don't just follow the author's opinions but try to validate his arguments.

[David]

This book was not a "scholarly tome" written in a language convoluted to those who don't know scientific jargon. It's a call for attention to the problems with science and science education in America today. Unfortunately, many of the people who should read this book never will. Great points and some unusual arguments. Good book.

[C Rocker]

If you want to be educated on what's happening in America that directly affects you, TODAY - READ THIS.

Every word in this book is deeply intoxicating, mind blowing, and is something every American should read!

At a first glance I thought it would be daunting - however, it was the farthest thing from it - a very quick read!

[Azadeh]

For those of you who want to pull your hair out every time you hear the media, politician or pundit hijack and abuse science for their own personal gain, this book is for you.

I'm only a couple chapters in but this book has made me laugh and given me insight into the complex world of scientific research.

[Tory]

Great book about the U.S. governments policies on scientific topics. Dr. Stebbins makes it easy for everyday people like me to understand scientific topics (like stem cell research), what the facts are and what the potentials are.

[Jolene]

The first chapter was okay, except the whole hypothetical science student analogy made me feel a little lost between the actual narratives. I just couldn't bring myself to finish the next chapter. However, I do like the way Stebbins inserted a bunch of swear words whenever applicable.

[Nathan]

However entertaining the haranguer, one can only stand a harangue for a short period of time. Stebbins is entertaining on the failures of American politicians to understand what they're regulating, but I wearied of it by the end.

[Alexis]

I say it's for next semester's class, but truly, it just amuses me.

[Karen]

Rant against government/religion meddling with science. Funny and interesting at times, a bit dry in others.

[Chuck]

So far, so good! Pretty entertaining!

[Kaethe]

like Penn & Teller's Bullshit, it is focused on the difference between what is acceptable and what is real

[Nordia]

The first chapter was great... and then it slowed down. Slowed way down.

[Brendan]

" Lipopaxia. Your ticket to normal sized underwear " ( and then today ' Lorquess is approved by the FDA , ha ! )