Fragile Science: The Reality Behind the Headlines

by Robin Baker

Everyday the headlines bring news of the latest health scare, with worrying predictions for where developments in science will take us. We want and need to understand the phenomena that influence our lives, but science is often more subtle and more complicated than the headlines would suggest. Over a diverse range of subjects, Robin Baker proves that the science we as consumers believe to be true is often an oversimplication - a convenient way of explaining complex subjects which are little understood. His investigations reach their own, startling conclusions. Could it be possible, for example, that using sunscreen is actually increasing our chance of skin cancer? More and more people are taking Prozac, but does science have an easy answer to explain why? We all know the arguments in favour of conservation, but could there by strong biological arguments against it?

Genres: Nonfiction, Science

258 pages, Paperback

First published December 1, 1975

About the author

Also published as R. Robin Baker

Reviews

[Chiara · Rating 1 out of 5]

For a book that is effectively trying to show us that the commonly accepted science is wrong, I was majorly put off by the lack of primary references. Stating statistics without articles to back them up was probably what prevented me from finishing the book. I was looking forward to reading it, too, but controversial arguments - which I was very ready to look at with an open mind - need to be really thoroughly supported by evidence.

[Anita Oz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Does sunscreen cause cancer? I like to read about challenging issues, and how as a society we accept what is told to us, but in reality, can we believe everything we are told? No, probably not. This book deals with many issues in our current society, and presents a unique perspective.

[Gerry · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like this book as Robin shows us how our world works

[salman faridi]

buku yang membantu kita keluar dari jebakan iklan produk yang seringkali menunggangi argumentasi saintifik--berdasarkan penelitian--yang belum tentu benar atau kebenarannya
masih diperdebatkan.

[Desi · Rating 3 out of 5]

An interesting, if somewhat unenthusiastic, discussion of a few questions you may want the answer to.

[Andrew Tunstall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Beware the purveyors of sun screen! All those chemicals being lathered into your skin and causing skin cancer... a wonderful take, and compelling views