Science Unshackled: How Obscure, Abstract, Seemingly Useless Scientific Research Turned Out to Be the Basis for Modern Life

by C. Renee James

Why in the world are we paying for all this "basic" research? The answer to this question becomes clear in this romp through the "seemingly useless" world of pure science, where one thing leads to another in ways that result in major scientific advancements.

With a novelistic style, C. Renée James reveals how obscure studies of natural phenomena--including curved space-time, poisonous cone snails, exploding black holes, and the precise chemical makeup of the sun--led unexpectedly to WiFi, GPS, genetic sequencing, pain medications, and cancer treatments. "Science Unshackled" brings both science and scientists to life and shows how simple curiosity can result in life-changing breakthroughs.

Scientists engaged in basic research, funded in large part by governments around the globe and throughout the centuries, never know when exploring small questions will have big impacts. But, by following the scientific method, disciplined inquiry can lead to wondrous and practical discoveries that benefit all of us in the end. The next time someone asks you why "the government" wastes its money on weird research, recall the intriguing stories James has told and tell them the answer.

Genres: Science, Nonfiction, History Of Science

216 pages, Hardcover

First published August 5, 2014

Reviews

[Yasiru · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you're one of those penny-a-dozen insufferable idiots who pop up on news articles about space exploration and ask 'Why are they wasting money and brains on this frivolous stuff? Where's a cancer cure? When's poverty going to be solved?', then do the world a favour and read this.

If you're not, it's still a nice read.

[Carlene · Rating 3 out of 5]

The introduction set the stage for what I thought would be a book that merges scientific research with the funding and politics.

Instead, each part discussed the science without discussing how the research was funded or any political discussions.

The examples were all ones I had read about in previous books.

[Bob · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting, well thought out and carefully written look at the process of the search where huge budgets and long time durations prevail. The question, "What good is this?" Can only be answered by "we do not know -- yet."

[Lance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved the way she kept hammering on the point that research with an obvious economic benefit could lead to missing major discoveries with huge benefits to humans.

[Mills College Library]

507.2 J274 2014