The State of Science: What the Future Holds and the Scientists Making It Happen

by Marc Zimmer

New research and innovations in the field of science are leading to life-changing and world-altering discoveries like never before. What does the horizon of science look like? Who are the scientists that are making it happen? And, how are we to introduce these revolutions to a society in which a segment of the population has become more and more skeptical of science? Climate change is the biggest challenge facing our nation, and scientists are working on renewable energy sources, meat alternatives, and carbon dioxide sequestration. At the same time, climate change deniers and the politicization of funding threaten their work. CRISPR, (Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats) repurposes bacterial defense systems to edit genes, which can change the way we live, but also presents real ethical problems. Optogenetics will help neuroscientists map complicated neural circuitry deep inside the brain, shedding light on treating Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. Zimmer also investigates phony science ranging from questionable "health" products to the fervent anti-vaccination movement. Zimmer introduces readers to the real people making these breakthroughs. Concluding with chapters on the rise of women in STEM fields, the importance of US immigration policies to science, and new, unorthodox ways of DIY science and crowdsource funding, The State of Science shows where science is, where it is heading, and the scientists who are at the forefront of progress.

Genres: Science

200 pages, Hardcover

Published June 10, 2020

About the author

Marc Zimmer is the Jean C. Tempel ’65 Professor of Chemistry at Connecticut College and the author of Glowing Genes (2005), the first popular science book on jellyfish and firefly proteins; Illuminating Diseases (2015); and three books for young adults. His writing has appeared in USA Today and the Los Angeles Times, and he has been interviewed and quoted in the Economist, Science, and Nature. His book Solutions for a Cleaner, Greener Planet has been longlisted for the 2020 AAAS/Subaru SB&F Prize for Excellence in Science Books.

The State of Science will be released on July 20 2020.

Reviews

[Brian]

The State of Science is a highly technical and informational book written by Dr. Marc Zimmer. This book identifies the current obstacles that are hindering scientific growth and what we can do to overcome them.

The book starts by mentioning the bias in the field of science. Women and minorities are often treated with less respect in general. This impedes the advancement of science as they are not given due respect for important discoveries.

The book then gives a brief overview of recent discoveries that have changed science. From gravitational waves to CRISPR, many recent breakthroughs will change the way science is done.

A formidable obstacle in current science is the spread of fake news and information. Many times, reports are often biased and manipulated to support a cause. People also fall victim to the the promises of quacks who claim to benefit others when its clear they aren't scientists in the first place. The book resolves this issue by noting that the only way we can only destroy information by attacking its root: we must prevent it from spreading in the first place.

The book then comments on the future of science. We must encourage the advancement of science, but we must also be careful with it. Carelessness will result in individuals exploiting science for evil causes. However, this must not dampen are enthusiasm for science. It is something that should be supported. It is only human nature to advance, which we have done throughout the course of history.

I sometimes did find this book a little challenging to read, but that may be due to the fact that I am just entering high school and don't have a vast knowledge of science. I recommend this book to those who already have solid background in the science and academic research.

For those looking for information on current science and what we must do to advance it, The State of Science is definitely an informational book to read.

[Marc Zimmer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved it! But that doesn't count as I wrote it.

[Isis Torres · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is an excellent read for those interested in learning more about the essence and evolution of science from multiple different perspectives. Whether you want to learn what peer-review journals are, examine the demographics of past and current scientists (and the need for more diversity), understand remarkable advances in science, as well as the dangers of certain advances, and more, this is for you.

Zimmer's The State of Science is engaging and appropriate, especially now as we dwell into a world where it is crucial now more than ever to understand the state of science.

Everyone should read this, including scientists!

[Robert Airhart II · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly informative tour of the cutting edge of scientific knowledge about genes, cellular functioning, and artificial intelligence. It is equally informative about the context of science today, specifically the problem of some people identifying with beliefs that are contrary to verifiable knowledge.

The author surveys ideas about how to talk with people that refuse to change their beliefs to confirm to physical facts.

I highly recommend this book to anyone who wants to be sufficiently informed about these cutting edge areas of scientific and technological development to be able to discern the difference between policies and attitudes that contribute to humanities wellbeing and policies that are destructive.

[Eric · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a career scientist, Zimmer's book reaffirmed many of my own observations of the "State of Science" over the past decade. Taking a snapshot of science is tricky--it is very much a moving target. Even as this book was going to press, new examples were popping up that could have either further illustrated the author's points or, occasionally, countered them. The COVID-19 crisis alone has changed both how science is done and the public's perception of science in a matter of months.

That said, I can see myself sharing this book with my non-scientist friends and family. After months of seeing massive amounts of scientific misinformation shared over social media and other platforms, it's difficult not to feel fatigued and discouraged. The State of Science explains some of the root causes of this misinformation, and offers some guidance. These middle chapters alone on "Bad Science" were worth the price of admission for me. Classifying science as "good" and "bad" may seem like an oversimplification, but as the author himself explains, "Science itself is never inherently bad or evil. However, it is easy to do sloppy science, misrepresent science, or misuse science, and that is what I would call bad science." This is a point the general public really needs to understand in order for them to regain trust in science and scientists. This book may help illuminate that path for them.

[Robert Kyne · Rating 5 out of 5]

At a time when science seems to be constantly under attack, Marc Zimmer delivers a clear message in support of humanity in The State of Science. Zimmer concisely describes the challenges and successes of modern science and how these relate to the global community. His writing should act as a conversation starter for scientists and non-scientists alike, with the goal of steering the world to a better tomorrow. Marc’s ability to accessibly write for a broad audience ensures that all will enjoy and be inspired by The State of Science. —Robert E. Kyne, Jr., Ph.D. Senior Scientist | Drug Discovery

[Madhura · Rating 5 out of 5]

The State of Science by Dr Marc Zimmer is a terrific read. Engaging and timely, this book discusses science in the context of the 21st century. Every increasingly, we depend on scientific advancements to improve our lives.

How many breakthroughs, however, have we missed due to a lack of equal opportunities for women and people of colour? Science, the author says, is at its best when it is inclusive and diverse.

The author also makes a compelling case to promote science to the general public in a rational and engaging manner. As scientific advancements become more and more powerful, giving us abilities to regenerate tissues, edit embryo or create intelligence, we need to have an open and honest dialogue about the ethical considerations. Dr Zimmer also warns us against the misuse of scientific facts or of using shoddy science as alternate facts for political and financial reasons. In the current pandemic world, the need to build public trust regarding science has become ever so important.

I highly recommend this book, which offers an honest view into the scientific world. The author discusses some of the incredible achievements that have propelled us into the 21st century while also cautioning us about the duty we scientists as ‘responsible ancestors’ for our future generations.


* I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

A really informative and fun read for anyone who wants the inside scoop from a scientist and entertaining and beloved professor. Speaking as a career advisor and pre-health professions advisor, I think this is a MUST read for students studying science related subjects in college or graduate/professional school.

[Venkataragavan · Rating 4 out of 5]

The book is not intended for a scientific audience, and therefore is easily understandable. It carries credible information on how science has evolved through the years. Some parts of it are dry and difficult to get through for a non-scientist, but overall, it explains and provokes questions within all readers.

[Christian]

Sometimes you pick up the right book at the wrong time. This is objectively a great book I’m going to come back to, but it just was not the right time to start it.