Annie’s Comments (group member since Mar 29, 2016)

Annie’s comments from the Blinded by Science Book Club group.

Has anyone started on a fermentation-related book yet? I wasn't able to find "Froth!" at the library so I went with "A Comic-Book History of Beer." Have to say, beer is a lot more interesting than I thought.

How is Shocked going so far? What was one of the more surprising things you learned?
I had no idea how CPR came about and was very surprised to learn about using smoke via anus as a stimulant. Hope that had a short lived time of practice.

Final thoughts on Ghost Map - I thought the book was really interesting and the author made some connections that I would not have entertained on my own. On the whole, I have an enhanced appreciation for the history of epidemiology and deep respect for public health pioneers. That being said, I feel like the epilogue was a waste of time - I have no desire to learn more about the hisotry or future of urban planning.

Thoughts so far on Ghost Map? I've long wondered how people were so blind to disease transition and found the desciption of the miasma theory very informative.
Question: When I read the book, I think of how it informed public health, sanitation, and epidemiology. Is it a Geographical Information System (GIS) as well?

Dee wrote: "Absolutely loved Ghost Map -- and I had the opportunity to see the real Ghost Map when it was travelling and included in a cool exhibit at the Walters Art Gallery in Baltimore MD some years ago.

F..." The next book is "Shocked: Adventures in Bringing Back the Recently Dead" by David Casarett

Hi Bella! Yes, the book is Ghost Map. I'm only about 40 pages in myself and its not the best thing to read on a lunch break. How people not only lived, but thrived in 19th century cities is beyond me.

July went by way too fast! Did anyone have a chance to read about neuroscience?

It's almost July! Let's get started on our next book: The Tale of the Dueling Neurosurgeons by Sam Kean.

Added bonus, Sam has a library degree!

Any random thoughts or observations anyone would like to share?

A couple more questions for discussion:

Do you think the ick factor associated with digestion holds back medical research on important health concerns?

Do you think the light tone makes difficult subjects easier to read or downplay the importance of research?

Hi Hanna, since you recommended "Seven Brief Lessons on Physics" would you like to moderate the discussion? I've set the date tentatively for September, but totally open to adjusting.

Personally, what I get from Gulp is a greater appreciation my own GI tract and the ignoble history of humans completely misunderstanding it.
Professionally, I have all sorts of articles and search queries to keep students awake during PubMed tutorials!

A favorite line: "It takes an ill-advised mix of ignorance, arrogance, and profit motive to dismiss the wisdom of the human body in favor of some random notion you've hatched or heard branded as true."

A bit early, but I thought I'd start with a couple discussion prompts:

How can you apply your recently acquired knowledge?

Was there a chapter, quote, or line that made an impression on you?

Hanna wrote: "Hi! I love Mary Roach. (Just finished up writing my first book and she was the person I kept coming back to as inspiration!). Gulp and Bonk are both great. Also her collection of weekly columns, ca..." Hi Hanna! Welcome to the group. I'll add your recommendations to the list and I hope you enjoy the other selections.

Any time in June, month-long discussion

Hopefully a few people have already started reading! The discussion will begin next month and while it's meant to be informal, some of you may have specific questions or points you would like to talk about. This is the thread for you.
Why save questions for next month? Post them here for safe-keeping.

This group also has a Facebook page if you feel more comfortable posting there: https://www.facebook.com/groups/17485...

I read that one! Her research takes her some interesting places.

If anyone has a book they would like to add, just let me know!

Our first book! To allow for gaining traction and finding time to read - let's start the discussion in June.
Gulp by Mary Roach