Science Unshackled

Science Unshackled is entertaining, informative, and thought-provoking—the more I read this well-written book, the more I liked it. Renée James weaves together a narrative that breathes new life into the idea that basic research can lead to the development of practical technologies, even though we can’t always predict the tangible benefits. She also does a good job of explaining complex scientific ideas without dumbing them down. Both experts and general-interest readers will find this book appealing.

With clear descriptions of genetic technology, thrilling details of space science, and riveting descriptions of how curiosity-driven science has led to new cures for pain and potential cures for cancer, James shows the irreplaceable value of pure research. Her expert knowledge, personal experience, and metaphorical felicity provide a rare and spirited defense of pure science with a detailed historical map of the byways from pink Yellowstone slime to genetic fingerprinting, from twitching frog legs to the first battery, and from failed sightings of black hole evaporation to WiFi. The benefits of these kinds of explorations could never be predicted beforehand. They are the results of real science—adults at play, trying to find out about the real world.

Science has surprised humans with incredible insights and great strides in the quality of life for centuries. Renée James’s book walks you through the amazing relationship between scientific research and producing a better world around us—it’s an inspiring, eye-opening journey.

Celebration of ingenuity and the scientific process... filled with troves of examples of how scientific research can transform our lives in important yet often unpredictable ways.

Possessing a talent for crisp analogies that elucidate complex scientific concepts, the author elaborates on five examples in clear, easily digestible prose.