How Gene Therapy Is Changing Society: ISBN 978-1-60152-898-8 / eBook: 978-1-60152-899-5
How Mobile Devices Are Changing Society: ISBN 978-1-60152-902-2 / eBook: 978-1-60152-903-9
How the Internet Is Changing Society: ISBN 978-1-60152-900-8 / eBook: 978-1-60152-901-5
How Renewable Energy Is Changing Society: ISBN 978-1-60152-904-6 / eBook: 978-1-60152-905-3
How Robotics Is Changing Society: ISBN 978-1-60152-906-0 / eBook: 978-1-60152-907-7
School Library Connection, April 1, 2015
This series examines five technological and scientific advances and the pros and cons of their proliferation. The chapters start with thought-provoking focus questions and contain diagrams, vocabulary, images, and information boxes. The books follow each technology through its history, and into the speculative future with specific case studies to help illustrate the topic. The books also feature a section of resources for further research which includes books and online articles. There are occasional long pages of technical information, which could intimidate some readers. Overall, this a good source of information for research assignments. Bibliography. Index. Timeline. Websites.
Cathy DeCampli, Media Specialist, Delsea Regional High School, Franklinville, New Jersey [Editor's Note: Available in e-book format]
Recommended
How Mobile Devices Are Changing Society: ISBN 978-1-60152-902-2 / eBook: 978-1-60152-903-9
How the Internet Is Changing Society: ISBN 978-1-60152-900-8 / eBook: 978-1-60152-901-5
How Robotics Is Changing Society: ISBN 978-1-60152-906-0 / eBook: 978-1-60152-907-7
School Library Journal, November 1, 2015
Gr 8 Up Without historical perspective to draw on but also seldom daring to go out on speculative limbs, the authors of these studies of potentially world-changing technological innovations limit themselves largely to current but conventional overviews of their subjects and catalogs of known hazards and ethical issues. Allen, for instance, lays out the value of gene modification not only for the treatment of disease, but for obesity and even depression—but aside from noting that it could also artificially enhance athletic performance makes only a few vague cautionary statements about the possibilities for designer babies. Along with arguing that industrial robots are actually creating jobs (but saying nothing about the often low quality and insecure nature of said jobs), Nardo expresses skepticism about whether true artificial intelligence is possible. Still, the information in each volume is up to date, and each is well furnished with statistical data, study questions, and leads to further resources. VERDICT Solid additions. Where topics overlap, these may serve as complementary updates to the publisher’s pro-and-con “Thinking Critically” series (2013).