New Books in Science, Technology, and Society

Julien Mailland, author of "The Game That Never Ends: How Lawyers Shape the Videogame Industry," dives deep into the legal intricacies that influence gaming. He unpacks why FIFA 15 faced recalls in France and the quirky renaming of Vodka Drunkenski. Mailland illuminates how landmark legal battles have shaped player experiences and spurred the rise of third-party developers, all while navigating the complex intersection of law and gaming culture. His insights reveal the hidden yet powerful role lawyers play in defining the video game landscape.

Chelsea Berry, a historian and upper school history teacher, sheds light on the intriguing cultural interpretations of poison in her book, "Poisoned Relations." She discusses how European and African views diverged, framing poison as a tool of the weak versus an abuse of power. Berry explores over 500 trials across British Virginia, French Martinique, and other regions, revealing deep social conflicts within enslaved communities. Her insights connect historical narratives to modern societal challenges, emphasizing the complex interplay of healing, power, and community dynamics.

Nina Edwards, author of "Weeds," explores the captivating history and cultural significance of these often-misunderstood plants. She dives into how perceptions of weeds vary, sharing fascinating anecdotes that reveal their roles as cultural symbols and sources of nutrition. The conversation touches on the artistic evolution of weeds, highlighting their representation from classical to modern times. Edwards also discusses the culinary potential of common weeds, offering a recipe for dandelion fritters and inspiring listeners to embrace wild edibles in their cooking.

In this engaging discussion, Luci Pangrazio, a senior lecturer in language and literacy at Deakin University, sheds light on the pressing issues of data in our lives. She emphasizes the necessity of critical data literacies to tackle challenges like data justice and algorithmic bias. The conversation explores rethinking education on digital literacy while advocating for community empowerment against dataveillance. Pangrazio calls for a collective reimagining of data's role to reclaim agency and foster a more informed public sphere.

Jonathan Sterne, a leading scholar on sound studies and media theory at McGill University, shares insights from his latest book, "Diminished Faculties." He humorously discusses the use of his 'Dork-o-phone,' a speech amplifier that has reshaped his communication post-thyroid cancer surgery. Sterne explores the impact of voice on identity, the societal perceptions of assistive devices, and the relationship between technology and personal agency. He also reflects on how trauma transforms into art, further deepening our understanding of voice and disability.

Margaret Ziolkowski, a retired professor specializing in Russian literature, discusses her book on the literary responses to mega-dams. She explores how these structures, initially viewed as symbols of progress, have led to significant socio-environmental issues, displacing communities and affecting livelihoods. Ziolkowski highlights cultural reflections on iconic dams like the Aswan High Dam, emphasizing the voices of marginalized populations. The conversation invites listeners to rethink humanity's relationship with nature and the complexities of technological advancements.

Matthew S. Smith, a journalist and author, dives into the captivating world of 'EverQuest,' a groundbreaking MMORPG that reshaped online gaming. He reveals the game's tumultuous launch and the unexpected challenges faced by its developers. Smith discusses themes of gaming addiction, the rise of virtual economies, and how players began trading digital goods for real money. He also reflects on 'EverQuest's' lasting legacy and its influence on future games, including the nostalgic progression servers that keep the community alive today.

Tom Boellstorff and Braxton Soderman, professors at UC Irvine, delve into the fascinating world of Intellivision, a notable but overlooked video game system from the late 70s and early 80s. They discuss the rivalry with Atari and the strategic missteps at Mattel that nearly bankrupted Barbie. With insights from over 150 interviews, they explore Intellivision’s innovative marketing and cultural significance, as well as the intertwining of video games and toys, shedding light on the vibrant creative culture at Mattel that shaped the gaming industry.

In this engaging discussion, paleontologist Donald R. Prothero, who teaches at California State Polytechnic University and is a research associate at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County, dives into Earth's climate history. He explores the intertwined evolution of life and climate across 4.5 billion years, revealing how past climate changes triggered mass extinctions and shaped species. Prothero highlights humanity's role in today's climate crisis and stresses the urgent need for sustainable practices to mitigate its effects.

Reem Hilu, Assistant Professor of Film and Media Studies at Washington University in St. Louis, discusses her book on the intimate life of computers in the 1980s. She highlights how home computers were designed to strengthen family bonds and the often-overlooked influence of women's culture on personal computing. Hilu introduces the concept of 'companionate computing,’ revealing how technology addressed emotional needs in domestic life. The conversation also touches on feminist media history and the challenges of transforming academic research into a compelling narrative.