New Books in Science, Technology, and Society

A clarion call for justice in the quest for clean energy California’s Salton Sea region is home to some of the worst environmental health conditions in the country. Recently, however, it has also become ground zero in the new “lithium gold rush”—the race to power the rapidly expanding electric vehicle and renewable energy storage market. The immense quantities of lithium lurking beneath the surface have led to predictions that the region could provide a third of global demand. But who will benefit from the development of this precious resource? A work of stunning analysis and reporting, Charging Forward: Lithium Valley, Electric Vehicles, and a Just Future (The New Press, 2024) shows that the questions raised by Lithium Valley lie at the heart of the “green transition.” Weaving together movement politics, federal policy, and autoworker struggles, noted experts Chris Benner and Manuel Pastor stress that getting the lithium out from under the earth is just a first step: the real question is whether the region and the nation will get out from under the environmental degradation, labor exploitation, and racial injustice that have been as much a part of the landscape as the Salton Sea itself. What happens in Lithium Valley, the authors argue, will not stay there. This tiny patch of California is a microcosm of the broad climate challenges we face; understanding Lithium Valley today is the key to grasping the future of our economy and our planet. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSupport our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/science-technology-and-society

In 1997, a group of white pro-life evangelical Christians in the United States created the nation’s first embryo adoption program to “save” the thousands of frozen human embryos remaining from assisted reproduction procedures, which they contend are unborn children. While a small part of US fertility services, embryo adoption has played an outsized role in conservative politics, from high-profile battles over public investment in human embryonic stem cell research to the overturning of Roe v. Wade. Based on six years of ethnographic research with embryo adoption staff and participants, Dr. Risa Cromer uncovers how embryo adoption advances ambitious political goals for expanding the influence of conservative Christian values and power.Conceiving Christian America: Embryo Adoption and Reproductive Politics (NYU Press, 2023) is the first book on embryo adoption tracing how this powerful social movement draws on white saviorist tropes in their aims to reconceive personhood, with drastic consequences for reproductive rights and justice. Documenting the practices, narratives, and beliefs that move embryos from freezers to uteruses, this book wields anthropological wariness as a tool for confronting the multiple tactics of the Christian Right. Timely and provocative, Conceiving Christian America presents a bold and nuanced examination of a family-making process focused on conceiving a Christian nation.This interview was conducted by Dr. Miranda Melcher whose new book focuses on post-conflict military integration, understanding treaty negotiation and implementation in civil war contexts, with qualitative analysis of the Angolan and Mozambican civil wars. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoicesSupport our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/science-technology-and-society

Lan A. Li, a historian at Johns Hopkins University, dives into the fascinating intersections of Chinese anatomy and personal narratives. They discuss their qigong practice and critique traditional academic boundaries, weaving in their forthcoming book, Body Maps, that challenges Western perceptions of Chinese medicine. The conversation also touches on cultural perspectives, the emotional struggles in academia, and a journey into Islam, illuminating how faith and curiosity can enhance scholarly pursuits.

John Withington, author of "A History of Fireworks from: Their Origins to the Present Day," explores the mesmerizing journey of fireworks, from ancient rituals to modern spectacles. He discusses their royal allure and cultural significance in Britain, especially on Bonfire Night. Fascinating anecdotes include 'living fireworks' and international competitions. Withington highlights practical uses, like weather modification and maritime rescues, while also addressing historical accidents and safety concerns, revealing the dual nature of these explosive celebrations.

Pamela Long, a MacArthur Genius Prize-winning historian, dives into the captivating history of ancient and medieval technologies. She discusses her upcoming book exploring technological advancements from 600 to 1600, emphasizing the rich innovations often overlooked in modern narratives. Long reflects on the interplay of technology and society, particularly through historical maintenance practices and sumptuary laws. Listeners are encouraged to rethink the significance of earlier technologies that shaped modern progress and the complexities of social change throughout the centuries.

In this engaging discussion, Alan F. Blackwell, a Professor at the University of Cambridge specializing in human-centered AI, delves into the urgent need for improved programming languages that prioritize societal benefit over mere efficiency. He critiques the current trajectory of AI development, advocating for a design philosophy rooted in ethics and human creativity. Blackwell explores the influence of science fiction on technological perspectives, shares insights on AI's ethical mechanics, and highlights the vital role of education in fostering responsible tech innovation.

Marco Bastos, a Brazilian scholar with a decade of expertise in Brexit studies, dives into the intricate world of social media manipulation tied to the referendum. He dissects 45 million tweets, revealing how social media magnified political polarization and misinformation. The discussion highlights the role of automated accounts and tweet deletions in shaping public discourse and accountability. Bastos also explores the transformation of social media from interaction hubs to consumption-driven platforms, impacting political narratives and user engagement.

Jeffrey Ding, an Assistant Professor of Political Science at Georgetown University, dives into how technological diffusion shapes economic competition among great powers. He critiques traditional innovation theories, focusing instead on how some nations excel at adopting new technologies. The conversation spans historical industrial revolutions, revealing how Britain, the U.S., and Japan navigated technological advances. Ding also discusses current U.S.-China dynamics in AI, emphasizing the role of skill formation and institutional adaptability in maintaining competitive edges.

Gerald Sim, an expert at the intersection of film and algorithmic literacy, dives into how movies shape our understanding of big data. He highlights films like 'Moneyball' and 'The Social Dilemma,' discussing their significant roles in tech discourse and raising ethical questions about data usage. Sim critiques how these cinematic portrayals influence societal norms and the need for systemic policy changes. The conversation also touches on the urgent call for increased algorithmic literacy as a tool for navigating today's digital landscape.

In this engaging discussion, Christian Wolmar, a railway and history expert, reveals the critical yet overlooked role of railway engineers during World War II. He shares astonishing stories of heroism, including how 10,000 men rebuilt a 135-mile railway in just three days while under fire. The podcast also explores logistics challenges faced by military leaders and the use of ingenious methods, like improvised signaling systems, that ensured the Allies' success. Wolmar highlights the significance of these unsung heroes in winning the war.