New Books in Science, Technology, and Society
New Books Network
This podcast is a channel on the New Books Network. The New Books Network is an academic audio library dedicated to public education. In each episode you will hear scholars discuss their recently published research with another expert in their field.
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Discover our 150+ channels and browse our 28,000+ episodes on our website: newbooksnetwork.com
Subscribe to our free weekly Substack newsletter to get informative, engaging content straight to your inbox: https://newbooksnetwork.substack.com/
Follow us on Instagram and Bluesky to learn about more our latest interviews: @newbooksnetworkSupport our show by becoming a premium member! https://newbooksnetwork.supportingcast.fm/science-technology-and-society
Episodes
Mentioned books
Aug 25, 2025 • 1h 2min
Agnes Arnold-Forster, "The Cancer Problem: Malignancy in Nineteenth-Century Britain" (Oxford UP, 2021)
Agnes Arnold-Forster, a historian of medicine and emotions at McGill University, explores the complex history of cancer in 19th-century Britain. She discusses the groundbreaking acceptance of terminal cancer patients at the Middlesex Hospital and the evolving dynamics between male doctors and female patients. Arnold-Forster highlights the emergence of cancer mapping in rural areas, countering popular beliefs about urban disease hotspots. She also delves into societal fears and the shifting medical understandings that still resonate today.
Aug 24, 2025 • 39min
Nick Spencer, "The Landscapes of Science and Religion: What Are We Disagreeing About?" (Oxford UP, 2025)
Nick Spencer, a Senior Fellow at Theos, explores the intricate links between science and religion. He emphasizes the complexity of defining both realms and challenges the simplistic narrative of conflict. By analyzing public perceptions shaped by media, he reveals how science is often seen as progressive while religion faces critique. Spencer discusses the ethical ramifications of advancements in genetic engineering and AI, advocating for a collaborative approach that respects diverse moral perspectives in navigating these profound intersections.
Aug 24, 2025 • 44min
Jack Buffington, "Environmental Innovation: An Action Plan for Saving the Economy and the Planet by 2050" (Rowman & Littlefield, 2024)
Jack Buffington, a sustainability expert and professor at the University of Denver, tackles the failures of environmental policies that focus on symptoms rather than root causes. He emphasizes the interplay between supply chains and sustainable practices, advocating for innovative approaches over consumer-driven changes. Buffington discusses the urgent need for community-based solutions to water scarcity, and he challenges cognitive dissonance in tackling climate change. Moreover, he compares governance models, highlighting the role of leadership in promoting effective environmental policies.
Aug 23, 2025 • 40min
Ben Connable, "Ground Combat: Puncturing the Myths of Modern War" (Georgetown UP, 2025)
Ben Connable, a Director Executive at Battle Research Group and Adjunct Professor at Georgetown, dives into the complex realities of ground combat in his book. He reveals that the evolution of warfare is often gradual, challenging the myth of revolutionary military changes. Connable discusses the ongoing relevance of tanks, critiques the generalization of lessons from Ukraine, and argues for strategic investments in counter-drone technology. His findings emphasize the necessity for evidence-based approaches in understanding and planning modern military tactics.
Aug 22, 2025 • 57min
Tim Lenton, "Positive Tipping Points: How to Fix the Climate Crisis" (Oxford UP, 2025)
Tim Lenton, Chair in Climate Change at the University of Exeter, discusses his groundbreaking work on climate tipping points. He exposes the urgent need for swift action to prevent global catastrophe and the frustrating inaction among current leaders. Lenton highlights inspiring trends like the rise of electric vehicles and grassroots movements driving positive change. He emphasizes how small, strategic policy shifts can create significant impacts, advocating for collaborative efforts to foster sustainability and social justice in tackling the climate crisis.
Aug 21, 2025 • 59min
Jimi Jones and Marek Jancovic, "The Future of Memory: Jimi Jones and Marek Jancovic" (U of Illinois Press, 2025)
Jimi Jones, an experienced archivist and author, teams up with Marek Jancovic, a media studies professor, to discuss their book on audiovisual preservation. They dive into the evolution of digital video standards like JPEG 2000 and Matroska, balancing fidelity with practical needs. The duo reveals the social complexities besetting archivists and the tech industry's role in shaping these formats. Their conversation highlights the delicate interplay between innovation and the sustainability of cultural heritage, underscoring the dynamic nature of memory in our tech-driven world.
Aug 20, 2025 • 1h 5min
Gary Rivlin, "AI Valley: Microsoft, Google, and the Trillion-Dollar Race to Cash In on Artificial Intelligence" (Harper Collins, 2025)
Gary Rivlin, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist and author of "AI Valley," dives into the competitive landscape of AI development. He shares insights from tech giants like Microsoft and Google, examining the emergence of transformative tools like ChatGPT. Rivlin also explores the interplay between regulation and innovation, highlighting differing beliefs on AI oversight. He profiles key figures, including LinkedIn's Reid Hoffman, and discusses the rapid evolution of AI technology and its potential societal impact, comparing it to the internet boom of the 1990s.
Aug 20, 2025 • 1h 2min
Noah Giansiracusa, "Robin Hood Math: Take Control of the Algorithms That Run Your Life" (Penguin, 2025)
In this enlightening discussion, Noah Giansiracusa, an award-winning mathematician and author, reveals how algorithms shape our lives while often benefiting the few. He explains 'Robin Hood math' as a tool for individuals to reclaim power over their data. Topics like the manipulation of social media algorithms, the importance of understanding expected value in gambling and insurance, and the impact of logarithmic perception on our view of money are unpacked. Giansiracusa empowers listeners to become more algorithmically literate and make informed decisions.
Aug 19, 2025 • 1h
Thomas Christian Bächle and Jascha Bareis eds., "The Realities of Autonomous Weapons (Bristol UP, 2025)
Jascha Bareis, a political scientist from the Institute for Technology Assessment and Systems Analysis, discusses the fascinating dualities of autonomous weapons. He highlights how these technologies blur boundaries between human action and machine decisions in warfare. The conversation delves into the psychological impacts, exploring how popular narratives like *Terminator* influence military planning. Bareis also emphasizes the urgent need for meaningful human control and the ethical dilemmas posed by rapid advancements in autonomous warfare technology.
Aug 18, 2025 • 44min
Raphael Cormack, "Holy Men of the Electromagnetic Age: A Forgotten History of the Occult" (Norton, 2025)
Raphael Cormack, an award-winning editor and assistant professor at Durham University, explores the intriguing world of occultism in the 1920s and 30s. He discusses charismatic figures like Tahra Bey, who captivated Paris with Eastern mysticism, and Dr. Dahesh, who created a unique panreligious faith in Lebanon. Cormack delves into how these holy men reflected societal anxieties of their time, drawing parallels to today’s quest for meaning in an increasingly complicated world. Their stories resonate with our current search for understanding amidst uncertainty.
