I’m a Pulitzer-prize winning science writer and a professor of journalism at the University of Wisconsin. I’ve written five books – most recently The Poisoner’s Handbook: Murder and the Birth of Forensic Medicine in Jazz Age New York. My earlier books concern supernatural research, the science of love and affection, the biology of sex differences, and ethical issues in primate research.
Does this variety of interests suggest a short attention span? Well, maybe. But it’s more that I’m fascinated by the intersection of science and society – how each changes the other – and by the very human story of science itself. All my books seek to explore that terrain in different ways. The last three focus on moments in the history of science as a way of looking at ideas that have changed the way we think.
This blog is about such moments – past and present – that illuminate the way we think about our world. It may focus on research from the past. It may be about current investigations. It may concern tales from my books, from those already published to works in progress. I welcome all comments, suggestions, and blog ideas.
I can be found on Twitter as @deborahblum. My website can be found here.
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I find it ironic you write a book about the Monkey Wars and work @ the University of Wisconsin who have been cited many times (to many to count) for animal welfare violations (some extreme), specifically to primates. It’s interesting you stay neutral in your book. I don’t know you at all so to say you have no empathy, compassion, would portray me as having bad character. What I don’t understand is if you are aware of all the billions of tax payer dollars invested in (University’s such as Wisconsin), why you a tax payer wouldn’t object to some of the ridiculous research. I have found many news articles on UW and to say the least those researchers scare me more than a serial killer. Why? Serial killers can be stopped and imprisoned. If the Vivisectors @ UW really care about human health why not let the public view the tapes and research they say will benefit human welfare? Unlike the boxes of tapes that accidently were destroyed (60 Boxes) when the public, and a lawyer, and journalist requested to view them? Most people do not realize under the law they have a right to know what their tax dollars pay for. And yet almost every research facility in the US does not comply until a Lawsuit is filed demanding to view the records. The University of Wisconsin makes my hair stand up on the back of my neck. If you really want to write another book I have an idea. As you know deforestation is wiping out many of the primate species, Chimpanzees, Apes, Baboons’, and other various monkeys (not to mention thousands of others). After they are gone, we know this will eventually happen maybe not in our life time; anyway all that is left is what are caged at research facilities. And science has taught us breeding in captivity also becomes harder and harder due to stress, UN natural environment etc….. When they are gone what then? Are we all doomed? If animals are pushed to extinction and they were our only hope to survive, will human kind perish as well? I’m not angry at you; if I come off this way I apologize. You have a gift that is a fact. From what I read you are very intellegent. My teacher once told me it’s not the questions we ask, but rather the questions we don’t ask. Just so you know I am for animal rights, I also suffer from seizures. I was critisized by a doctor that I should be greatful for animal research. I said why did they find a cure? He replied no. Well there you go it’s only been 40 years………
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