Book Reviews

Reviewed by: L. Jeffrey Kelly Author: Carleigh Cooper Abstract: This book investigates the mystery behind non-ionizing microwave radiation, namely that emitted from cell phones. The discussion begins with defining the mystery and establishing provocative questions on the topic. Next, the author develops her search for answers to the questions by addressing the roles that the government and the cell phone industry play. The story continues to unfold by identifying the commonplace conception that cell phones are safe. Immediately following are multiple chapters reviewing the many and very specific health effects caused by non-ionizing microwave radiation. The book then explores the need to have expansive cell phone coverage resulting in a cell phone antenna or tower everywhere and on everything. Lastly, the book concludes with thoughtful recommendations, especially directed at parents and their young children.

Reviewed by: Susan C. Azzarelli Book by: Michele Boldrin & David K. Levine Summary: This book asks whether patents and copyrights are essential to creation and innovation based on recent controversies in intellectual property. The authors found that a teenager being sued for “pirated” music and the inability of patients in Africa to pay for AIDS medication show that patents and copyrights are not needed. They illustrate that “intellectual monopoly” hinders the competitive free market and the authors agree that patents and copyrights as they exist today should be eliminated.

Reviewed by: Heather Giglio Authors: LEO FURCHT & WILLIAM HOFFMAN, THE STEM CELL DILEMMA: BEACONS OF HOPE OR HARBINGERS OF DOOM? (Arcade Publishing 2008). Summary: People are intrigued by all the possibilities and hope that stem cell research has to offer. In a time where we are so technologically advanced and interested in finding cures for so many debilitating and potentially life-threatening diseases, stem cell research makes scientists hopeful that these cures will be more than just a possibility and instead a reality. Law-makers and the government as a whole are involved, as well, and need to determine whether to make such research legal and how much money to delegate to such experimentation. Society has also taken interest in this controversial topic and has been very vocal. The authors set out to discuss both sides of this controversy, highlighting the potential hopes and dangers. The authors contend that whether this knowledge and technology is used for good or evil is up to society.

Book Review By: Garth Mashmann Abstract: This book is a collection of papers written by South African professors regarding Indigenous Knowledge Systems and indigenous peoples’ rights to Intellectual Property protection. The articles focus on the tension between existing intellectual property regimes and indigenous knowledge systems, highlighting the fact that African concepts of ownership are significantly different from Western concepts. Systems which protect intellectual property rights in the West are not adaptable to Africa. Many of the articles call for significant change in national and international intellectual property regimes.

Book Review by: Garth Mashmann Abstract: Wired Shut discusses digital rights management and its effects on culture. Throughout the book, technologies are examined in a broad context. After discussing the Internet and its foundations generally, Gillespie questions the decisions that have been made regarding the Internet. After explaining how file sharing became demonized in public opinion, Wired Shut describes the history of three different trusted systems which have met different ends. The cultural implications of Digital Rights Management are considered.

Book Review By: Paul G. Lyons Abstract: Musicologist Joanna Demers introduces the reader to the world of transformative appropriation, where artists and arrangers borrow from other musical works. The author, through a careful study of various musicians, warns the reader of the possible negative effects of increasingly protective IP law. Her research of IP law and the affect on musical and cultural creativity aims to make readers aware of a threat that could potentially stifle transformative appropriation and the creation of new musical works in general.

Book Review By: Cristin Cavanaugh Abstract: This book provides an overview of the policy and legal aspects of wind power in Europe, through the illustration of case studies in Denmark, Germany, Spain, United Kingdom and France.

Review by: Elliot Fruchtman Book by: Richard A. Epstein Summary: This book describes the current state of the pharmaceutical industry and discusses how current government regulations affect scientific innovation. Moreover, the author describes the advantages and disadvantages of various attempts to change the current system. In addition, the author analyzes the Vioxx litigation to illustrate his theory that government regulations restrain innovation and development of new drugs.

Review by: Catrina Sveum Book by: David H. Holtzman Summary: This book provides an overview of how advances in technology are eroding individual privacy. It explores the tension between individual civil liberties and national security. In addition to describing new threats to privacy, the book focuses on the inability of the law to protect individual privacy in the face of rapidly advancing technology.

Review by: Catrina Sveum Book by:  Ikechi Mgbeoji Summary: This book provides an overview of the legal and scientific concepts involving the appropriation of plants for biotechnological purposes. The book focuses on the tension between developing nations and industrialized nations as plant resources become the subjects of patents.