New Books in Science, Technology, and Society

Nettrice R. Gaskins, author of 'Techno-Vernacular Creativity and Innovation: Culturally Relevant Making Inside and Outside of the Classroom,' discusses how to engage marginalized students in STEAM learning through techno-vernacular creativity. She explores reappropriation, remixing, and improvisation as modes of activity, showcasing real-world examples. The podcast also covers a hip hop edemics Steam workshop, integrating computer science and art, addressing exclusion within the maker movement, and the impact of generative AI on community.

Jesse Dart, author who explores the relationship between free food and the tech industry, discusses how free food programs in the tech industry alter the employer-employee relationship, support a flexible workforce, and create both exclusionary and inclusionary commensality. The podcast also explores the intersection of anthropology and the business world, the role of gifts in social bonds and power dynamics, power structures in tech companies, and the concept of entitlement in the workplace.

Forensic colonialism and the exploitation of Indigenous Peoples' genetic material in the development of racializing forensic technologies. Controversial projects like the Human Genome Diversity Project and the use of genetic data from Uyghurs and other Indigenous Peoples from Xinjiang and Tibet. The fusion of intelligence-led policing with the war on terror and the controversial topic of genetic testing in the Xinjiang region. The impact of forensic genetics on various categories and the ethical concerns associated with these advancements.

Christopher E. Mason, co-author of 'The Age of Prediction', discusses how predictive algorithms are shaping the world. Topics include genetics in space exploration, the impact of AI tools in various fields, the darker side of algorithms in military contexts, the threat of misinformation, the role of global communication systems, and the potential manipulation of AI predictions.

This podcast discusses the movie 'World on a Wire' and its connection to the simulation hypothesis, exploring its influence on 'The Matrix' and 'Inception'. They analyze the use of mirrors and transparencies in conveying a simulated world, and discuss the aesthetic and musical choices in a movie scene. The podcast also explores the uncanny valley phenomenon, lack of empathy and bizarre behavior in the simulation, and delves into the themes of reality, illusions, and religious symbolism in the film. Additionally, they question the lack of upset and interest in the United Steel scandal, and discuss the investigation of disappearances and traditional methods of accountability.

This podcast explores the power of genealogy in uncovering true origins and overcoming the erasure of family history caused by slavery. It discusses how African Americans have used genealogy and DNA testing to reclaim their identity, the concept of ego in genealogy, and the significance of genealogical thinking in understanding modernity.

Larry McGrath, a user researcher at Amazon, discusses his experiences of translating historical skills into UX research. He shares examples of challenges he solved using historical methods while working for a medical consultancy, Facebok/Meta, and Amazon Sports. The importance of focusing on the value historians can offer to companies is also highlighted. The podcast explores the mindset shift needed when transitioning from academia to the business world and the impact of user research in business organizations.

Cervical cancer kills almost 350,000 women each year. What's more horrifying, is that millions have died of this disease that's nearly 100% preventable. It's no secret that healthcare is full of inequities, with a severe lack of accessible screening programs. But women's health care is also impeded by cultural, gender, and political barriers, issues that have combined to create devastating consequences. In Enough: Because We Can Stop Cervical Cancer (Cambridge UP, 2024), Dr Linda Eckert takes her years of experience and weaves it together with the voices of the courageous women who use their own experience of cervical cancer to advocate for change. This heart-breaking, yet hopeful, book takes you through the world of cervical cancer with evidence-based information, personal stories and actionable outcomes. Society flourishes when women have access to safe and affordable healthcare. Together we can make this need a reality and eliminate the world's most preventable cancer. 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

Investigating the history of firearms in the US, Dr. Andrew McKevitt explores how the intersection of the Cold War and consumer capitalism in the 1950s and 1960s led to the emergence of gun culture. Topics covered include the impact of globalization on gun culture, archives of gun control networks, the origins of gun country, a shady gun dealer profiting from post-war firearm sales, the significance of the 1968 Gun Control Act, and the accessibility and readability of the book.

Monica Huerta, an expert in photography, property, and the aesthetics of racial capitalism, discusses her book, which explores the connections between photography, capitalism, and whiteness. She delves into topics such as the historical presence of people of color in photography, the significance of performance in society ladies, and the connection between memory and images/artifacts. The chapter descriptions also highlight the exploration of court cases, mystical Catholicism, and the concept of privacy.