Global warming, air pollution, and endangered species are topics that affect our economy, our health, and government policy. By linking basic science to real-world headlines, The Environment in the News helps readers understand how they are both involved in and affected by these issues. This book also presents a history of the topics in question and helps readers make informed decisions--from which policies to support to which environmentally friendly lifestyles to consider.

The quality and quantity of water directly impacts our economy, our health, and our environment. Water in the News explores the science behind the headlines; contaminated drinking water, disappearing wet-lands, and oceans under threat from over-fishing and global warming are just a few of the pressing concerns discussed in this book. But readers will learn that there is good news, too, as various organizations, governments, and many individuals work to protect and promote wise use of our many water resources.

News stories abound about important and intriguing advances made in the field of genetics--as well as troubling headlines about potential hazards and misuses of genetic findings. Genetics in the News covers fascinating breakthroughs in genetics, as well as issues we might find chilling. Timely topics covered include forensic DNA, the Human Genome Project, genetically modified foods, ancient human DNA, genetic diseases, and more.

Medicine in the News surveys the major categories of medical advances appearing in the news today. The various innovative tools currently being used for diagnosing degenerative, genetic, and infectious diseases are discussed, as are the unique medical treatments based on modern biotechnology inventions. Topics such as gene therapy and tissue engineering are also covered, and thought-provoking predictions are made about possible future directions in medical technologies and treatments.

"Science News Flash" provides a fair and balanced look at controversial science issues in the news, offering the background information necessary for readers to fully grasp the topics. In addition to presenting the basic science in an accessible format, the books place the issues in a social, political, and economic context by discussing a brief history of the issue, the current considerations, and the future implications or research directions. Full-color photographs and illustrations enliven the informative text, and a helpful glossary defines relevant terms. This set will help middle and...