Product Description
Shane Crotty's biography of David Baltimore details the life and work of one of the most brilliant, powerful, and controversial scientists of our time. Although only in his early sixties, Baltimore has made major discoveries in molecular biology, established the prestigious Whitehead Institute at MIT, been president of Rockefeller University, won the Nobel Prize, and been vilified by detractors in one of the most scandalous and protracted investigations of scientific fraud ever. He is now president of Caltech and a leader in the search for an AIDS vaccine. Crotty not only tells the compelling story of this larger-than-life figure, he also treats the reader to a lucid account of the amazing revolution that has occurred in biology during the past forty years.

Basing his narrative on many personal interviews, Crotty recounts the milestones of Baltimore's career: completing his Ph.D. at Rockefeller University in eighteen months, participating in the anti--Vietnam War movement, winning a Nobel Prize at age thirty-seven for the codiscovery of reverse transcriptase, and co-organizing the recombinant DNA/genetic engineering moratorium. Along the way, readers learn what viruses are and what they do, what cancer is and how it happens, the complexities of the AIDS problem, how genetic engineering works, and why making a vaccine is a complicated process. And, as Crotty considers Baltimore's public life, he retells the famous scientific fraud saga and Baltimore's vindication after a decade of character assassination.

Crotty possesses the alchemical skill of converting technical scientific history into entertaining prose as he conveys Baltimore's huge ambitions, intensity, scientific genius, attitude toward science and politics, and Baltimore's own view about what happened in the "Baltimore Affair." Ahead of the Curve shows why with his complex personality, keen involvement in public issues, and wide-ranging interests David Baltimore has not only shaped the face of American science as we know it today, but has also become a presence in our culture. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (4)

No rule without an exception
In 1950s, Watson and Crick established a so-called "central dogma" in molecular biology: DNA makes RNA, and RNA makes proteins. However, around 1970, two groups in US found the first exception of this rule. David Baltimore's and Howard Temin's teams discovered that RNA makes DNA! This unexpected finding of theirs in cancer-causing RNA viruses not only made this field up-side down, but also opened a new avenue called "recombinant technology" a decade later, for cloning genes and transfering any gene from one species to another almost at will. For this reason, Baltimore and Temin shared a Nobel prize in 1975. Baltimore's greatness extended beyond the science. He viewed this world in an "unconventional" manner. He married a highly-talented Chinese biologist, and protested against the highly controversial US wars in Vietnam and Iraq. He has an exceptional wisdom which we could learn from this well-written biography.

When Baltimore speaks, everyone listens.
I truly enjoyed reading this book on the impressive scientific accomplishments of David Baltimore.I remember being in a relatively informal seminar at MIT when he gave a short introduction to the science that was to be presented that evening.His presence commanded awe and respect---almost always expected from someone with outstanding credentials.

The book is good not just for examining Baltimore's exponential rise to scientific stardom but also for getting a seminal idea on the development of the fields of virology, molecular biology, and immunology.Through his work, Baltimore became a unifying force between these seemingly disparate sciences.The author also writes clearly about the political baggage that comes with having such a high profile in biology.

A Must Read!
The author weaves a wonderful overview of the early history of molecular biology with the achievements of David Baltimore's life. We are given a great deal of insight not only about his groundbreaking research and accomplishments but also personal qualities and passion for life outside of science.

This is a great book for both biologists and those with simply an interest in biology. The scientific information is easy to comprehend without being oversimplified.

Some works of non-fiction can take a long time to read, but I finished this book in 2 days as the story flowed very smoothly. I am definitely looking forward to Shane Crotty's future publications.

Excellent read!
This is a great book!I really enjoyed the story of Baltimore's life, and I feel that I learned a lot of science along the way.I definitely feel more qualified to comment on conversations about biology now!I actually picked up this book because I really enjoy biographies, but it has gotten me interested in other science books for amateurs.I hope Crotty writes more soon! ... Read more

Product Description
David Baltimore won the Nobel Prize in medicine in 1975. Known as a wunderkind in the field of immunology, he rose quickly through the ranks of the scientific community to become the president of the distinguished Rockefeller University. Less than a year and a half later, Baltimore resigned from his presidency, citing the personal toll of fighting a long battle over an allegedly fraudulent paper he had collaborated on in 1986 while at MIT. From the beginning, the Baltimore case provided a moveable feast for those eager to hold science more accountable to the public that subsidizes its research. Did Baltimore stonewall a legitimate government inquiry? Or was he the victim of witch hunters? The Baltimore Case tells the complete story of this complex affair, reminding us how important the issues of government oversight and scientific integrity have become in a culture in which increasingly complicated technology widens the divide between scientists and society.Amazon.com Review
In a perfect world, science wouldn't be done by human beings,since despite our best efforts, we aren't truly objective aboutanything. When personality and emotion inevitably get mixed up withscience, sparks can fly. The most notorious such conflagration inrecent times was The Baltimore Case, a decade-longdispute between supposedly objective scientists that resulted inexcruciating trials, sensational headlines, and damaged careers andlives. Historian Daniel Kevles tells the story of the accusations offraud leveled by Margot O'Toole toward her colleagues, TherezaImanishi-Kari and Nobel Prize-winner David Baltimore. Kevles firstexplains the controversial experimental results and the paperpublished outlining them. O'Toole was unable to reproduce the resultsof Imanishi-Kari and accused her of falsifying data, also implicatingthe high-profile Baltimore, coauthor of the original paper. In thefollowing years, all participants in the investigation were subjectedto dehumanizing, humiliating scrutiny--including a congressionalinquiry not unlike a mini-witch-hunt--and nasty comments gleefullyreported by a media eager for a big scientific scandal. Kevles comesdown on the side of the self-admittedly sloppy Imanishi-Kari (who wasofficially exonerated in 1996) and Baltimore, painting O'Toole as awell-motivated but overenthusiastic watchdog manipulated byembarrassingly eager investigators. This book is a valuable lesson inhow uneasily humanity and science share the laboratory. Even our bestand brightest can be brought low by jealousy, carelessness, anddeception. --Therese Littleton ... Read more

Customer Reviews (7)

Paradise lost
There used to be a time when those occupying certain hallowed positions could do no wrong, and this included academia and business. However, recent events in the business world have confirmed that the top of the pyramid can and does crumble under the weight of wrong doings.An example is the ENRON case.Another, the Huttenback case (UC Santa Barbabra).I am an admirer of scientists who spend days without sleep in the lab trying to get some elusive result or photo, and when they do, or think they do, trivialities such as data records are forgotten.However, reproducibility -- which is the buzz word in many of these cases, needs to be defined.

If I drop my glass of champagne, can it be reproduced?I challenge anyone to reproduce the exact number of fragments and their shapes.However, as engineers know, the statistical parameters can be reasonably ascertained over many experiments.

Now if data is supposed to be forged, this can also be determined using sampling theory.In the Iwanishi Kari-Baltimore case, this test was not applied. I wrote to Nature about it in 1992 but they did not publish my letter.The so called fraudulent data can still be tested ( it was published if I recall in Nature among many heated letters).

Regarding breaking of samples I have also experienced accusations of being unscientific when challenged to reproduce the data.( Method of preparation was not mentioned if I recall).I published a paper on polymethylmethacrylate fracture where I attempted to correlate structure with breaking strengths.Some ignoramuses challenged it and brought in the attorney general of a southern state to try to ruin my career.I republished the paper in another international journal.I later learned that the protagonist of this piece had obtained a NIH grant mentioning some of the earlier results.When informed of the facts, NIH did not take notice of this. Earlier when the "Reproducers" were asked to appear at an inquiry to confront me, they did not do so. They had even asked me to apply for a Dupont grant.

A GOOD SCIENCE WHODUNIT
For me The Baltimore Case was edifying and a pleasure to read. I recommend it highly to anyone like myself who followed desultorily the media's presentation of the proceedings before the Congressional Subcommittee as putting "Science on Trial," but without any grasp of the underlying science.And I agree with the previous reviewers' conclusion that the book is too long although I attribute its length to the author's commitment to thoroughness.

I finished The Baltimore Case feeling I'd learned a lot about viral research in an academic setting, the role of personality conflicts in this research, and the editorial practices of scientific journals like Cell. (Excuse me for not saying more about the political, scientific, and personal disputes that the book so fascinatingly details, but to my mind they are commendably covered in the other reviews.) I especially admired the author's sustained treatment of the central story as a murder mystery with no murderer and everyone the victims, as well as his clear presentation of the underlying scientific facts.Professor Kevles did a very impressive job.

Will the politicans vanquish the scientists?
As an engineer by training and profession, this book really makes my blood boil.It's basically the true story of some scientists at MIT who publish a paper on immunology.A student of one of the professors challenges that some of the data in the paper was faked, and an epic of Phyrric proportions ensues.

In the 10 years that this book covers, scientific careers are ruined, researchers are vilified in the media and in the court of public opinion, and (most troubling of all to me) our elected officials engage in a witch hunt of completely innocent scientists.In particular, Senator John Dingell (Michigan) and his staff are revealed as complete devils; the author has thoroughly documented and footnoted the evidence in the case, so there is really little doubt that Mr. Dingell is as pernicious as he is portrayed in this book.Unfortunately, Mr. Dingell is still a senator to this day and no doubt is still out "to get" the scientists involved.Fortunately for science (and society), history has proven the scientists involved innocent and they have all been restored to preeminent positions in the scientific community.

Be forewarned that this is quite a tomb, weighing in at hundreds of pages of meaty scientific and political reading.At times, I contemplated giving up on it, but as the story unfolded, I wanted to see just how far this tragic comedy would unfold.The subject matter (immunology) is far removed from the layperson and I found myself at times not understanding the concepts fully.Luckily, this book is more about the sociopolitical ramifications of the science, and thus not understanding the science does not detract from the novel.

A clear case of sides...
If ever there was a clear case of people choosing sides based on what they believe a priori, this is it.While some authors (Judy Sarasohm for example) followed this case from both sides, Kevles obviously entered the discussion with a judgement to be excused.The case of Imanishi-Kari v. O' Toole is one that should have be decided in science, by scientists.But the intervention and face-saving by David Baltimore caused this case to linger half a decade beyond it's merit.

This book wends its way through the facts of the case in 512 pages, but prejudges it's view from page 1.Science isn't the question; in the original paper, the Tufts review, the MIT review, the NIH review or the Secret Service investigation.

Rather, the intent is clear from the beginning, politics has no place in science, except when practiced by Nobel laureates.

Read "Science On Trial" as well, to see an honest (but admittedly poor) author explain the entire case, instead of a biased view decrying the proper research.

Science and the Politics of Science
Kevles has written a masterful account of the Baltimore Case (Imanishi-Kari Case might be better). I can only second the glowing reviews already on this page.A few things that might interest the general reader: at the time of this book's publication, Baltimore-bashing was practically a national sport among scientists.Kevles set out to write a balanced account, and he has done so-- it is a good job all around, as Yale recognized when it gave him an endowed chair recently (Caltech's loss, alas!). Information subsequent to its publication only enhances Baltimore's stature. Unfortunately, like the French Dreyfus case that it resembled at times, too many prominent people said toomany harsh things about Baltimore that they cannot retract. Contrary to at least one of the editorial reviewers, it is clear now that Kevles was too hard on Baltimore and company, but so many people attacked Baltimore(Nature's Maddox, Paul Doty, Jim Watson, W.Gilbert, J Darnell, G. Blobel, and a whole nascent federal bureaucracy, inter alia) that these contemporary anti-Dreyfusards will never be refuted. Be that as it may, read this account to get a detailed study of how scientists and government can go wrong, all while trying to do the right thing. ... Read more

Product Description

In his highly acclaimed book, Cities without Suburbs, former Albuquerque mayor David Rusk explained why regions with wealthy suburbs surrounding a poor central city face continuing economic hardship. Now, in Baltimore Unbound, he applies his ideas in an illuminating study of Baltimore's continuing economic stagnation, offering a frank assessment of its causes and possible solutions.

Placing the study in the context of national urban issues, Rusk reviews similar problems and remedial efforts in other cities.

Published by the Abell Foundation.

Customer Reviews (1)

only elastic cities can grow and prosper...
Using Baltimore as an example, David Rusk believes cities and suburbs can only salvage themselves if they create metropolitan regional areas that are able to accommodate growth, deconcentrate poverty, and make central cities more economically competitive. Rusk's premise is that cities must become "elastic" in order to manage growth in tandem with the greater region. It is an attempt to use both fiscal and public policy as a tool to relieve the growing racial and economic disparity between the poor cities and the affluent suburbs. In this book Rusk outlines a strategy to help metropolitan regions become elastic and once again regain their competitive advantage. Recommended. ... Read more

Product Description
This nostalgia-filled scrapbook, rich with mementos and lore, captures all those seasons of glory--from the Civil War days when Union troops put down their guns to play local teams through such moments as the first time a raw local boy named Babe Ruth stepped up to the plate to the first pitch to be thrown out in Camden Yards. 195 illustrations, 132 in color. ... Read more

Customer Reviews (2)

Excellent book
An excellent book which threatens to lapse into obscurity.Everyone should read "Williard and Progressive Management" for its pertenance to today's business as well as its insight into twentiethcentury history.

An EXCELLENT case study on GOOD corporate management!
A word of warning as stated by the author in his preface:This is NOT a "choo-choo" book!

David Vrooman fills a BIG VOID to document what was a harbinger of the so-called Japanese style of corporatemanagement, the principles of which were developed by W. Edwards Demingafter World War II under the name of Total Quality Management, or"TQM".Rather than trying to upstage Deming, Vrooman presentsDaniel Willard's common-sense approach in recognizing the dignity and worthof every employee in the corporate structure which he based on goodindividual upbringing and having been on virtually every rung of therailroad career ladder himself, culminating in the presidency of theB&O Railroad from 1910 to 1941.Throughout his 31 years as B&Opresident, Willard raised the status of his company from a large,second-class railroad to one that became a model for others to emulate.Hedid this through two major programs: 1) the Cooperative Plan, during theteens and twenties, receiving exemplary results based on employee unitmeetings where suggestions for improvement of their individual workprocesses were solicited, and 2) the Corporate Traffic Plan, whereemployees were rewarded if they were able to get new freight accounts andpassenger traffic during the years of the Great Depression.Vrooman alsoexamines Willard's contributions to the country's logistics efforts on therailroads during World War I and his successes in averting major laborshutdowns of the nation's railroads.Also, Vrooman admiringly documentsWillard's success in his effort to bring together the nation's railroadpresidents and rail labor to save them from bankruptcy during the GreatDepression by getting them to agree to an across-the-board 10% wage cut! If you were to ask if this could be done today, I would be forced to give aresounding NO!Willard did this through the TRUST that he was able togarner throughout all levels of the railroad industry, to become one of themost beloved individuals in his field as one of the greatest unsungCaptains of Industry that American history SORROWFULLY OVERLOOKS!

Thisis a MUST READ for all those in corporate venues who want to get ahead, andat the same time, exercise the individual scruples they personally havedeveloped in how they deal with their clients, superiors, and employees. ... Read more

Product Description
Frontiers of Life addresses fields of biology in terms of their frontiers--that is, the areas that will demand the most work in this new century. Because of their standing, the editors have been able to unite the most prestigious and well-informed authorities to place recent scientific advances into the context of their effects on daily human experiences and expectations. They ask, "What frontiers of the biological sciences will constitute the challenges of the next century?" Their first answer is an understanding of the processes and mechanisms that led to the origin of life. They take this answer as the starting point of the first section of the Encyclopedia. They thus proceed throughout the four volumes.
Separating this Encyclopedia form others is its multidisciplinary approach to the "frontiers" theme. While other encyclopedias strive to describe the past and present states of many subjects, Frontiers of Life offers the insights of world-class scientists into their subjects' growth areas.


Key Features
* Includes Advisory Board with each member a Nobel Laureate
* Written by contributors playing leading roles in their fields of expertise
* Contains almost 3,000 full color tables and figures, illustrating the 205 articles; color running heads and subtitles within each article make reading easy
* Presents biology as an organizing force of life in every article, from the cellular level to the interpersonal ... Read more

Product Description
Zahlreiche neue Entdeckungen und Methoden haben die Molekular- und Zellbiologie in den letzten Jahren entscheidend verändert. Die vollständig überarbeitete Neuauflage des großen, weltweit bewährten Lehrbuches Molekulare Zellbiologie präsentiert nicht nur die Grundlagen und Schlüsselkonzepte des Faches, sondern greift auch eine Fülle aktueller Forschungsergebnisse auf. Das durchgehend vierfarbige, didaktisch durchdachte Werk spiegelt so den gegenwärtigen Stand dieser außerordentlich dynamischen Disziplin wider und zeigt dem Leser außerdem , wo "die Reise hingeht" in der heutigen molekular- und zellbiologischen Forschung.Einige der aufregenden Entwicklungen der letzten Jahre, die ihren Niederschlag in der neuen Auflage gefunden haben:· Genomik, Bioinformatik, DNA-Chip-Technologie· Signaltransduktion und die Steuerung von Zellwachstum und -teilung· Multiproteinkomplexen in der Biosynthese von Makromolekülen· Chromatinstruktur und Genexpression· Mechanismen des Transports in den und aus dem Zellkern· Zielsteuerung von Proteinen in der Zelle· Aufbau und Funktion des Cytoskeletts· Zell-Zell-Interaktionen in Entwicklungsprozessen· Entstehung von KrebsMolekulare Zellbiologie präsentiert aber nicht einfach die Grundkonzepte des Faches - vielmehr erkunden die Autoren die Forschungsarbeiten früherer und heutiger Wissenschaftler, stellen deren Experimente und Methoden vor und zeigen so die Wege auf, wie unser heutiges Wissensgebäude in Molekular- und Zellbiologie sich entwickelt hat. Dem Studenten vermittelt das Buch auf diese Weise die notwendigen Kenntnisse und Werkzeuge, um die aktuellen Fortschritte der Forschung, wie sie sich etwa in Fachzeitschriften widerspiegeln, einordnen und aktiv daran teilhaben zu können. In den Text eingestreute Exkurse zu Anwendungen in der Biotechnologie, in der Pflanzenforschung und im medizinischen Bereich dienen diesem Zweck ebenso wie den Kapiteln nachgeschaltete Essays zu Zukunftsperspektiven und zur themenbezogenen Originalliteratur. Jeder Abschnitt beginnt mit einem kurzen Überblick über die betreffende Fragestellung und endet mit einer Zusammenfassung der wichtigsten Punkte. Um den Text angesichts der immensen Wissensfülle nicht ausufern zu lassen, haben die Autoren die schier unüberschaubere Menge von Einzelbefunden und Spezialmethoden oftmals geschickt auf einige wenige paradigmatische Beispiele und Experimente reduziert. Wer dieses Buch durchgearbeitet hat, weiß, wo die molekulare Zellbiologie heute steht, auf welchen Grundlagen sie ruht und in welche Richtung sich die Forschung entwickeln wird. ... Read more

Product Description
This digital document is an article from Sensible Sound, published by Sensible Sound on August 1, 1999. The length of the article is 450 words. The page length shown above is based on a typical 300-word page. The article is delivered in HTML format and is available in your Amazon.com Digital Locker immediately after purchase. You can view it with any web browser.

Citation Details
Title: Beethoven: Violin Concerto; Bernstein: Serenade. Hilary Hahn, violin; David Zinman, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra. Sony SK 60584.(Review) (sound recording review)
Author: John Puccio
Publication: Sensible Sound (Magazine/Journal)
Date: August 1, 1999
Publisher: Sensible Sound
Page: 97

Article Type: Sound Recording Review

Distributed by Thomson Gale ... Read more