New and Noteworthy

Aging, Biotechnology, and the Future
edited by Catherine Y. Read, Ph.D., R.N., Robert C. Green, M.D., M.P.H., and Michael A. Smyer, Ph.D.

This wide-ranging, multidisciplinary collection examines how advances in medicine and technology are affecting the aging process and the lives of elderly persons. In analyzing the state of biotechnology, these essays applaud the positive—extended longevity and the potential for greater quality of life—while probing such ethical quandaries as presymptomatic genetic testing, therapeutic cloning, antiaging technologies, and the transhumanist movement. more

Health Disparities in the United States: Social Class, Race, Ethnicity, and Health
Donald A. Barr, M.D., Ph.D.

The health care system in the United States has been called the best in the world, but many of its residents cannot afford or do not have access to adequate care. Health Disparities in the United States explores how socioeconomic status, race, and ethnic make-up affect health disparities; what the wide gulf in care and health outcomes means for the medical community, cultural subsets, and society at large; and how to address the issue effectively. more

Beyond Sacred Violence: A Comparative Study of Sacrifice
Kathryn McClymond

For many Westerners, the term sacrifice is associated with ancient, often primitive ritual practices. It suggests the death—frequently violent, often bloody—of an animal victim, usually with the aim of atoning for human guilt. more

Women's Lacrosse: A Guide for Advanced Players and Coaches
Janine Tucker and Maryalice Yakutchik
photographs by Will Kirk and James T. Van Rensselaer

Women’s lacrosse is one of the fastest-growing sports in the United States. As stick technology advances, athleticism increases, and rules and regulations adapt, even the most experienced players and coaches need to keep current on all aspects of the game. more

Secrets of the Hoary Deep: A Personal History of Modern Astronomy
Riccardo Giacconi, Nobel Laureate in Physics

The discovery of x-rays continues to have a profound and accelerating effect on the field of astronomy. It has opened the cosmos to exploration in ways previously unimaginable and fundamentally altered the methods for pursuing information about our solar system and beyond. more