Arts & Culture

From Aldous Huxley’s classic 1932 novel Brave New World to films like GATTACA (1997) and TV shows like Orphan Black (2013-17), popular culture profoundly influences how we understand the potential impacts of emerging biotechnologies. Art and popular culture can stimulate reflection on how new technologies, if they are embraced uncritically, might exacerbate existing inequalities.

Perfect: An Interview with the Playwright

By Marcy Darnovsky | 04.27.2021

Biopolitical Times

Don’t miss Perfect – “a dive into the brave new world of genetic engineering” – in two live virtual performances on May 15 and 16. Information and pay-what-you-wish tickets.

Here, Marcy Darnovsky interviews award-winning playwright Jonathan Luskin. Their conversation has been edited.

Biopolitical Times: Tell us about the three interwoven stories in Perfect. When does each take place?

Jonathan Luskin: The three stories are sequential, and they’re all connected to a particular technology and a genetic engineering corporation...

Assisted Reproduction

Book Review: The Code Breaker

By Gina Maranto, Biopolitical Times guest contributor | 04.05.2021

Biopolitical Times

It’s not for nothing that Time, Inc. developed its formula for telling stories—catchy lede, billboard that tells 'em what you’re going to tell ‘em, last graf that catapults them into the future. No wobbling; narrative charging right along. In the rush, the reader is propelled, questions cast aside, riding the tale you want them to believe.

Not surprisingly, Walter Isaacson, bestselling author and former Time editor, has the style down pat. A sometimes breathless, technocratic enthusiasm; an ability to reduce...

Society