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...

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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

Gattaca at 20: Looking Back, Looking Ahead…

Internal Content

Netflix's "Unnatural Selection" Ducks the Big Questions About Gene Editing

By Jonathan R. Latham, Salon | 11.10.2019

Aggregated News

The techno-utopian finale of the new Netflix docuseries celebrates a feat of "gene editing" that is anything but.
Human Genetic Modification
Covers of "Code Breaker" and "CRISPR People" side by side

Mythmakers in the Market for Perfection

By Sheila Jasanoff, American Scientist | 10.22.2021

Aggregated News

Human Genetic Modification

George Estreich discusses his most recent book Fables and Futures, inspired by his daughter Laura. Estreich goes beyond the personal to describe the ways that genetic technologies affect society and the stories the promoters of such technologies tell about them. The event took place on May 1, 2019 at the San Francisco Public Library.

Assisted Reproduction

Being Human in Biotech Age Film Series

Arts & Culture