Ian Frazer: The Man Who Saved a Million Lives
Madonna King, University of Queensland Press, $29.95
The title is a little overblown, since Prof Ian Frazer’s vaccines against cervical cancer have not been applied long enough for the anticipated decrease in cervical cancer rates to appear. Nevertheless, with 275,000 women each year dying as a result of strains of the human papillomavirus that are largely prevented by Gardasil and Cervarix, the potential lives saved could eventually be far higher.
Journalist Madonna King reveals the man behind the research and the challenges he faced both in the lab and in the courtroom to ensure the vaccine reaches those who lack the capacity to pay.
Unnatural Selection: Why the Geeks Will Inherit the Earth
Mark Roeder, ABC Books, $29.99
Technology has changed the definition of fittest when it comes to who survives, argues Mark Roeder. Instead of speed, strength and good looks determining who thrives and passes on their genes, the most beneficial traits are now to be at home in the technological world.
Butterflies
Ross P. Field, Museum Victoria, $29.99
After retiring as head of sciences at Museum Victoria, Dr Ross Field produced a book on his passion, Victorian butterflies. From the extraordinary dimples of the tailed emperor butterfly egg to the bright colours and...
