1.1 What Is Science?
1.2 Science in Context
1.3 Studying Life
HEIGHT BY PRESCRIPTION
A doctor injects a chemical into the body of an eight-year-old boy named David. This healthy boy shows no signs of disease. The “condition” for which he is being treated is quite common—David is short for his age. The medication he is taking is human growth hormone, or HGH.
HGH, together with genes and diet, controls growth during childhood. People who produce little or no HGH are abnormally short and may have other related health problems. But David has normal HGH levels. He is short simply because his parents are both healthy, short people.
But if David isn't sick, why does his doctor prescribe HGH? Where does medicinal HGH come from? Is it safe? What does this case say about science and society? As you read this chapter, look for clues about the nature of science, the role of technology in our modern world, and the relationship between science and society. Then, solve the mystery.
Never Stop Exploring Your World.
Finding the solution to the growth hormone mystery is only the beginning. Take a video field trip with the ecogeeks of Untamed Science to see where this mystery leads.