Biomonitoring and Controversy Surrounding a Great Lakes Pollution Study are Featured in the Latest Issue of MichiganScience

MIDLAND — The merits and shortcomings of biomonitoring — the examination of human tissues and body fluids to determine exposure to natural and synthetic compounds — is assessed in the new issue of MichiganScience. The quarterly magazine can be accessed online at www.michiganscienceonline.org.

While acknowledging the opportunities presented by biomonitoring, authors Diane S. Katz, Dr. Daland R. Juberg and Dr. James Bus warn that "hypothetical modeling or extrapolations of animal studies" are no substitute for "actual exposure data." Katz, the director of risk, environment and energy policy for the Fraser Institute, is the former director of the Science, Environment and Technology Initiative at the Mackinac Center for Public Policy.

The spring issue also includes an investigative article on the purported scandal involving a leaked copy of a Centers for Disease Control study. Author Robb Frederick, environmental reporter for the Erie Times-News and a Pennsylvania State University journalism professor, reports that the study on pollution in the Great Lakes basin was never released because much of the data was outdated or flawed.

Other features include information on cap-and-trade policies, a list of scientific exhibits around the state and the work of award-winning cartoonist Henry Payne.

MichiganScience is published by the Mackinac Center, a nonpartisan research and educational institute headquartered in Midland, Mich. Russ Harding is acting publisher and Bruce Edward Walker is publication coordinator.

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