Kassie Moreno

BIO 1090 Wed7

Signature Assignment

News assignment #1

1. Cite the name of the news source, the article title, the date, and the byline (the
reporters name). Paste a link to the article here (in Canvas).
www.sciencenews.com Dina Fine Maron, Scientific American; The Body; A New Push
For the Male Pill 9/25/17 URL: https://www.scientificamerican.com/article/a-new-
push-for-the-male-pill/

2. What are the main conclusions of the scientist(s)?

The main conclusion of the scientists is that this is an ongoing study but it looks as
though this could be a good answer. They brought up past complications of male
contraceptives as they lowered testosterone levels, resulted in mood swings, acne and
pain. (sound familiar?) This new gel is expected to dramatically reduce sperm count
while keeping up testosterone levels.

3. What are some possible impacts this information could have on society or on
individuals?
Making contraceptives that are used by men and women would decrease the likelihood of
unplanned pregnancies. This would also mean that women who have taken birth control
and developed serious side effects such as mood swings, acne, pain and even PCOS,
would have another option to prevent pregnancy.

4. Are other scientists, or policy-makers, mentioned as being in disagreement with the

research scientists? If so, what might make you tend to take their doubts seriously
(or not take them seriously)?
This article doesnt bring up any true arguments beyond the reasons the prior studies had
been halted. I dont take this as seriously because all side effects mentioned are very
typical for women who are on a contraceptive, among a list of others including weight
gain, hair growth in abnormal places, and some cases lead to PCOS. We have been doing
this for years, I dont see why it would halt mens contraceptive trials unless they plan on
remedying that for women as well.

5. Are scientists mentioned in the article affiliated with a nonpartisan group, like a
University or Government, or affiliated with a for-profit corporation? If the latter,
do you suspect that altered their conclusions?
As far as I could find the U.S. National Institutes of Health (which is who this research
project is headed by) is a government funded institute that awards funding to many
avenues of research. Population Council is also heading this research and they are a non-
profit company. Also, the leading scientist Diana Blithe seems to only study for
organizations of this nature therefore I do not believe that this altered conclusions.

6. In what ways did the article change and expand your views of the topic? If it did
not change or expand your views, describe what you knew bout the subject before
reading the article.
 I wouldnt say the article changes or expanded my views. I had seen a few news stories of
clinical trials of male contraceptive and I had heard that they stopped testing because of
side effects.

7. Do you think the reporter did a good job or a bad job of giving background for the
story? Please give an example to support your opinion.
I think in context it was a pretty good background of the story. It was very middle line
and not pulling opinions one way or another just stating the facts of these few studies. I
think that the contrast of female contraceptive and its origins and side effects would have
set a whole other perspective on this story making it more interesting to read and making
more of a statement.

Reflection Signature Assignment

Reflection prompt 1. Did your article, or things you saw in your search for articles, change the
way you think about science? Did you see evidence of scientists actively engaged in public
policy debates, and were you surprised by their level of advocacy?
Sciences especially, pertaining to humans, are some of my favorite areas of study. I know the
amazing possibilities. I do however think that in this case the view of symptoms was biased.
How is it ok for female contraceptives to cause these symptoms but it is then cause for men to
look for a better option? If we are looking for a drug with no side effects to lower risk of
unplanned pregnancy, although male contraceptive is a great idea, why not perfect the form
already widely in use?
It didnt speak of debates or anyone against the idea, only that men wouldnt tolerate these
symptoms. I am sure there are people completely against the idea of male contraceptive from
responsibility to manhood, it may have been interesting to see some of these points.
Reflection prompt 2. Discuss how your article made connections to another discipline, like
business, government, politics, economics, or humanities. If it didnt make any connections to
other disciplines, discuss a connection it could have made.
This article made two minor connections. The first was the male contraceptive compared to
female contraceptive mostly in effectiveness and briefly in the similarity of symptoms and side
effects. It also mentioned a bit about the number of unplanned pregnancies. It could have
expanded upon that with what this contraceptive may do to help this problem, and what it means
economically in the long term.
Reflection prompt 3. Describe how the class as a whole has impacted your views on science, the
human body, and human impacts on the planet.
This class, BIO 1090, has expanded upon my former knowledge from High School,
Cosmetology, Esthetics, Massage, and my anatomy and physiology training and application. It
expands on wider ranges of topics and describes just how humans fit in and play a role, not just
how the human body works. It helps to bring perspective on daily life, and some practical
knowledge applies to my other classes pertaining to wellness and fitness.