How can decisionmakers charged with protecting the environment and the public’s health and safety steer clear of false and misleading scientific research? Is it possible to give scientists a stronger voice in regulatory processes without yielding too much control over policy, and how can this be harmonized with democratic values? These are just some of the many controversial and timely questions that Sheila Jasanoff asks in this study of the way science advisers shape federal policy.

In their expanding role as advisers, scientists have emerged as a formidable fifth branch of government. But even though the growing dependence of regulatory agencies on scientific and technical information has granted scientists a greater influence on public policy, opinions differ as to how those contributions should be balanced against other policy concerns. More important, who should define what counts as good science when all scientific claims incorporate social factors and are subject to negotiation?

Jasanoff begins by describing some significant failures—such as nitrites, Love Canal, and alar—in administrative and judicial decisionmaking that fed the demand for more peer review of regulatory science. In analyzing the nature of scientific claims and methods used in policy decisions, she draws comparisons with the promises and limitations of peer review in scientific organizations operating outside the regulatory context. The discussion of advisory mechanisms draws on the author’s close scrutiny of two highly visible federal agencies—the Environmental Protection Agency and the Food and Drug Administration. Here we see the experts in action as they deliberate on critical issues such as clean air, pesticide regulation, and the safety of pharmaceuticals and food additives.

Jasanoff deftly merges legal and institutional analysis with social studies of science and presents a strong case for procedural reforms. In so doing, she articulates a social-construction model that is intended to buttress the effectiveness of the fifth branch.

Restoring Streams in Cities equips readers with the tools to transform degraded urban waterways into vibrant ecological and community assets—without relying on costly, destructive infrastructure. Whether you're a planner, engineer, advocate, or homeowner, this book rewards you with a smarter, more sustainable way to address flooding, erosion, and stream degradation.

Instead of outdated methods that bury or channelize streams, Ann L. Riley offers a proven alternative: working with natural systems to restore ecological balance while protecting people and property. You’ll gain practical strategies rooted in watershed-level thinking, land-use planning, site design, and gentle channel restoration—approaches that repair damage and prevent future problems.

The benefit? You’ll walk away with the confidence to initiate or support restoration projects in your own community. The book provides essential background to ask the right questions, hire the right help, and guide smart decision-making. You'll also learn how to access funding and navigate federal programs.

Rich with real-world examples and over 100 photos, Restoring Streams in Cities is more than a manual—it’s a call to action with a clear path forward. Readers will leave empowered to turn neglected urban streams into living, resilient systems that protect communities, restore nature, and enhance quality of life.