Catherine Waldby Libri

Catherine Waldby, a prominent figure in social sciences at the Australian National University, explores the intersection of tissue donation and research within the global bioeconomy. Her work, including "Clinical Labor," examines the ethical and social implications of using human tissues in research, highlighting the complexities faced by both donors and researchers. Waldby’s expertise and contributions to the field make her a significant voice in discussions surrounding bioethics and the commercialization of biological resources.

Focusing on the groundbreaking three-dimensional recordings of real human bodies created by the US National Library of Medicine, this investigation delves into the intersection of technology, culture, and science. Catherine Waldby employs insights from cultural and science studies to explore the historical significance of the Visible Human Project, examining its implications and meanings within a computerized society. The work challenges perceptions of human representation in the digital age, offering a critical lens on the relationship between bodies and technology.

The book critically examines established beliefs surrounding the virus, the immune system, HIV testing, and disease epidemiology, revealing how they are often based on unchallenged conservative views of sexual identity and differences. It challenges readers to reconsider these assumptions and their impact on understanding HIV/AIDS.

Surveys the economies of exchange in human blood, tissues, and organs. This book compares tissue economies in the United Kingdom and United States. It features a series of case studies based on particular forms of tissue exchange and also considers the impact of different models of biotechnology patents on tissue economies.