This paper analyses the main narratives, rhetorical resources and themes deployed during public contemporary debates on stem cell research (SCR) and cellular therapy in Brazil, an emergent global player. It examines the discursive rhetoric used to discuss adult and embryonic stem cell research and analyses the processes and main themes involved in the approval of the 2005 Biosecurity Law at the National Congress and, more specifically, during the 2007 public hearing at the Federal Supreme Court. Relying on previous academic work and supported by the analysis of public audiences´ transcriptions, key journal reports and 15 semi-structured face-to-face interviews, the paper focuses mainly on the common topics in the scientists´ narratives to map the characteristics of the Brazilian debates and establish the main convergences and divergences between the positions taken by opposing lobbies. These are illustrated by selected statements on recurrent themes and assumptions. There are three main areas of focus: forms of scientific, technical and moral construction of discourse and regulation; strategies towards civil society´s engagement and participation; and the country´s contributions to global genetics and health biotechnology. The paper argues that the specificities of the narratives deployed by the different social actors are a product not solely of sociocultural and religious backgrounds and practices, but also of local SRC development and social awareness, of the exercise of citizens´ rights, and of prevalent cultural trends in the local relations between science, medicine and society.

Liliana Acero focuses on the proliferation of new reproductive technologies (NRTs) in Latin America, pointing out that little objective research has been carried out on their impact. Acero illustrates the specific way new reproductive technologies are impacting upon women's bodies, tissues, reproductive capacities and rights. She argues that it is critical to involve local women's movement, international health NGOs in policy and action on NRTs from a southern social and gender justice perspective. Development (2006) 49, 135–140. doi:10.1057/palgrave.development.1100319

Deterministic theory and discourse on sociotechnical progress ignore the existence of multiple and equally viable pathways towards progress, obscure socioeconomic and environmental conflicting interests and values, and overshadow socially inclusive deliberative choices about policy strategies. Demystifying techno-determinism, by incorporating a plurality of understandings to policy appraisal, becomes a matter of not only democratic accountability but also of analytical rigour. This article analyses the normative and ontological understandings on scientific and technological pathways among a group of experts interviewed at one key Directorate of the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, using Q-methodology. The three main framings detected do not correspond exclusively to any single innovation and development theoretical framework - namely Innovation Systems, Learning Systems, Catch-Up models or the science, technology and society approach. Each narrative organizes an array of policy understandings based upon different theories and practices. As these forms of discourse highly influence global policy recommendations, their plurality should be made explicit, negotiated and integrated into policymaking.

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As notícias televisivas massivas em ciência têm sido retratadas como transmitindo conteúdos superficiais e sensacionalistas dirigidos a uma audiência presumida que precisaria de treinamento. O artigo explora o contexto da cobertura geral da ciência em essa mídia e, em especial, no caso da medicina regenerativa no Brasil, através de uma análise textual qualitativo de 16 vídeos da Rede Globo. Conclui-se que a comunicação é escassa, e dominada pelo papel dos comunicadores profissionais, em especial mulheres, que apresentam vídeos curtos, com pouco preparo prévio, e transmitem mensagens otimistas demais sobre os logros nas descobertas nacionais. Promove-se no telespectador uma experiência de indução do engajamento emotivo com a vivência das testemunhas, pacientes na cura da sua saúde, e de identificação com a identidade científica nacional. Deste modo, o artigo contribui a esclarecer os sentidos e significados enfatizados para o entendimento público da ciência em uma área de ponta.