Tom Easton is professor of science at Thomas College in Waterville, Maine. He holds a doctorate in theoretical biology from the University of Chicago. His work on scientific and futuristic issues has appeared in many magazines, from Astronomy to Consumer Reports and Robotics Age. His latest nonfiction books are Taking Sides: Clashing Views on Controversial Issues in Science, Technology, and Society (McGraw-Hill Dushkin, 6th ed., 2004) and Taking Sides: Clashing Views on Controversial Environmental Issues (11th ed., 2005). His latest novels are Firefight (Betancourt, 2003) and The Great Flying Saucer Conspiracy (Wildside, 2002).