Having Cake is Different From Eating Cake

The National Academy of Sciences has just released a new book, Science, Evolution, and Creationism, to explain the differences between religion and science, and to clarify the currently muddled discussion on matters entangled in the current conflict.

NYT reports:

...it is intended specifically for the lay public and because it devotes much of its space to explaining the differences between science and religion, and asserting that acceptance of evolution does not require abandoning belief in God.

...The 70-page book, “Science, Evolution and Creationism,” says, among other things, that “attempts to pit science and religion against each other create controversy where none needs to exist.” And it offers statements from several eminent biologists and members of the clergy to support the view.

In the past year, there has been a significant push-back by prominent atheists and skeptics against dogma-based attacks on science, but this new publication will be key in defusing the artificially constructed conflict between two completely different human endeavors. Hopefully, this year will mark the emergence of a new movement to continue this effort.

Creation of New Life Forms: the next step for DNA?

This article fascinated me. Scientific breakthroughs, especially revolving around the use of DNA science--and the ethics of it--always gets my attention. But this article was a mixture of fascination, awe--and fear. There also remained the lingering question in my mind of whether this could really be true--that researchers are indeed considering taking this next step--or if just simply a rumor spawned by someone's overactive imagination.

You can read the Washington Post article, and decide for yourself: whether the prospect of creating new life forms--synthetic life forms--from artificial DNA should be considered a scientific breakthrough--or a major mistake, and what questions it raises about science, religion, ethics and the very essence of genetics.

Student Pugwash Conference Announced

Student Pugwash USA

Presents the

14^th National Conference on Science and Social Responsibility: Promoting the Integrity of Science

April 12-15, 2007

National Academies Keck Center

Washington, DC

What are the pressures on science today?

What role do scientists play in influencing public policy?

What can students do to help guarantee that science and technology are used responsibly?

Featuring Expert Speakers:

Richard L. Garwin

Former Nuclear Weapons Designer & science advisor to several presidents

Rita Colwell

Former Head of the National Science Foundation, Chairman, Canon US Life Sciences, Inc., Distinguished Professor, University of Maryland College Park and Johns Hopkins

John H. Gibbons

Former Science Advisor to the President (1993-98)

Stephanie Bird

Co-Editor of Science & Engineering Ethics

Bruce Buckheit

Former Director of EPA's Air Enforcement Division

Check out the conference webpage for more information!

REGISTER TODAY!

Sign up for the Poster or Creative Arts Contest and receive a $20 refund

on your registration fee!