Freedom of Speech For Scientists?

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    Freedom of Speech For Scientists? I would like to consider what constrains, if any, scientists have in announcing “new” findings. In particular, what constraints are there when the public pronouncements are on issues that could have important regulatory or political impacts? I am not referring to the normal avenue of scientific endeavor.  I … Read more

Why We Are All Leemings (at least most of the time)

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Cass Sunstein On Rumours Summary     I have just finished Cass Sunstein’s short book – just  100 pages – “On Rumours”.   Sunstein is a prolific author. He is former Professor of Chicago in law and political science. He is close to President Obahama. He’s now at Harvard Law School. But, unlike many academics, … Read more

The Revolution Will Not Be Televised

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The Revolution Is Happening and It’s Online Very interesting profile about  Ricken Patel the Founder of Avaaz from the Economist. NGOs – Adapt of Die? It will be interesting to see how far traditional NGOs co-op the model being used by Avaaz to campaign and raise awareness of issues. And, it will be interesting to … Read more

Sound Science British Style

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  Sir John Beddington, chief scientific advisor to the British Government: “The banning of Bisphenol A in baby bottles is another example of this. To be frank, the only way you can harm babies with Bisphenol A bottles is to beat them over the head with them.”