Science Spin April 2012

Dangerous knowledge

Can fear be more dangerous than knowledge? Scientist, Roy Sleator, argues that a recent decision to hold back on publishing details of an experiment involving genetic modification of a flu virus, because it was considered dangerous, is not just pointless, but wrong because it will leave us with no defence against infection.

 

Pointless

The points system rewards students for learning off stock answers to examination questions. The system does not prepare students for university or to encourage them to think for themselves. The points system is deeply flawed, yet it only remains in place because the higher education colleges have done nothing to come up with a better alternative.

 

Cooking with chemistry

A better knowledge of chemistry can help in the kitchen. Chefs are using science to enhance the dining experience.

 

Rebellion

While researchers are calling out for more coverage, the press across Europe is finding it hard to provide readers with quality content, and science reporting is being pushed out by a rising tide of junk journalism. At a different level, a growing number of researchers are clashing with the publishers of over-priced journals. Scientists are demanding a radical change in how their results are published and while this is leading to the development of some interesting new approaches, science communication is in a state of flux and no one is sure of the outcome..

 

Beauty on the wing

Looking at Ireland’s colourful butterflies.