The case of Simon Singh has challenged British libel laws. Simon Singh is a science writer – having authored best selling books such as Fermat’s Last Theorem and contributing regularly to The Guardian. In 2008 he was sued for libel by the British Chiropractic Association (BCA) because of an article he wrote pointing out that some of the treatments offered are bogus, such as those for treating child colic and feeding problems. Singh’s view was that such practice was pseudoscientific and not evidence-based. However the BCA’s claim is that Singh has no evidence to support this and therefore his views are libelous. Within the scientific community this is regarded a challenge to the very nature of science – it should not be libelous to ask a scientist ‘where’s your evidence’ – in fact such a move would stifle the progress of science. Singh’s case and campaign has gained very high profile support from the science and entertainment business (including Jonathan Ross and Stephen Fry) – you can see the names and read much more about the case here (KEEP LIBEL LAWS OUT OF SCIENCE) or here.
Posts published during December, 2009
Diathesis-stress is an example of nature AND nurture, as it can be interpreted as a gene or genes switched on by environmental factors. Recently it’s been suggested that being lonely and stressed could affect the expression of cancer-linked genes, triggering their action. The research has been done in the USA on rats, comparing those kept in isolation with those living in groups. The former group had over three times the frequency of breast tumours than the latter group, and their breast tumours were also more aggressive and deadly. The isolated rats also produced more stress hormones and were more reactive to stressful situations. Rats, like ourselves, are social animals and so being isolated is likely to cause stress.
Perhaps the most influential change in society in recent years has been the vast involvement of technology in our everyday lives; such as mobile phones, digital cameras and the many practical uses of computers, such as data compiling, e-mailing and so forth. This has reached such a level that some see no reason for physical copies of music, such as records and cds, or even books on printed-paper. In California there has Read the rest of this entry »