Longtime readers have probably noticed an increase in political-themed posts from me over the last few months. I pointed out that despite satellite photos and computer analysis, Glenn Beck just made up the size of the crowd at his rally. I discussed the bizarre “Save the Light Bulb” movement whose members are actively against energy efficiency. I complained about how one Senator engaged in political grandstanding at the expense of sharks and other species in need of legal protection. Most recently, I wrote about the Tea Party and their anti-global warming, anti-evolution, anti-stem cell agenda.
There are two reasons for the change in content. One is the upcoming midterm elections and my belief that scientists have a stake in the outcome. As a scientist, I feel that the anti-science views of the Tea Party should inspire us to vote. As a political moderate (admittedly left-leaning), I am alarmed by the rise of extremists on both sides, and I wish I could do something about it. If you follow me on twitter, you already know the second reason for the increase in political posts. This weekend, I will be attending the Rally to Restore Sanity.
Read More “Scientists For Sanity: Mr. WhySharksMatter Goes to Washington” »
Caffeinated crabs, anti-depressed dolphins, and feminized fish, oh, my! Can you imagine what would happen if sea creatures had access to your medicine cabinet? Well, they do. Pharmaceuticals from humans make their way into the ecosystem either through excretion into urine or by people disposing of old medications down the toilet. The first of these sources then flows with sewage, which has already