Jim Clark wrote (among other astute comments):
"It would be nice to hear politicians express some confidence in that process,
rather than suggesting that somehow scientists (academics in general?) require
micro-management (policing) by politicians in no position to evaluate the
merits of individual projects."
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Dr. Lynne Nelson at Washington State university has been doing research on the
hibernation of bears (one of the "earmarks" that has received criticism from
the ever lovely Princess from the Northland. One can easily google information
about Dr. Nelson whose research is described by an ABC reporter who talked to
her about it:
" “We came here to video these cute bears, but it turns out the science behind
this study is solid,” said ABC reporter Neal Karlinsky. Dr. Nelson’s work
focuses on cardiac changes in bears during hibernation. “The anatomy of a
grizzly bear is close to that of a human,” said Nelson. “If we can learn how
the heart recovers from hibernation, then we may unlock secrets that will help
human patients suffering from heart disease.”
It is also thought that if we can find how hibernation is initiated, that
people who suffer severe injuries may be able to be given a drug that mimics
the trigger so that the person may be able to survive longer as they are being
transported to emergency care.
One of the very first things I emphasize with my Intro Psych students is the
importance of basic research which some describe as a waste of time and money.
Might be a good book to write: "Basic research on silly sounding things that
have saved lives and improved the life of humans"
This is the reason I used to get so ticked off about the "Golden Fleece Awards"
of Sen. Proxmire.
(I feel better now.)
Bob Wildblood, PhD, HSPP
Lecturer in Psychology
Indiana University Kokomo
Kokomo, IN 46904-9003
[EMAIL PROTECTED], [EMAIL PROTECTED]
We have in fact, two kinds of morality, side by side: one which we preach, but
do not practice, and another which we practice, but seldom preach. -Bertrand
Russell, philosopher, mathematician, author, Nobel laureate (1872-1970)
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