Biology

Evolution: theory or Theory?

Scientists overwhelmingly support the Theory of Evolution. It provides a framework for the study of life and informs many current issues in science. It has been supported by an enormous quantity of research and is accepted by many religious organizations including the Catholic Church http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/religion/4588289/The-Vatican-claims-Darwins-theory-of-evolution-is-compatible-with-Christianity.html. Despite all this, it remains a consistently controversial topic in American culture. Why do you think this is? What do you think will have to happen for this topic to cease being controversial? What is the difference between a “theory” in every day speech and a “Theory” in science? Can a “Theory” ever become a fact?

Kissing Cousins

Watch this TED talk on bonobos, the closest living relative of human beings (along with chimpanzees). Both species are threatened by habitat destruction and hunting for bushmeat. What regulations are in place to protect chimps and bonobos in the wild? What restrictions are placed on treatment of bonobos and chimps in captivity, especially those used for psychological and biomedical research? Do you think these restrictions are too strict or not strict enough? Should the US give them basic human rights as Spain has done?

Jurassic Texas?

Australian scientists reported this spring that they had cloned embryos of the now-extinct gastric brooding frog. Though none of the embryos survived, it seems only a matter of time until de-extinction is a real possibility. What species would you like to see brought back? What are the potential benefits of this kind of research, and what kind of dangers could it bring?