Protecting the Integrity of Science ~ Mother Earth News

Today’s society faces unprecedented challenges, and we need accurate answers to many questions if we hope to make wise decisions about our future. Is global warming really happening? How fast is the Earth’s population growing? When will we run out of oil? The best way – probably the only way – to answer these vital questions is to rely on independent scientific research for guidance.
 

Over the past several centuries, science has enabled humans to do great things. But in recent history, a problem has developed. Interference, undue influence and big money from vested interests are tainting scientific research as our universities and government research centers. Our institutions are no longer able to ensure that their scientists have the independence and integrity that is essential to producing trustworthy scientific information.
 

. . . . . .Twenty-six corn researchers complained to the EPA that they do not have free access to study the controversial genetically engineered corn varieties now widely grown in the US . . . . . Sometimes permission is denied, or the companies insist on reviewing research before it is published . . . .
 

. . .The Union of Concerned Scientists. . . leading non-profit focused on this issue - -has issued several reports outlining problems at the EPA, the Food and Drug administration, the Fish and Wildlife Service and other agencies. . . .
 

. . University researchers report that they have to be careful about what work they choose to do, in case they anger the industries that often provide large donations to the universities, “Some projects could be career suicide for us” . . . . . . . . . At Harvard Medical School, students and faculty recently protested industry influence after it was revealed that 1,600 professors and lecturers had ties to businessess related to their academic work. . . . .
 

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Mother Earth News is hardly a “rightwing” publication. Yet, this article appeared in a recent issue - decrying both government and industry interference designed to protect somebody’s interests. So, are we just “truth deniers” if we don’t trust every bit of scientific jargon being sold today?
 

Marv