Current and Past Polls
Both McCain and Obama endorse nuclear power. How should we treat nuclear as we look for alternatives to fossil fuels?
The Ig Nobel Prizes, sponsored by the publishers of the humorous science magazine Annals of Improbable Research, were awarded last week for "research that makes people laugh and then think." Are they a waste of time?
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Yes. Why does anyone care that dog fleas can jump higher than cat fleas?
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No, as long as the mathematics of knotted hair doesn't detract from curing cancer.
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It gets people excited about science. Who wouldn't be interested in learning that lap dancers earn more tips around the time they are most fertile?
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Absolutely not. If digging armadillos move artifacts, they could cause problems for archaeologists.
How excited are you about Android, Google's new T-Mobile smart phone?
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I have an iphone and I love it. It'll take a miracle to convert me.
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I have a cell phone that I can make and answer calls with. What more do I really need?
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Finally, something where I don't need itunes and I could use a pop-out keyboard.
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I am leashed into my company with a Blackberry. No need for two smart phones.
The city of Berkeley recently approved city-backed loans for homeowners to install solar panels. The loans could total $22,000 and would be paid off over 20 years. Should other cities follow suit?
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Definitely. It's a great idea to support alternative energy like solar power.
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Yes. But, only on homes that are first weatherproofed, so they're inherently more energy efficient in the first place.
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Maybe. But, a better idea would be to support any form of alternative energy, since solar isn't always the best solution.
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No. This could be potentially disastrous if people get behind on loan payments, and cities are already strapped for cash.
Which science-based topic is most important to you when deciding which candidate to support in the presidential election?
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Alternative energy
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Climate change
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Health care
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Stem cells
On September 10 the Large Hadron Collider at CERN will make its long-anticipated debut, to the dismay of some people who fear catastrophic consequences. What do you think of the LHC?
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It's great. I want to find a Higgs boson!
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It's dangerous. Scientists can't be sure it won't cause miniature black holes or other disasters.
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Scientists won't learn anything new. It's a giant waste of time and money.
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What's all the fuss about? It's just a crazy physics experiment.
This year the US Olympic swim team competed in controversial swimsuits with almost no drag. That, along with steroids, highlights the influence of science on modern sport. Do you think scientific advances should be kept out of sports?
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No! I want to see faster runners, more home runs and wrestlers the size of grizzlies.
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Maybe, just make sure the beach volleyball players don't look any different.
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Yes, nerds run everything these days, the jocks need something to be good at.
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Absolutely, anything other than wrestling naked on the steps of the Acropolis runs counter to the spirit of the Olympics.
A recent study found Malaysian tree shrews eat mostly fermented fruit nectar with an alcohol content similar to beer but don't get drunk. Do you wish you had this ability?
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No way! I like the buzz that comes with my beer.
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Maybe. Depends how delicious fermented flower buds of the bertam palm are.
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Sure, then someone could study me and find out how my body is breaking down alcohol so effectively.
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Definitely. Constant drinking without getting drunk or waking up hung over? Sign me up!
Last week, a prominent scientist penned a memo warning about increased cancer risks from using cell phones too much, though research has shown that electromagnetic field-making products are apparently safe. What do you think?
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The danger from cell phones is an urban legend. We would have seen problems already.
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Until there’s some evidence, best not to be alarmist, though a degree of caution is warranted. Maybe use a landline for long calls.
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Holding a device that generates electromagnetic fields to the side of the brain is a bad idea, so I limit my cell phone use whenever possible.
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Down the road, cell phones will be right up there with cigarettes in terms of people getting sick amidst corporate deception.
Last Wednesday, the Interior Department opened for drilling 2.6 million acres of Alaskan territory, which potentially hold 3.7 billion barrels of oil. It deferred deciding on 600,000 acres of wetlands. What’s your take?
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The entire area should have been opened up. We need to stop relying on foreign oil.
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It was a good compromise, balancing conservation with our own energy needs.
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Much more of the area should have been conserved. Drilling in Alaska should be a last resort.
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None of the area should have been approved for drilling. We should focus instead on developing renewable sources of energy.
The Dutch government has passed a law banning Iranian citizens from graduate courses in rocketry and nuclear technology. Is this a good idea?
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Yes. Iran’s nuclear capability is a real threat already; we don’t need them to bolster their expertise.
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Yes. The Dutch are just going along with the West’s attempts to corral any possibility of Iran developing nukes.
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No, this is harsh. It’s not fair to withhold education from anyone.
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No. Iran insists its nuclear program is civilian-only. The students would be learning ways to improve their country’s energy efficiency.
In December, the EPA emailed a document to the White House saying greenhouse gases must be regulated. The White House ignored it, and now the EPA is set to release a weakened report. What's your take?
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The Bush administration needs to wake up to the reality of climate change.
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The EPA was wrong to cut information from the original report detailing the huge economic benefits of regulating motor vehicle emissions.
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The EPA should focus on other pollutants, not greenhouse gases.
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At this point we might as well wait for the next administration to step up to the task.
Last week the Supreme Court reduced Exxon Mobil's obligation of punitive damages to Alaskans affected by the 1989 oil spill to $500 million. Was that fair?
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Yes. It was an accident so the company shouldn't have to take responsibility.
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Yes, but only because the company has already spent over $2 billion cleaning up the spill site, in addition to compensation fees.
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No. They let an alcoholic drive the tanker, so they should pay the original $5 billion in punitive damages.
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Not at all. This horrible environmental disaster killed hundreds of thousands of birds and marine mammals, and harmed the local economy.
Google Health was recently launched to help patients organize and store their personal health records online. Will you opt in?
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No way. Google has too much of my information as it is.
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I'll wait and see how well the Nationwide Health Information Network works, along with President Bush's goal for most people to have access to electronic records by 2014.
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Probably. As long as it remains ad-free.
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Absolutely. It's a great way to keep doctors informed of my health and could prevent mistakes or unnecessary tests.
An artist who used biological materials and lab equipment in his performance art, was acquitted of fraud charges last month. The bacteria he had were completely harmless. But what if they hadn't been? Should the public be allowed to freely buy and use biological materials?
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No way. Bioterrorism is scary stuff.
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Only equipment that is completely safe and can't be used for evil.
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Yes. The public should have the same access to bacteria and chemicals as scientists.
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It doesn't matter. Anyone can order the genes to make viruses over the Internet so we're all doomed anyway.
Presidential candidate John McCain recently released his medical records, even though the candidates are not legally required to open up to the public about their health. Should they be?
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Of course not. Public figures give up enough privacy already.
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No, but they should be encouraged to volunteer the information.
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Only about really dangerous conditions or diseases.
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Yes. Voters have a right to know.
Scientists recently placed a gene from the extinct Tasmanian tiger into a live mouse. Is it a good idea to tinker with the DNA of departed creatures?
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Absolutely, especially if human beings made the life form extinct. Even though it’ll take an enormous amount of research, we ought to try to bring back what we carelessly wiped out.
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Yes. We can learn about what made these animals unique, and the venture may turn up useful information, like germ-fighting abilities.
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Not really. Altering the genomes of living beings, even in a lab, is unlikely to yield many benefits and is ethically questionable.
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No. Even with the best intentions, we should leave extinct creatures alone. Don’t you remember Jurassic Park?
Polar bears will be protected under the Endangered Species Act, but new oil and gas ventures will still be allowed in their habitat. Should these animals be protected?
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No. It sets a dangerous precedent because so many species could be considered endangered by global warming.
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Yes. It's time to sue coal power plants for raising temperatures and hurting the bears.
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It's an empty gesture. This won't change anything.
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We should focus on species that are on the brink of extinction, not just the cute, fuzzy ones.
PETA recently announced a $1 million contest for someone to develop commercially viable artificial meat by 2012. Is this a good idea?
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Yes. Since meat takes so much energy to produce, anything to help cut carbon emissions should be explored.
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Maybe. But only if it actually tastes like real chicken or beef.
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No. This should not be rushed to the market until we know if it is safe.
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No. The last thing Americans need is another processed food.
The Canadian government recently declared that bisphenol-a, an ingredient widely used in plastic, is toxic. Will you try to limit your contact with this chemical?
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Even though I don't need a shatter-proof water bottle, I can't live without my old Nalgene!
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Hmm, I'll wait and see what the U.S. says before I stop consuming canned food.
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There isn't much I can do. The chemical is in many can linings.
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I've already forked over $20 for a new metal water bottle.
The Bush administration recently waived more than 30 laws that blocked an anti-immigration fence in sensitive areas along the U.S.-Mexico border. What's your take?
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The border should be secured immediately. We can't wait years for environmental red tape to clear.
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Illegal immigrants do more damage to the environment than the fence will by leaving trash and human waste.
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Environmental laws shouldn't be disregarded under any circumstances.
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Why are we building a fence again?
The discovery of the oldest human feces in the New World means humans arrived in the Americas earlier than previously thought. What else would you like to learn about early Americans from their poo?
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How much mammoth did they eat?
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Were they more regular than contemporary Americans?
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How did it become preserved for so long?
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Not sure, but I'm going to be eating less corn around archaeologists from now on.
The National Academy of Sciences and many other groups are calling for a presidential debate that will focus solely on science, technology and environmental topics. What do you think about this idea?
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I'm all for it, these are important issues not covered in past debates.
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Sounds like a good idea in theory...but who gets to decide the questions?
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Seems like a waste of time. People can just go online to read the candidates positions on these topics.
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I'm against it. The candidates should stay focused on more pressing issues like the economy, Iraq and healthcare.
NASA plans to return astronauts to the moon by 2020, costing taxpayers about $100 billion. Is it worth the hefty price tag?
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No. The Cold War is over. What a waste of money!
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No. There are more pressing problems right now on planet Earth.
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Yes. Basic exploration of the solar system will lead to practical benefits.
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As Buzz Lightyear says, "To infinity and beyond!" Let's colonize Mars!
Recently, Doritos announced a contest for fans to send the first commercial broadcast to outer space. Is this an appropriate use of radio waves?
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Yes, I love Doritos and everything they do!
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Who cares? There's nothing out there anyway.
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Well, we should be sending something out there now that Carl Sagan is out of the game.
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It will be a sad, sad day when the aliens come for Cool Ranch Doritos.
Recently in Europe, a series of "kiddie" cell phone ads has aroused health concerns over the intended age for these electronics. Would you buy a six-year-old a cell phone?
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Sure. Cell phones can help children socialize, and also come in handy in emergency.
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No. I'm more concerned about children's health, especially during such critical stages of their brain development.
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No. It's just one more thing for my children to get addicted to.
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Maybe, but I would wait until more health studies are available.
The White House has threatened to veto an energy bill that would take $17 billion in tax credits away from oil and give it to renewable energy companies. What do you think?
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It should be approved. We need to support alternative energy, not oil companies.
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I don't think oil or alternative energy companies should get tax credits. The market should decide.
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The President should veto the bill if it's going to result in higher gas prices.
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I support alternative energy, but subsidies to oil companies should not be completely cut for now.
The USDA recently issued the nation's largest beef recall after a video surfaced showing violent treatment of sick cows. Do you think about animal welfare when you shop for meat?
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I try to buy locally raised and processed meats whenever possible for reasons of safety and ethics.
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No. As long as it's not tainted, I don't care.
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Um… I'm a vegetarian.
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I don't want sick cows to get hurt, but I honestly don't really think about where my beef comes from.
As commercial DNA testing becomes cheaper and readily available, more people are testing their own DNA to discover their hidden ancestry. Do you ever plan to do this?
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Actually, I already have.
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I plan to in the future.
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No. I don't have any interest in my genetic ancestry.
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No. I'm worried my genetic information could fall into the wrong hands.
Most roses in the U.S. come from Latin America, where the pesticides used pollute the environment and affect workers' health. Are you considering organic flowers for your Valentine?
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No. It's not like we eat them, so I don't care.
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Maybe. If they are as big and beautiful as other roses I would consider it.
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Yes. It's the least I can do to reduce pollution and encourage a growing industry.
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I'm going further and buying roses certified "sustainable" because that means better working conditions, too.
February is American Heart Month, and the American Heart Association urges everyone to know their heart numbers. Do you know yours?
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I don't even know what heart numbers are.
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Sort of. I try to eat healthy and my doctor checks my cholesterol.
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Of course. Heart disease is the number one killer and I keep a close eye on my LDL, HDL, blood pressure and weight.
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No. I'm eating bacon, watching TV and taking my chances.
The New York Times reported that high levels of mercury were found in tuna sushi sold in Manhattan stores and restaurants. Will this affect your sushi consumption?
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Yes. I'm very concerned by these findings and will cut back considerably.
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Kind of. I'm not too worried, but I'll order other fish until there is more data about sushi tuna.
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No. The nutritional benefits still outweigh the risks.
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No. I prefer my fish cooked anyway.
Meat and milk from cloned animals is safe to eat, according to a recent U.S. Food and Drug Administration report. Would you eat it?
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No way. I think it’s creepy and it may not be best for the animals.
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Will I have a choice? Unfortunately, the FDA doesn’t even plan to label these products.
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Probably. I’ll wait and see if more data crop up, since the technology won’t hit grocery store shelves for awhile.
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Absolutely. I want to drink the milk of cloned prize dairy cows.
A recent study found flu viruses are more stable and can survive in the air longer when it is cold and dry outside. Do you find that you get sick more often during ‘flu season’?
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Yes. Once the weather drops below 40, I’m a goner.
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Sometimes. Some years I’m more susceptible to getting the flu – it all depends on what’s going on in my life.
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No. My immune system is rock hard, impervious to these ruthless agents regardless of the outside temperature.
At least one in 12 patients who die were diagnosed incorrectly, according to a recent analysis. Should doctors be required to use computer programs that help in diagnosis?
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No. Doctors are already too busy and need more personal interaction with patients.
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Sometimes. Doctors should use them on puzzling cases.
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Always. Doctors should use everything available to avoid making dire mistakes.
From Internet shopping to electronic gift cards, technology is a huge part of the holidays. How did it impact your celebrations this year?
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Greatly. My computer required a matrix-like attachment for the season. I checked flight times, bought tickets, and ignored my family with the Internet.
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Somewhat. I shopped online and received an iPod, but my eggnog, tree, and menorah were all analog.
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Not much. I used the GPS on my sleigh to get to Grandma's house, but that was it.
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Not at all. I whittled all my presents, made my own diya from gee for Diwali, and brought my own broom to the Solstice.
The U.N. Climate Change Conference in Bali recently finished with a deal that doesn't have any hard targets for emissions reductions. What's your take?
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The Kyoto Protocol didn't accomplish much - some countries didn't even reach targets, so why bother with another one?
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This new treaty is still too flexible on China and developing countries and needs to set targets to be taken seriously.
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The Bali meeting wasn't that productive but at least they finally addressed deforestation in developing countries.
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The U.S. should be leading the way for emissions reductions, regardless of what developing countries are doing.
The winter season in the Northern Hemisphere officially starts on December 22nd, marked by the winter solstice –the shortest day and longest night of the year. How will you celebrate?
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- I will take a moment to cosmically orient myself and ponder the eight minutes it took for sunlight, what little of it there is, to reach me here on Earth.
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- Celebrate? More like hibernate. But at least the days will be getting longer.
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- Stonehenge-style, baby – nothing like a good excuse for a pagan party. Christmas is linked in history to the yearly observance of the solstice anyway!
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- Like I celebrated the last one – panicked, last-minute holiday shopping in the dark.
Do you think research should continue on embryo-derived stem cells even though they can now be produced from skin cells?
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Yes, we should explore all avenues of research.
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Yes, but only in cases where skin cells cannot be used.
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No, I am morally opposed to the use of embryonic stem cells.
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Not sure. We need to know more before making the switch from embryonic stem cells.
According to a new study by the National Audubon Society, 178 bird species are under threat in the United States, a nearly 10 percent increase since 2002. What are the best ways to save the birds?
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We should cut energy use and slow global warming to make sure climate change isn't affecting habitat loss and migration patterns.
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The government should pour more resources into curbing and preventing invasive species that threaten these birds.
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More habitats should be set aside and breeding grounds should be better protected by law.
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The damage is irreversible, there's simply nothing to be done.
Thanksgiving turkeys gobbled away more money this year because of rising corn prices. Instead of plumping up your dinner, corn is increasingly aimed at making ethanol. How should we balance its use?
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Pass the Tofurkey! We need to focus our corn fields on alternative energy.
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Amp up our production of corn so we have enough to escape fossil fuel dependence and feed the animals.
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Let’s look into alternate sources of ethanol, like wood wastes and other plant materials, so my poultry, beef and pork will cost less.
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Ethanol isn’t efficient or environmentally sound enough. Solar and wind power are the way to go.
Researchers recently reported that for the first time they successfully cloned embryos from a male rhesus macaque monkey. As stem cell research advances, how do you think this science should be used?
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I have a few people in mind that I’d like to clone.
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I think it should only be used for medical purposes, like organ transplants and tissue engineering, but full humans should never be cloned.
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I don’t mind eating cloned bacon and I think it could be useful to repopulate endangered species, but it should not be used on humans.
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I think cloning of any kind is unethical.
An Australian company is planning on dumping large amounts of urea, a nitrogen-rich chemical, into the sea near the Philippines to create an algae bloom to absorb CO2. Is this a good idea?
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Yes, anything that could cut carbon in the atmosphere should be given a try.
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Maybe, but only if there is an international regulatory agency to oversee this and other geo-engineering schemes.
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No, there’s not enough research on this method, and urea and other nitrogen fertilizers from agricultural run-offs have been linked to toxic algae blooms.
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No way. No one knows if this will work so there is no reason to play Russian roulette with our oceans.
In recent years, flu vaccines have been criticized for contaminations and their lack of ability to protect from the avian flu. Will you be getting a flu shot this year?
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Yes. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.
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Maybe. I’m not in one of the high risk groups, so it doesn’t seem like an absolute necessity.
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No. It doesn’t specifically protect me from that nasty avian flu.
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I’ve never gotten a flu shot and I don’t see the need for one.
DNA pioneer James Watson recently resigned from his New York Lab after saying Africans are less intelligent than Europeans. Was quitting the right thing to do?
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Absolutely. Watson has a history of making absurd comments. This is the last straw.
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Yes. Why was he still at the lab anyway? He'll be 80 next spring!
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No. Watson transformed the Cold Spring Lab into a prominent research institution. His controversial remarks draw attention to scientific issues.
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No. He took responsibility by apologizing. He deserves another chance!
New research shows that people let gossip overpower personal observation, throwing a new element - manipulation - into the evolutionary social game. Do you rely on gossip?
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I rely on my own observations.
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I am only suspicious of gossip if I don’t know the source.
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I rely on positive gossip only – I think negative is more manipulative.
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It’s impossible to keep track of everyone. Gossip rules!
New research shows that people let gossip overpower personal observation, throwing a new element - manipulation - into the evolutionary social game. Do you rely on gossip?
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I rely on my own observations.
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I am only suspicious of gossip if I don’t know the source.
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I rely on positive gossip only – I think negative is more manipulative.
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It’s impossible to keep track of everyone. Gossip rules!
Phoenix Airport began testing a “millimeter wave” machine that creates a 3D image of passengers undergoing secondary screening. Would you prefer this screening to the usual metal detectors and pat-downs?
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I don’t care what they screen me with, as long as it’s faster and improves airport security.
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Sure beats having a stranger running their hands over me.
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This is like a virtual strip search – no thanks!
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I want to know more before I go anywhere near this machine.
The current administration is often accused of waging a "war on science." Clinton recently said she would protect science from politics. Which realm of science do you think has been mishandled the most?
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Climate Research
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Stem Cell Research
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Evolution
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Science hasn't suffered one bit...
Sputnik, the first satellite ever put into orbit, celebrates the 50th anniversary of its launch this week. Half a century later, what should the next goal for man's exploration of space be?
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Put a man on Mars
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Revisit the moon
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Continue satellite exploration of exoplanets
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Research to overcome radiation so space travel is safer
Some carriers of “cancer genes” have their breasts, ovaries or pancreas removed preventively. Would you accept mastectomy, infertility or diabetes to gain lessened cancer risk?
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No way! I’m not choosing organ removal to reduce the risk of something that might not happen.
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Maybe, if I’d had kids already or thought I could handle diabetes.
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For some organs, definitely not, but maybe for others.
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Yes. Cancer can kill. If I was genetically predisposed, I'd want to reduce my risk any way I could.
According to figures released by the government this week, American life expectancy has risen to an average of 78 years. How long do you expect to live?
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With the way surgery is advancing, I’ll live to be 100 - even if I need a new hip!
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Regular access to medical care and maintaining an organic-rich diet is going to help me reach 85 or 90.
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Carcinogens, chemicals, and environmental pollutants are all around us, but I'm hoping to see 75.
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I try to eat healthy and exercise, but in reality, I don't think I’ll make it past 60.
Last week The Sleep Council said teens get 4 to 7 hours of “junk sleep” per night. Electronics in bedrooms keep teens up late and prevent quality sleep. Do you have too many gadgets in your bedroom?
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I can’t fall asleep without the TV on, the alarm clock set, my cell phone on silent next to me and my laptop close by so I can read the news first thing in the morning.
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I leave the iPod and computer in the living room, but I just mounted the 32-inch flat screen TV on the bedroom wall and I’ll never go back!
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I prefer to keep gadgets to a minimum in my bedroom. I only have an alarm clock – but it does play music.
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The bedroom is my place of Zen – the only electric device is the light on my bedside stand.
A recent study found that videos geared toward infants like ‘baby Einstein,’ and even ‘Sesame Street’ might lower a baby’s vocabulary. What do you think of young children’s shows?
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Big bird is a part of childhood. I want my baby to experience him.
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I’m busy and having my baby watch shows lets me get a lot of work done.
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I don’t care what the latest study says. I know my child will be safe if he or she is inside watching educational videos.
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I’m against them. I want my child to learn from me - not fictional characters.
South Korea's Hwang Woo-Suk didn’t clone human embryo stem cells as he claimed, but he did get unfertilized eggs to divide into stem cells - which may solve ethical concerns. Who should get credit?
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Dr. Hwang. Although he didn’t realize his scientific feat at the time, maybe this can salvage his reputation.
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The Harvard researchers who studied and discovered Hwang’s cells. Without their work, we wouldn’t know how valuable the cells might be.
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Hwang’s attempt at scientific fraud is too serious. He lost the right to any stem cell glory.
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Stem cells that don’t come from embryos? Who cares about credit, let’s take those cells and save lives with them!
A NASA health panel found “heavy use of alcohol” by astronauts within 12 hours of launch. In two cases, flight surgeons and other astronauts voiced concerns – yet the astronauts were still cleared to fly. What action should NASA take?
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This is the tip of the iceberg, and NASA needs to make institutional changes to safeguard the psychological health of astronauts.
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NASA should have better systematic surveillance of its astronauts prior to launch, and screen out any who are unfit for the mission.
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This is an individual problem for a few astronauts, and NASA should take whatever action it needs to in those cases.
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Lay off the astronauts – who wouldn’t need a drink when flying into space on giant rockets?
This summer, some kids will spend part of their summer holidays at environmental, science or space camps. Are such programs a good way to inspire future scientists?
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Yes. There is nothing like experiencing science firsthand.
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Maybe, but the kids attending the camps are probably pre-disposed to science anyway.
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No, they are just a handy way to get kids out of their parents' hair for a while.
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Doubtful, it seems like few people care about the future.
Was LiveEarth a shot ‘heard round the world,’ starting a green revolution?
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Yes, I feel energized; I’ve already sold my car and bought a bike.
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Kinda, the show made me want to recycle, but I haven’t started, yet.
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No, a concert will not make people greener.
Lucy, the oldest known human skeleton, will soon be touring the US for the first time on exhibit. But some experts say the 3.2 million year old bones are too fragile to travel. Do you think the famed fossil should be put on display?
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Yes, she is an important part of history.
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Perhaps, but only if the bones are properly handled.
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No, her remains should stay in Ethiopia so not to cause any damage.
Scientists have genetically engineered enzymes that can cut HIV's DNA out of human cervical cells, as reported in Science this week. Should discoveries like these be fast-tracked to look for disease cures?
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Yes! Funding for studies should be more dynamic so successful projects get priority.
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This is the result of only one study. It should be independently replicated before funding is shifted.
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No, changing funding for other studies could slow potential for even better cures.
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No. More funding should be spent getting known treatments to infected people.
Researchers in Hong Kong have taught cockroaches to salivate in response to stimuli - like Ivan Pavlov and his classical conditioning experiments with dogs. What’s the most fascinating part of this story?
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Cockroaches can react to neutral stimuli the same way that dogs and humans do. I guess there’s a lot more going on in an insect’s brain than I thought!
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There have been other conditioned responses in cockroaches, but this is the first response that doesn’t involve head movement, which could reveal a lot about a cockroach’s brain.
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Apparently, cockroaches can salivate. I had no idea!
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Stem cell research is progressing, astronauts are in space, and instead we’re talking about drooling cockroaches. There can’t be any scientific value in knowing this sort of thing.
A recent study found antibiotic-resistant infections are on the rise in communities outside hospitals – prisons, public housing projects, etc. Is it finally time to get rid of antibacterial products?
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Yes. We've reached the threshold, and we have to be pro-active about this before the bacteria become unstoppable.
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Possibly. Some exposure to germs is good, and I'm not sure antibacterial hand sanitizers work that well anyway.
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Probably not. I've gotten used to antibacterial soap, and I'm not ready to change.
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No. Getting rid of antibacterial products would be overreacting. Scientists can just come up with new drugs to fight the resistant bacteria.
Ecuador’s President Correa just announced that he would halt oil drilling in the Amazon if other nations would compensate his country. Do you think this could save the rainforest?
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A. Yes, and first-world nations have the responsibility to help nations with essential resources, like the Amazon.
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B. Perhaps. Ecuador is only one of the Amazonian countries, and success would require careful monitoring.
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C. Maybe. Many more issues would need to be addressed (logging, ranching) before the rainforest could be saved.
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D. No. I think the situation is dire: between droughts from global warming and other human activities, this is just a drop in the rainforest.
Recently the U.S. issued the first quarantine since 1963 to a man with a drug-resistant form of Tuberculosis, XDR TB. Who’s to blame for allowing him to travel and possibly infect others?
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Andrew Speaker, the traveler. He should have been more cautious knowing he had a drug-resistant disease.
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Local county health officials. They shouldn’t have led Speaker to believe it was safe to travel abroad.
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The Center for Disease Control since they advised him not to travel but did not stop him from doing so.
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The whole thing was a misunderstanding and no one is to blame.
Back in November 2006, Wal-Mart announced their goal to sell 100 million compact fluorescent light bulbs (CFLs) by the end of 2007. Have you switched out the bulbs in your house yet?
-
Yes, I’ve switched all my bulbs to reduce carbon emissions and save money on my electricity bill.
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I’ve installed a couple CFLs, but I’m not ready to make a complete switch yet.
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CFLs may save money in energy costs in the long-run, but I’m short on cash now. I’ll stick with the incandescent bulbs as long as they’re cheaper.
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CFLs may last longer and use less energy than traditional bulbs, but I’m more concerned about the environmental impact of the mercury they contain. I’ll wait until they become standard.
Advanced prosthetics allow disabled athletes, like the South African double-amputee sprinter Oscar Pistorius, to compete at high levels. Should the Olympic Committee allow these individuals to play?
-
No. Prosthetics are becoming so sophisticated that they should be considered enhancers just like steroids.
-
No. Physical competitions become meaningless when you're up against drastically different body-types.
-
Why not. Every athlete was born with physical advantages, but it's their determination and will-power that get them to the starting line.
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Yes. If you let transsexuals compete, you should have to let disabled people as well.
A company has created a soap infused with caffeine. Bathing with “Shower Shock“ is equivalent to drinking 2 cups of coffee, except the caffeine is absorbed through the skin. Would you use it?
-
Definitely! No sense in waiting for coffee to brew.
-
Yes, but only occasionally. I like starting my day with a cup of Joe.
-
Probably not. Soaking caffeine up through my skin doesn't seem healthy.
-
No way. Nothing can substitute for my Starbucks.
Based on what you know about the effects of truth serums from this week’s Ask Scienceline, do you agree with their use in interrogations?
-
a. Yes. We should use every means available to us to uncover crimes.
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b. Yes, it seems there are some circumstances that could warrant it, and it’s only a little stronger than booze.
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c. No, intel from drugged prisoners is so unreliable it’s not worth trying.
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d. No, drugging prisoners is just a mild form of poisoning them, and that’s torture.
More car manufacturers are making keyless cars. A remote unlocks the doors and sends a signal to the ignition. You start the engine by pushing a button on the dashboard. Would you buy such a car?
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Absolutely. I'm always misplacing my car keys.
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Maybe, as long as it works and the security system's not too complicated.
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Probably not. They cost more than the cars that use keys.
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Never. I like turning a key to start the ignition, not pushing a button.
If the Endangered Species Act is revised as has been discussed, the manatee may be removed from the endangered species list and instead become a threatened species. Does this make sense to you?
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No. This year 416 manatees died - the highest number in thirty years. This is the worst time to reclassify the manatee.
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No. If the manatees' status is changed, it could mean less boat regulation – which may lead to more manatee deaths due to collisions with boat propellers.
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Yes. The manatees’ population is gradually increasing and they are living well into adulthood. It's not great news, but I can see the reasoning.
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Who knows, I've never seen a manatee.
Montana is suing Eli Lilly for improperly promoting the drug Zyprexa, causing harm to patients in nursing homes. But should doctors be held responsible for adverse reactions to off-label drugs?
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No, prescribing off-label is an accepted practice. In a culture of litigation, there’s no need to make it worse.
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No, it’s not the doctor’s fault, but Montana has the right idea - sue the drug company instead!
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Maybe, if the doctor didn’t tell the patient they were prescribing for an unapproved use of a drug.
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Yes. Off-label prescriptions can be dangerous, and physicians should be held responsible if something goes wrong.
A study by a University of Cambridge researcher found that a workplace that tries to have a "culture of fun," actually breeds more cynicism. Would you like it if your office had weekly game time?
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I'd quit. Work is called work for a reason.
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I'd grudgingly partake at a holiday party, and may even smile.
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I don't like scavenger hunts, but I'm down for the limbo!
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Weekly staff meetings with board games (Life!) would make me a much more attached to my job.
This week, scientists said this has been the warmest winter in the past decade. How concerned are you about the impact of warmer winters?
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Very! Warmer winters might destroy fragile ecosystems.
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Mildly concerned. Winters may be warming, but I'm tepid on the issue.
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Not at all. Bring on the heat and bust out the sunscreen - I want a tan!
At a recent WHO meeting, researchers suggested giving up the fight to eradicate polio and focus only on containing the virus. Do you think we should:
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Abandon the fight. We should spend our tax dollars on more pressing issues.
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Continue with the current budget and plan. There are only 2000 cases of polio in the world now - that is a big success.
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Push for more money from the government. We put a lot of resources into the eradication plan and we should finish it.
A Phoenix airport was the first in the U.S. to use a security machine with low-power X-rays that penetrate clothes but not skin to gain images of what’s beneath. Do you support using such devices?
-
a) Absolutely. Whatever it takes to make the skies secure is fine by me.
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b) Maybe, as long as it’s safe and images of my disrobed derrière don’t end up on the internet.
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c) Probably not. Sounds like an invasion of privacy to me - if I wanted airport security to see the goods, I’d streak through the terminal.
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d) No way. I don’t want to be exposed to extra radiation, low power or not.
Recently, the fashion industry has been blamed for anorexia. But a study has “pretty conclusively” found that genes leave people sususceptible to anorexia. Do you blame fashion for anorexia?
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Yes, because the fashion industry promotes an unhealthy ideal.
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It probably exacerbates an already existing eating disorder.
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No, anorexia is a disease that has nothing to do with fashion.
How many times have you been in love?
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Just once.
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Two or three. It depends on how generous I'm feeling.
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At least four - I'm an easy sell.
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I fall in love every Saturday for eight to twelve hours
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Never - love's for suckers!
The Senate may require open access to papers derived from government-funded research. Many science journals are against this. Should Congress require government-funded research be available online?
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Absolutely! If taxpayers are paying for the research, then the information should be available to everyone.
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Yes. Providing open access to published papers can only help future research.
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No. If you want to read about the latest scientific research, buy a science journal or purchase articles online.
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No way! Forcing researchers to publish in a government-sponsored database will allow the government too much control of scientific information.
In the State of the Union, President Bush said that the U.S. should diversify its energy supply and reform fuel economy standards by 2017. What impact do you think this will have on global warming?
-
A decrease. Fuel reduction paired with advancements in electric power, clean coal technology, and solar and wind energy will lead us in the right direction.
-
It may lead to a reduction. The goals set forth are ambitious and whether we can meet them or not remains to be seen.
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No impact. We need more stringent requirements to effectively reduce global warming.
-
Global warming will increase no matter what we implement.
Researchers are developing a birth control pill for men that lowers sperm counts to the level of infertility. Would you or your partner consider using it?
-
Definitely. I've always wanted men to have a more active role and now they can.
-
Maybe. But first you have to convince me this whole thing is reversible.
-
Probably not. Most men can hardly remember to call their mother on her birthday let alone take a pill every day.
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Forget it. There’s already a birth control pill that works. Why mess with a good thing?
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration recently issued a draft risk assessment indicating that meat and milk from cloned animals is safe to eat. Would you feel comfortable eating a cloned animal?
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a) Absolutely. I can’t wait to chow down on a delicious duplicate.
-
b) Perhaps, but I think I’ll wait until cloned consumables have been on the market for a while – just in case.
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c) No way. It seems like only yesterday that Dolly was a celebrity, and now we’re supposed to eat her?! Too weird for me.
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d) I’m vegan, so you won’t find me snacking on animals – carbon copy or not.
Anousheh Ansari, the Iranian space tourist who spent eight days on the International Space Station, said that she would like to return to space. If offered the chance to go to space, would you go?
-
Absolutely! When can I start my zero-G training?
-
Probably – I’ve always secretly wanted to be Captain Picard.
-
I don’t think so. The thought is alluring, but humans are meant to be on earth.
-
Definitely not. Put me at risk for radiation, space debris, and catastrophic crashes? I'll sit this one out.
Why are so few top scientists female, even though as many women obtain advanced science degrees as men?
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Women tend toward family life – once they marry and have children, they leave science and medicine.
-
The old boy’s network still exists – women have less support, mentoring and networking opportunities.
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Women have to perform better than their male counterparts to excel, and it’s just not possible to spend 70+ hours/week in a state of perfection.
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Lawrence Summers said it all – women just can’t do the math and aren’t suitable.
At least half of the world’s turtle species are considered endangered. More than a dozen species in Asia could be extinct in a decade if things don’t change. What should be done?
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Go over there and build the species back up with captive breeding programs.
-
The U.S. should take a firmer stance on international turtle trade – no more turtle soup!
-
Spread the word with half-nude celebrities, like Mexico’s Save the Sea Turtles campaign. Sex + Environmental Activism = Dynamite Ad Campaign
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Nothing. The turtles will either learn to adapt of they won’t.
A German company has reported they’ll start selling a spray-on condom in 2008. Would you try the elastic prophylactic?
-
Totally! I hate those bothersome wrappers.
-
Yes, but only because I’m strangely curious.
-
Maybe in 2010 when all the kinks are worked out.
-
No way, the only spray-on things I like are tattoos!
What do you think is the leading cause in the 20-year rise of reported asthma cases in the United States?
-
Increased air pollution
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More abundant allergies
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Growing Obesity
-
Nothing. Diagnostic techniques have improved.
A company is trying to get corporate funding to make what they call
"biojewelry," rings made out of bone cells abstracted from your significant other’s jaw. Would you buy one?
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FOR SURE! Nothing shows affection like my lover's bone cultured into a ring.
-
That's not so gross, Eve already came from Adam's rib.
-
Hmm, maybe I'll wait until my fifth marriage.
-
No, I think I'll stick to tattooing names onto my bicep.
What most influenced your vote in the recent midterm elections?
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Scientific issues (stem cell research, climate change, Arctic drilling, etc.)
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Domestic policy (the economy, social security, health care policy, taxes, etc.)
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Foreign policy (Iraq, relations with North Korea, relations with the U.N., etc.)
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I voted my party line.
NASA has announced a shuttle flight in 2008 that will repair the aging Hubble. Do you think this is money well spent?
-
Yes. The information we have gained from Hubble over the last 16 years has been invaluable, and there's still a lot to learn about our universe. It's a no brainer!
-
Yes. Repairing the Hubble telescope is wiser than spending money on sending probes to Mars.
-
No. The information collected from Hubble was great, but we should be spending federal funds on fixing the problems that beset our own world.
-
No. It’s been a great 16 years, but it's time to put Old Hubble out of its misery.
How will you (or did you) vote this Tuesday?
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Republican
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Democrat
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Green
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Independent
With the election a week away, how much confidence do you have in electronic voting machines?
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Between the security flaws and freezing screens, they're not worth it. Bring back paper ballots!
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Electronic machines are great, but should only be used when they are proven secure and reliable.
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The election will be fine. Voting machines problems won't affect outcomes.
-
Electronic machines increase efficiency and accuracy. Down with hanging chads!
The U.S. population hit 300 million last week, making America only the third nation, along with China and India, to pass that milestone. Your reaction?
-
Uh-oh. We have to find a way to slow the birth rate and immigration to stem population growth now.
-
This is unsustainable. We need to start finding new water and energy resources by any means.
-
Pop that champagne cork. We’re #3!
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I don’t know if this is sustainable, but we need to find out and start talking about it.
How political do you think the awarding of Nobel prizes in the sciences is?
-
Exceptionally. How else could American scientists have won all the science prizes this year?
-
About as much as the Miss America Pageant. Politics pervades everything.
-
Somewhat more than other science prizes because it’s much more prestigious.
-
Not at all. Science is an apolitical beast.
Have you started eating fresh spinach again?
-
Yes. I couldn’t wait to get the all-clear to eat it again.
-
Yes. But I’m still a little worried about safety.
-
No. Not until they fix the problem so that it won't get contaminated again.
-
No. Spinach is gross.
Last week, the New York City Health Department announced a plan to virtually eliminate trans fats from all the city's restaurants. Does the health department have the right to trim the fat?
-
Yes. Diners will be safer and healthier for it.
-
No. Eating is a matter of personal choice.
-
Undecided.
Wind power is growing as an alternative energy source. If your city planned to erect over 40 huge turbines, each over 250 ft tall, near your favorite scenic park, you’d say:
-
Go for it! Anything to cut down on burning fossil fuels!
-
No way! What an eyesore!
-
Sure. But only if that wind farm will lower my power bill.
Prominent environmentalists like James Lovelock and Greenpeace co-founder Patrick Moore are saying that we should turn to nuclear power to help slow climate change. Which T-shirt would you buy?
-
No Nukes! The risk of reactor meltdown and proliferation of bomb ingredients outweighs curbing greenhouse gas emissions.
-
No More Carbon! Nuclear power is clean, it's cheap, and in the next fifty years someone will figure out how to deal with the nasty waste.
-
Go nuclear... for now. Climate change is so serious a problem that we can't wait for widespread use of alternative energy technologies. We need to cut emissions now.
If the video of Steve Irwin's death is released to the public, will you watch it? (More info in this week's Ask Scienceline...)
California may soon become the first state to terminate the 70-yr-old federal ban on growing hemp. Should Governator Schwarzenegger make it legal to grow this industrially useful cousin of marijuana?
-
Ban it - hemp is a gateway crop to other illegal agriculture.
-
Pack it - with many regulations and inspections. The similarities between the plants are just too close to not be paranoid.
-
Blaze it - this sustainable crop will benefit both industry and the environment.
-
Smoke it - hemp, marijuana, whatever. Legalize it all. It'll be cool.
Pluto was recently demoted from ninth planet to “dwarf planet.” Do you think the International Astronomical Union was right to revoke Pluto’s planetary status?
-
Yes. Science prevailed. Historical and emotional attachment to a celestial body should not sway scientific decisions.
-
Yes. Pluto is one of several similarly sized objects in the Kuiper Belt. If we kept Pluto, we could wind up with a solar system of about 50 planets.
-
No. The change is not worth rewriting all those textbooks.
-
No. Our solar system should not be an exclusive club. They should’ve added Ceres, Charon, and Xena while they were at it.
Federal medical advisors have recently suggested relaxing rules against enrolling inmates in clinical drug trials, which currently only allow tests with minimal risk. Do you think this is ethical?
-
Yes. Let them enroll in any testing that may help the public.
-
Yes. But only if prisoners are fully aware of what the testing entails - especially health risks - and all testing is highly monitored.
-
No. Prisoners can be taken advantage of and may risk civil rights abuses.
-
No. This is just a way for pharmaceutical companies to save money on recruiting subjects.
Researchers are studying intestinal microbes that may contribute to obesity. Do you think their discoveries will change perspectives on obesity?
-
Yes. People will finally realize that weight control is not as simple as eating less and exercising more.
-
Minimally. Even when a genetic link to obesity was established, weight discrimination persisted.
-
It may make us more sympathetic to the plight of the obese.
-
No. The idea that obesity is inevitable will be reinforced.
Should we really be so against athletes who take performance enhancing drugs?
-
a) Yes. The side effects, like liver or heart damage, outweigh any benefits.
-
b) Yes. These athletes have an unfair advantage over competitors, and set a bad example for children.
-
c) No. Athletes have always relied on the latest science and technology to win.
-
d) No. If people can use Viagra and Ritalin to improve performance, why can't athletes use drugs to get an edge?
To conserve energy and avoid blackouts, how should lawmakers respond to heat emergencies?
-
Laws should be passed requiring companies and residents to keep thermostats above 78 degrees. Lawbreakers should be subject to criminal charges.
-
Laws should be passed requiring companies and residents to keep thermostats above 78 degrees, and lawbreakers should be subject to fines.
-
Governments should suggest effective ways of conserving energy but shouldn't force anybody to do anything.
-
I pay enough for my energy use, so I should be allowed to keep my workplace / home / doghouse as cold as I want it, thank you. Brrr!
The CDC is expected to publish guidelines instructing doctors to offer voluntary HIV testing to each of their 13–64 year old patients. Do you agree with such widespread testing?
-
No. The CDC's guidelines provide no means of ensuring that people who test positive gain access to counseling and treatment--a necessity before testing is expanded.
-
Yes. The more people who are aware of their HIV status, the better.
-
No. This information could lead to discrimination by the public, employers, or insurance providers.
-
No. We should focus our resources on testing in high risk populations.
If you were President Bush, how would you have handled the stem cell bill?
-
Veto - because we should not fund ANY stem cell research.
-
Veto - because we should only fund non-embryonic stem cell research.
-
Sign that baby!
-
Undecided -OR- What's a stem cell?
How should the U.S. government proceed in funding American manned space exploration?
-
Fire all engines! Full speed ahead! To the moon, to Mars, and beyond!
-
Stay the course. Maintain current level of funding.
-
Fire retro-boosters. Slowly decrease funding, phasing out manned space-flight.
-
Abandon ship! Forget manned space-flight. Let's deal with Earth-bound problems first.
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