Americas science problem

We have presidential candidates who dont believe in science! he lamented,referring to the current field of Republican contenders for the 2012 elections. I mean,just think about it,can you imagine a company of any size in the world where the CEO said,oh I dont believe in science and that person surviving to the end of that day? Are you kidding me? Its mind-boggling!

It is a comment that many observers might echo,particularly scientists. For while Bloomberg did not specify whom he considers to be mind-boggling,the list of targets is long. Thus far,just three of the eight potential Republican candidates have declared that they believe in the scientific basis for evolution. The rest have either hedged or like Rick Perry claimed that evolution is just a theory that is out there8230; but its got some gaps in it. Meanwhile,Michele Bachmann has called for creationism to be taught.

Newt Gingrich has cast doubt on stem-cell research,Herman Cain has questioned whether there is any scientific evidence behind homosexuality,and most candidates have queried climate change. Indeed,whenever any candidate has defended evidence-based science,they have suffered a backlash.

In some senses,this is not surprising. A recent survey by the National Science Foundation found that only 45 per cent of Americans supported evolution.

Last month,New Scientist magazine warned that science was under unprecedented intellectual attack in the US. When candidates for the highest office in the land appear to spurn reason,embrace anecdote over scientific evidence,and even portray scientists as the perpetrators of a massive hoax,there is reason to worry, it thundered. Some 40,000 scientists have now joined Science Debate. There is an entire generation of students today who have been taught that there is no objective truth who think that science is just another opinion, says Shawn Lawrence Otto,the lobby groups co-founder.

This is paradoxical. Historically,science has commanded respect in America. It was Abraham Lincoln who founded the National Academy of Sciences,and during the cold war there was heavy investment in science. Innovation continues to be worshipped think Apples iPad.

Nothing causes more fear among politicians than the idea that the US is falling behind countries such as China in science. And another recent survey by the National Science Foundation showed that more than half of Americans considered scientists to have a prestigious profession,a higher rating than bankers,doctors,politicians and priests.

Why? Some observers might blame this paradox on the rise of the religious right: while the craft of science might be respected,its conclusions are not. Others point to powerful commercial concerns such as oil attacking science they dislike. Another line of thinking blames the polarisation of the political class.

Otto is now urging scientists not to shun the Republican party. It would be nice to think or hope it could make a difference.