On a serious note . . .
I often write about the lighter side of science, or cover weird aspects of it. Today, I’d like to address something serious. As you may have heard, science is going through a tough time right now. Funding cuts to everything from cancer and Alzheimer’s research to weather forecasting are making it difficult for scientists to do their jobs. And one of their jobs is keeping us all safe and healthy.
When you think about it, there’s very little in your life that doesn’t depend on science in one way or another. When you get up in the morning and check the weather forecast — whether you get it from the Weather Channel, your phone, or the morning radio show — the data behind that forecast came from the National Weather Service (NWS) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), both federal agencies.
You or your loved ones may take medicines for blood pressure, for high cholesterol, for depression, or for some other illness or condition. The research that made those medicines possible was done by scientists at universities funded in large part by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), a federal agency. And the work they’re doing now will make future medical miracles possible.
You’re reading this on the internet. Much of the science that made the internet possible was supported by the National Science Foundation (NSF), a government agency, as well as by the US military. Have you ever had an MRI? The NSF was behind that technology. Do you take comfort in knowing that somebody somewhere is making sure your drinking water is free of contaminants? Yep, NSF-funded research is behind keeping our water clean, too.
I could go on, but if you’re reading this newsletter, you don’t need me to. You can probably make your own list of ways science makes all our lives better. However, it turns out there are some people who need reminding. If you can, please take a minute to call or email your representatives in Congress to remind them how much we need science.
Science is not abstract stuff. It’s a crucial part of our daily lives — often a life-saving part. And we will be far worse off if scientists can no longer afford to do their work.
’til next time,
Avery