Sunday 29 November 2015

Day 2 - 332 -- No Life without Science

Tonight I found an interesting program on television. On a major network in primetime, there was a 1-hour special highlighting winners of the Breakthrough Prize. The awards were provided in the areas of basic physics, life sciences and mathematics. A youth award was given to a high-school student with a smaller prize for his teacher and a lab upgrade for the school. It surprised me to see an award show for science covered in a televised awards ceremony -- to say nothing of it being broadcast in primetime -- complete with actors and singers clad in tuxes and formal dresses!

Science in all its forms has taken many punches in recent years. Research grants and the projects they support are often seen as frivolous unless there is a potential patent at stake. Many life science studies will never result in a marketable product, but they do help us to understand how people make food choices, understand the connection between behaviour and health and how people experience treatment. Basic science has led to understanding of the genetic basis of disease, metabolism of nutrients and methods of cell infections. While seemingly frivolous these studies lead to improved knowledge translation, making the treatment and health promotion processes much easier for non-professionals to navigate. Even studies of the history behind particular treatment processes can inform future treatment development. Without science, we certainly wouldn't have the tangibles like computers, smart phones, medications and such. Nor would we have access to health information, explanations of treatment options or practical understanding of science in everyday life.

The meanderings of my thoughts today brought me to a song about science. It deals with two well-known figures in field -- one from long ago and one from current day. The song provides a venue for these two scientists to face off and is a bit off the wall. Enjoy!

Sir Isaac Newton vs. Bill Nye - Epic Rap Battles of History -- 'Weird' Al Yankovic (ft. Neil DeGrasse Tyson)



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