With science under siege, I’m not giving up on truth, justice or liberation

My daughter, Leila, is brilliant, bright, empathetic and full of joy. She deserves a world where she is free to live, to dream, to exist without fear — a world where science is used to heal, not to harm. A world where policies are built for justice, not control. A world where she, and the generations that come after her, are seen, valued and protected.On Martin Luther King Day and Inauguration Day, I had the privilege of sharing the stage with renowned journalist Michele Norris, speaking with her about her revolutionary work as a journalist and founder of the award-winning Race Card Project. The Race Card Project invites individuals from all over the world to share six words that describe their experiences and ideas about race — six words that distill the weight of history, identity and hope into a single, powerful statement.That day, as we honored the legacy of the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., while also steeling ourselves for the challenges ahead, I shared my six words:My Black daughter will experience liberation.Those words are not just a hope. They are a declaration. A commitment. A revolution in itself.I write about science because I am a scientist. But what’s at stake is much is bigger than science.

Scientists used a computer to predict exactly when society will collapse

A group of scientists have used a computer to try and establish exactly when society will collapse, and the results are rather daunting.With artificial intelligence (AI) becoming more advanced every day, scientists are able to use technology to understand more about the future of humans and planet Earth.Unfortunately, for one group of scientists at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), this includes trying to calculate when society will cease to exist.A group of scientists have tried to establish exactly when society will collapse (Getty Stock Photo)Back in 1972, the team at MIT used computer modelling, which evaluated several data patterns relating to the likes of population, natural resources and energy use.After carrying out their research, the study was published by the Club of Rome, with the upcoming ‘limits to growth’ highlighted as what would cause the eventual collapse of human society.When did the study predict society would end? So when did it predict the end of society as we know it?Through this research, the team learned that the fall of society would hit near the midpoint of the 21st century. And yes, in case you’d forgotten, that’s the century we’re currently in the middle of.In fact, there’s apparently less than two decades to go until the collapse. Around 17 years, to be precise, as the scientists predicted the collapse would come in 2040.The team at MIT used computer modelling (Getty Stock Photo)Other studies that support the predictionAt the time, the report wasn’t taken too seriously and did attract some ridicule, the Guardian reports. However, before you start to feel smug, you should know that in 2009, a different team of researchers did a similar study which produced similar results.Published by American Scientist, the more recent study concluded that the model’s results were ‘almost exactly on course some 35 years later in 2008 (with a few appropriate assumptions)’.”It is important to recognise that its predictions have not been invalidated and, in fact, seem quite on target. We are not aware of any model made by economists that is as accurate over such a long time span,” the study said.Further to this, in 2021, Dutch sustainability researcher Gaya Herrington also affirmed the somewhat bleak predictions made in the study.Speaking to the Guardian, Herrington said: “From a research perspective, I felt a data check of a decades-old model against empirical observations would be an interesting exercise.”Scientists are able to use technology to understand more about the future of humans and planet Earth (Getty Stock Photo)Herrington found that the data aligned with the predictions made back in 1972, which had a worst-case scenario of economic growth coming to a halt at the end of this decade and society collapsing around 10 years later.Thankfully, however, Herrington did have a bit of optimistic news.She told the Guardian: “The key finding of my study is that we still have a choice to align with a scenario that does not end in collapse.”With innovation in business, along with new developments by governments and civil society, continuing to update the model provides another perspective on the challenges and opportunities we have to create a more sustainable world.”

Science museum claims Legos push a ‘heteronormative’ agenda in LGBTQ tour

Britain’s Science Museum has argued that the way children’s Lego bricks fit together reinforces gender and sexuality stereotypes.The Science Museum in the United Kingdom has recently made headlines for its self-guided tour that tells “stories of queer communities, experiences, and identities.” This “Seeing Things Queerly” tour at the museum claims that Legos push a “heteronormative” agenda.”Like other connectors and fasteners, Lego bricks are often described in a gendered way,” the online blog for the self-guided tour says. “The top of the brick with sticking out pins is male, the bottom of the brick with holes to receive the pins is female, and the process of the two sides being put together is called mating.”The tour guide blog adds further, “This is an example of applying heteronormative language to topics unrelated to gender, sex and reproduction. It illustrates how heteronormativity (the idea that heterosexuality and the male/female gender binary are the norm and everything that falls outside is unusual) shapes the way we speak about science, technology, and the world in general.” Close-up of a large number of LEGO bricks, Pleasanton, California, August 18, 2024. (Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images)STEPHEN A. SMITH SAYS ‘WE ARE SICK’ OF ‘TRANSGENDER ISSUES AND CULTURE WARS’ AFTER TEASING PRESIDENTIAL BIDThe Telegraph, which resurfaced this tour, which appears to have begun in 2022, on Thursday, reported, “No source is provided for the alleged view that people consider Lego to be gendered, or that sticking bricks together is called ‘mating.’”Fiona McAnena, the director of advocacy at Sex Matters, scorched the display as “bonkers.””The Science Museum’s self-guided trail on all things ‘queer’ is completely bonkers, and includes some absurd claims. The idea that Lego is ‘heteronormative’ because the blocks are described as ‘male’ and ‘female’ is ridiculous,” she told The Telegraph. “Children who play with Lego don’t need to be told that some people say fitting Lego blocks together is ‘mating.’ People expect to be informed, educated and inspired when visiting the Science Museum, not to have dubious claims rooted in gender ideology forced on them.”Lego also sells an LGBTQIA+ playset called “Everyone is Awesome” with Lego minifigures standing in front of a rainbow including the various colors of the LGBTQIA+ flag.  Lego store (CFOTO/Future Publishing via Getty Images)15 STATE AGS VOW TO PROTECT TRANS PROCEDURES FOR MINORS DESPITE TRUMP EXECUTIVE ORDERMatthew Ashton, the Vice President of Design at the LEGO Group, designed it himself, and explained that he did so with drag queens, the Black community, and transgender people in mind.”It sends a powerful message, but it is also fun and quirky and doesn’t take itself too seriously,” he said. “We’ve made sure to include black and brown colors to represent the broad diversity of everyone within the LGBTQIA+ community. We’ve also added in the pale blue, white and pink to support and embrace the trans community as well. I purposely put the purple drag queen in as a clear nod to the fabulous side of the LGBTQIA+ community. I hope it’s a joy to build and a joy to look at, and hopefully it will bring a lot of joy to people’s lives.”CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APPLego has also waded into gender politics before. In 2021, the company released a statement expressing concern that girls “remain held back by society’s ingrained gender stereotypes as they grow older,” and has a lengthy entry on its website on “How eliminating gender bias can build confidence and creativity.”Fox News Digital has reached out to both the museum and the Lego company for comment and did not receive an immediate reply.

‘This object is so extreme’: Scientists make ‘monster’ space discovery

Telescopes in several different countries have discovered something “monstrous.”The biggest jet of radio waves ever found in the early universe.According to the Encyclopedia Britannica, a radio jet is “material spewing from the centres of some galaxies at close to the speed of light and emitting strong radio waves.” One of these jets — one that’s estimated to span at least 200,000 light-years across — has recently been picked up by telescopes located in Hawaii, Texas, and across Europe. For context, one light-year is 5.8 trillion miles. This newly discovered radio jet is double the width of the Milky Way galaxy, making this it the biggest on record to ever be found in the history of the universe. This “monster” radio jet, as outlets such as the Associated Press have deemed it, is streaming from a quasar. Quasar are described as galactic cores which produce a ton of energy, making them some of the brightest objects found in the universe. “It’s only because this object is so extreme that we can observe it from Earth, even though it’s really far away,” said Anniek Gloudemans of the National Science Foundation’s NoirLab via statement. The Associated Press contributed to this report.

AUM unveils its new Science and Technology Complex

AUM Chancellor Carl A. Stockton speaks during the unveiling of AUM’s new Science and Technology Complex at the AUM campus in Montgomery, Ala., on Friday February 7, 2025.Mickey Welsh / AdvertiserDouglas Leaman, Dean of the College of Sciences, leads a tour of AUM’s new Science and Technology Complex at the AUM campus in Montgomery, Ala., on Friday February 7, 2025.Mickey Welsh / AdvertiserA General Chemestry lab seen at AUM’s new Science and Technology Complex at the AUM campus in Montgomery, Ala., on Friday February 7, 2025.Mickey Welsh / AdvertiserA Molecular Lab is shown during the unveiling of AUM’s new Science and Technology Complex at the AUM campus in Montgomery, Ala., on Friday February 7, 2025.Mickey Welsh / AdvertiserTours are given at AUM’s new Science and Technology Complex at the AUM campus in Montgomery, Ala., on Friday February 7, 2025.Mickey Welsh / AdvertiserA Computer Lab is shown during the unveiling of AUM’s new Science and Technology Complex at the AUM campus in Montgomery, Ala., on Friday February 7, 2025.Mickey Welsh / AdvertiserDouglas Leaman, Dean of the College of Sciences, leads a tour of AUM’s new Science and Technology Complex at the AUM campus in Montgomery, Ala., on Friday February 7, 2025.Mickey Welsh / AdvertiserAUM Chancellor Carl A. Stockton speaks during the unveiling of AUM’s new Science and Technology Complex at the AUM campus in Montgomery, Ala., on Friday February 7, 2025.Mickey Welsh / AdvertiserAUM’s new Science and Technology Complex at the AUM campus in Montgomery, Ala., on Friday February 7, 2025.Mickey Welsh / AdvertiserAUM’s new Science and Technology Complex at the AUM campus in Montgomery, Ala., on Friday February 7, 2025.Mickey Welsh / AdvertiserAUM Chancellor Carl A. Stockton speaks during the unveiling of AUM’s new Science and Technology Complex at the AUM campus in Montgomery, Ala., on Friday February 7, 2025.Mickey Welsh / AdvertiserDouglas Leaman, Dean of the College of Sciences, shows a research lab as he leads a tour of AUM’s new Science and Technology Complex at the AUM campus in Montgomery, Ala., on Friday February 7, 2025.Mickey Welsh / AdvertiserAn Organic Lab is shown during the unveiling of AUM’s new Science and Technology Complex at the AUM campus in Montgomery, Ala., on Friday February 7, 2025.Mickey Welsh / AdvertiserClassroom space is shown during the unveiling of AUM’s new Science and Technology Complex at the AUM campus in Montgomery, Ala., on Friday February 7, 2025.Mickey Welsh / AdvertiserClassroom space is shown during the unveiling of AUM’s new Science and Technology Complex at the AUM campus in Montgomery, Ala., on Friday February 7, 2025.Mickey Welsh / AdvertiserTours are given during the unveiling of AUM’s new Science and Technology Complex at the AUM campus in Montgomery, Ala., on Friday February 7, 2025.Mickey Welsh / AdvertiserPeople look on during the unveiling of AUM’s new Science and Technology Complex at the AUM campus in Montgomery, Ala., on Friday February 7, 2025.Mickey Welsh / AdvertiserAUM Chancellor Carl A. Stockton during the unveiling of AUM’s new Science and Technology Complex at the AUM campus in Montgomery, Ala., on Friday February 7, 2025.Mickey Welsh / Advertiser

Wakehurst celebrates International Day of Women and Girls in Science

Watch more of our videos on ShotsTV.com and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565Visit Shots! nowInternational Day of Women and Girls in Science is an opportunity to shine the spotlight on women working in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) roles, promoting the career paths and successes available. At Wakehurst, Kew’s wild botanic garden in Sussex, the team behind Nature Unlocked are using the diverse landscape as a living laboratory. Read on to discuss the stories of some of the women behind the research, unlocking the benefits of biodiversity for people and the planet.Libby Howell, Nature Unlocked Programme OfficerPreviously an environmental educator, Libby developed a passion for sharing knowledge of the environment and how scientific education can support the conservation of the natural world, fostering and understanding biophilia within young people. Libby works with the scientists, ensuring they have everything they need to continue the valuable work in unlocking the benefits of biodiversity. Libby also supports fieldwork, welcoming visitors to the living laboratory, and sharing Wakehurst’s multi-habitat landscape and the diverse range of science projects, helping them come to life.Libby shared, “I am privileged to work in a beautiful and diverse landscape like Wakehurst and am able to visibly see the science develop in real-time. The knowledge of the people here is inspirational, and their lived experiences motivate me to contribute to the work that we do and love it. It is a microcosm of unique and like-minded people, all linked through their shared respect of nature, affinity with the landscapes and their personal experiences of nature connectedness.”Jill Kowal, Visual Air © RBG KewEliana Van Der Schraft, Citizen Science LeadEliana leads on the citizen science projects within Nature Unlocked, engaging wider communities with Wakehurst’s science and horticulture. Alongside pollination scientist Dr Janine Griffiths-Lee, she coordinates Trees for Bees, a project aiming to find out which trees our native pollinators like best, so we can make our cities more pollinator-friendly. Visitors become citizen scientists, observing and counting pollinators on trees around the gardens, supporting our conservation efforts, and providing Janine with vital data.Eliana commented, “It is a privilege to introduce new people to Wakehurst and allow them to contribute to the science we are doing here, as it can often feel out of reach for people. Science is typically associated with lab coats and advanced degrees, and while this is sometimes true, really it is about curiosity. Living in the world and being curious about ‘the what’ and ‘the how’ that surrounds you, and helping others make that connection is incredibly fulfilling.”Miranda Bolton, Pollination Research AssistantLibby, Nature Unlocked OfficerMiranda works with Dr Janine Griffiths-Lee’s team to understand pollinator populations and their preferences across Wakehurst’s landscapes. She’s using the gardens as a living laboratory: inventorying the wild bees and moths that forage and nest and running genomic and chemical analyses to discern pollinator floral preferences and how these alter their growth and development. The research output can inform planting and nest-construction protocols to increase pollinator resources in urban and agricultural environments which, due to climate and land-use change, have been historically detrimental to pollinator healthMiranda shared, “It can be easily overlooked that the flowers, foods and breathtaking natural landscapes are strongly reliant on pollinator health and diversity. As an early career scientist and bug-lover, it’s an incredible privilege to have the opportunity to collect baseline data on insects, further establishing Wakehurst as a site of important scientific research. In the field, I’m experiencing first-hand the increasing public awareness behind the importance of pollinators, engaging with visitors about our science and how anyone can get involved. I love the quirks and intricacies of insects more and more each day, and I hope to encourage others to feel the same!”Julie Whelan, Nature Connectedness Research LeadJulie leads on the Nature Connectedness strand of Nature Unlocked – co-designing and overseeing high-quality research on nature connectedness and increasing public awareness of its benefits. In a nutshell, she adds the ‘people layer’ to Nature Unlocked. ‘Nature connectedness’ describes an individual’s relationship with nature, and for the benefits to be felt you need to notice nature, to appreciate it.Julie leading a Nature Connectedness sessionJulie said, “Excitingly for me as an educator, nature connectedness has also been shown to have positive impacts on our health and wellbeing. We’ve made wellbeing walks central to Wakehurst’s school’s offer, encouraging pupils to stop, look, listen and really tune in to their senses. We now want to know how to create spaces that foster nature connection and have the maximum impact in terms of wellbeing and a desire to protect the natural world.”Dr. Jill Kowal, Research AssociateNature Unlocked has allowed regular, close collaboration across Kew Science for the last three years. As part of Nature Returns (carbon research across Wakehurst) this collaboration has enabled Jill’s ‘soil squad’ to test hypotheses and build methods to measure above- and below-ground plant-fungal interactions. The team focuses on mycorrhizas (fungus roots) which are the ‘engine’ providing nutrition to their plant hosts aboveground. In exchange, the plant hosts provide carbon to these fungi.Jill explained, “At Wakehurst, we set up a pop-up lab and slept ‘on campus’ for nearly two months (spread over the seven seasonal visits). Seeing the turning of seasons unfold and the beauty and diversity within was a particular treat, and getting to know our Wakehurst colleagues was invaluable in understanding each others’ questions while building a unified picture; the sum of the parts became greater than the whole.”Keep an eye on Wakehurst’s social media and website to follow the progress Nature Unlocked: https://www.kew.org/read-and-watch/women-of-nature-unlockedContinue Reading

Wakehurst celebrates International Day of Women and Girls in Science

Watch more of our videos on ShotsTV.com and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565Visit Shots! nowInternational Day of Women and Girls in Science is an opportunity to shine the spotlight on women working in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) roles, promoting the career paths and successes available. At Wakehurst, Kew’s wild botanic garden in Sussex, the team behind Nature Unlocked are using the diverse landscape as a living laboratory. Read on to discuss the stories of some of the women behind the research, unlocking the benefits of biodiversity for people and the planet.Libby Howell, Nature Unlocked Programme OfficerPreviously an environmental educator, Libby developed a passion for sharing knowledge of the environment and how scientific education can support the conservation of the natural world, fostering and understanding biophilia within young people. Libby works with the scientists, ensuring they have everything they need to continue the valuable work in unlocking the benefits of biodiversity. Libby also supports fieldwork, welcoming visitors to the living laboratory, and sharing Wakehurst’s multi-habitat landscape and the diverse range of science projects, helping them come to life.Libby shared, “I am privileged to work in a beautiful and diverse landscape like Wakehurst and am able to visibly see the science develop in real-time. The knowledge of the people here is inspirational, and their lived experiences motivate me to contribute to the work that we do and love it. It is a microcosm of unique and like-minded people, all linked through their shared respect of nature, affinity with the landscapes and their personal experiences of nature connectedness.”Jill Kowal, Visual Air © RBG KewEliana Van Der Schraft, Citizen Science LeadEliana leads on the citizen science projects within Nature Unlocked, engaging wider communities with Wakehurst’s science and horticulture. Alongside pollination scientist Dr Janine Griffiths-Lee, she coordinates Trees for Bees, a project aiming to find out which trees our native pollinators like best, so we can make our cities more pollinator-friendly. Visitors become citizen scientists, observing and counting pollinators on trees around the gardens, supporting our conservation efforts, and providing Janine with vital data.Eliana commented, “It is a privilege to introduce new people to Wakehurst and allow them to contribute to the science we are doing here, as it can often feel out of reach for people. Science is typically associated with lab coats and advanced degrees, and while this is sometimes true, really it is about curiosity. Living in the world and being curious about ‘the what’ and ‘the how’ that surrounds you, and helping others make that connection is incredibly fulfilling.”Miranda Bolton, Pollination Research AssistantLibby, Nature Unlocked OfficerMiranda works with Dr Janine Griffiths-Lee’s team to understand pollinator populations and their preferences across Wakehurst’s landscapes. She’s using the gardens as a living laboratory: inventorying the wild bees and moths that forage and nest and running genomic and chemical analyses to discern pollinator floral preferences and how these alter their growth and development. The research output can inform planting and nest-construction protocols to increase pollinator resources in urban and agricultural environments which, due to climate and land-use change, have been historically detrimental to pollinator healthMiranda shared, “It can be easily overlooked that the flowers, foods and breathtaking natural landscapes are strongly reliant on pollinator health and diversity. As an early career scientist and bug-lover, it’s an incredible privilege to have the opportunity to collect baseline data on insects, further establishing Wakehurst as a site of important scientific research. In the field, I’m experiencing first-hand the increasing public awareness behind the importance of pollinators, engaging with visitors about our science and how anyone can get involved. I love the quirks and intricacies of insects more and more each day, and I hope to encourage others to feel the same!”Julie Whelan, Nature Connectedness Research LeadJulie leads on the Nature Connectedness strand of Nature Unlocked – co-designing and overseeing high-quality research on nature connectedness and increasing public awareness of its benefits. In a nutshell, she adds the ‘people layer’ to Nature Unlocked. ‘Nature connectedness’ describes an individual’s relationship with nature, and for the benefits to be felt you need to notice nature, to appreciate it.Julie leading a Nature Connectedness sessionJulie said, “Excitingly for me as an educator, nature connectedness has also been shown to have positive impacts on our health and wellbeing. We’ve made wellbeing walks central to Wakehurst’s school’s offer, encouraging pupils to stop, look, listen and really tune in to their senses. We now want to know how to create spaces that foster nature connection and have the maximum impact in terms of wellbeing and a desire to protect the natural world.”Dr. Jill Kowal, Research AssociateNature Unlocked has allowed regular, close collaboration across Kew Science for the last three years. As part of Nature Returns (carbon research across Wakehurst) this collaboration has enabled Jill’s ‘soil squad’ to test hypotheses and build methods to measure above- and below-ground plant-fungal interactions. The team focuses on mycorrhizas (fungus roots) which are the ‘engine’ providing nutrition to their plant hosts aboveground. In exchange, the plant hosts provide carbon to these fungi.Jill explained, “At Wakehurst, we set up a pop-up lab and slept ‘on campus’ for nearly two months (spread over the seven seasonal visits). Seeing the turning of seasons unfold and the beauty and diversity within was a particular treat, and getting to know our Wakehurst colleagues was invaluable in understanding each others’ questions while building a unified picture; the sum of the parts became greater than the whole.”Keep an eye on Wakehurst’s social media and website to follow the progress Nature Unlocked: https://www.kew.org/read-and-watch/women-of-nature-unlockedContinue Reading

Holy Trinity Students earn impressive science awards

Holy Trinity’s Ellie Hellman (10th grade) and Emma Menke (9th grade) have recently made their mark in the science community by securing top honors at various prestigious competitions through their hard work, dedication, and passion for science.These remarkable achievements highlight the exceptional talent and commitment of Holy Trinity students, who continue to shine as leaders in the scientific field. Congratulations to all the awardees.Ellie Hellman will be representing the Iowa Junior Academy of Science next week in Boston, Mass.. She was selected last May after a science competition at MaryCrest University. During her week in Boston, Ellie will tour labs at Harvard and MIT and present her research in a poster format to the American Association of Academies of Science, where 15,000 to 20,000 scientists from around the world attend the conference.Emma Menke and Ellie Hellman were recently selected to present their science research at the Regional Junior Science and Humanities Symposium on February 24 and 25 at Iowa State University. Out of a pool of the highest-caliber science research students across Iowa, only 18 were selected to present their work. Best of luck to both Ellie and Emma.