Friday Five: June 29, 2012

I am glad to see that companies that make profits selling fossil fuels are starting to see the value of a population that understands science.
Inside the Brain Of Exxon Mobil's CEO
"Ours is an industry that is built on technology, it’s built on science, it’s built on engineering, and because we have a society that by and large is illiterate in these areas, science, math and engineering, what we do is a mystery to them and they find it scary. And because of that, it creates easy opportunities for opponents of development, activist organizations, to manufacture fear."

Because now maybe we can focus the debate on real, scientific solutions to resolve the consequence of our actions.
An Ounce Of Prevention: Congress' Charge to Protect Public Health
"The Precautionary Principle is a bedrock of public health policy and advocacy, holding in its basic form that action should be taken where there is evidence that not doing so would cause harm. It recognizes that, to quote a Congressional House Report from 1977, “decisionmaking about the risks to public health from air pollution falls on ‘the frontiers of scientific and medical knowledge,’” and so we should not remain paralyzed in the face of some uncertainty."

Such as realizing how becoming more efficient with resources actually improves our ability to give more people the opportunity to add value to society.
STUDY: More MPG = More Jobs
"The connection may not seem obvious but improving the miles per gallon of our cars spurs job creation. This is for two reasons: (1) improving automobile efficiency requires the addition of new technologies, which are designed and manufactured by adding workers in the auto industry and (2) money saved on gasoline by drivers will be spent on other goods and services, increasing jobs across the economy."

Of course, you can never really separate science from politics...even when talking about a profession that is supposed to be completely dedicated to science and the public good.
The AMA's Strange Position on GM Foods: Test But Don't Label
"Apparently, AMA delegates said they support mandatory FDA premarket safety assessments of GM foods 'as a preventive measure to ensure the health of the public.' They also urge the FDA 'to remain alert to new data on the health consequences of bioengineered foods.'...'The science-based labeling policies of the FDA do not support special product labeling without evidence of material differences between bioengineered foods and their traditional counterparts. The AMA adopted policy supporting this science-based approach, recognizing that there currently is no evidence that there are material differences or safety concerns in available bioengineered foods.'"

And I would be remiss, in a week dominated by the politics of health insurance reform, if I did not bring your attention to an article worth getting your hands on that talks about the science of improving health.
Beyond the Affordable Care Act: Achieving Real Improvements In Americans' Health
"The commission's report underscores the fact that reform of the nation's health care system is a critical, but insufficient, step toward greater health for all Americans. It compiles the evidence on the links between health and social factors- such as those having to do with education, housing, the environment, and transportation. It provides a blueprint for how decision makers can turn their concerns about the impact of social factors on health into action."

Happy Friday!