Science Cheerleader

Being plastic on the outside is tacky.  But plastic on the inside might be a killer. 

A couple of weeks ago, the National Institutes of Health sided with an independent scientific panel expressing concerns about some possible effects of bisphenol A –an ingredient in plastics–on the brains of fetuses, infants and young children. 

Bisphenol A is found in practically everything we use on a daily basis from reusable food containers, to plastic baby bottles to the interior linings of soup cans. 

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I just read this article currently featured on Scientific American Magazine’s website examining the risks and benefits of the so-called Science 2.0, also known as Open Access Science.  

“Science 2.0 generally refers to new practices of scientists who post raw experimental results, nascent theories, claims of discovery and draft papers on the Web for others to see and comment on,” writes M. Mitchell Waldrop.

Are we witnessing a potential, fundamental shift in how science will intersect with society in general?

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If you will be in or around New York City, May 28-June 1, head on over to the first annual World Science Festival. The Big Apple is about to amplify the best of science while entertaining thousands in an effort to shed light on how scientific discovery and innovation shape modern life. The event is the brainchild of physicist Brian Green (aka Prince of String Theory) and spearheaded by the World Science Festival Foundation. It promises to feature the who’s who of pop science figures.

Great mission statement: To cultivate and sustain a general public informed by the content of science, inspired by its wonder, convinced of its value, and prepared to engage with its implications for the future. 

So, go get engaged! And they’re looking for some volunteers. (Free T-shirts!)

If you go, be sure to post your comments here so we can share your reviews with other sciencecheerleader.com visitors. 

Right now, Shad are starting to appear in rivers. A sure sign spring has sprung!

The Shad is a remarkable fish with a rich history (as told by John McPhee in The Founding Fish) and impressive ecological link. Like the Salmon, it is anadromous and migrates from its salt water ocean home to fresh river waters to spawn. The Shad’s oscillating presence in the rivers reflects the health of the water. No Shad? That’s Bad. It means our (drinking!) water is polluted and the Shad took a pass. Fortunately, citizen science and other efforts are underway to keep rivers clean.

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