Meeker, Opinion

Guest Column: Bob Dorsett, MD on the Nature of Science

Dr. Bob Dorsett
RBC I This weekend thousands of scientists will gather in the nation’s capital to raise a voice for science. Here’s part of the message.

Science is a process to figure out how the world works—world in the broadest sense, from the forces that hold atoms together to why humans behave as they do to what is the structure and the evolution of the universe. It is not the only way of knowing. Science cannot answer questions such as “what is the purpose of life?” or “why are we here?” (although science can contribute to those discussions). But science is the best tool we have to answer questions that we can measure. What is the source of energy in stars? How do cells divide to produce new cells? Why is the sky blue? Science proposes possible answers to those questions, makes predictions based on those hypotheses and tests the predictions by experiment and observation. Scientific knowledge rests on real, measurable evidence.
In its realm, science is the most reliable tool we have to find the truth. And its realm is vast. We can cast an enormous net with properly formulated questions.
These days science is under attack. In this era of “alternative truths,” science has been cast as just another special interest. Climate scientists, according to some, are just trying to get government funding to pad their retirement accounts. Stem cell researchers are just trying to maintain their research grants. The claim is scientists are just like everybody else in Washington, trying to leverage influence.
Certainly, scientists are human, and a few let egos and greed corrupt their work. But the process is remarkably robust, and it is self-correcting. No work in science is accepted by the general scientific community until it has been replicated. The experimental procedures must be tested by other scientists, and the methods by which the results are analyzed must be tested. No work in science is accepted until that work has been reviewed by other experts in the field and, ultimately, by the wider scientific community. No work in science is accepted until it has been published in a peer-reviewed journal. Work that does not pass this rigorous review process might make some splashy headlines (witness, e.g., the claims a few years back of “cold fusion,” with its promise of an unlimited source of cheap energy), but it disappears into the dustbin of rejected hypotheses if other scientists can’t verify the results.
Certainly, we are not at the end of our understanding, but science has accumulated an enormous body of knowledge about our world. Reports of remarkable new discoveries should be taken with some skepticism, as is the very heart of science, but the established library of research-based knowledge is the gold standard of human endeavor. That includes our understanding of the genetic code. It includes our understanding of the atomic nucleus. It includes our understanding of processes driving climate change. And much, much more. There’s a lot more to learn, but scientists have enormous confidence in their foundations.
One common misunderstanding, especially among politicians, is that science can be directed to solve particular problems. We’ll cure cancer by directing researchers to find a way. We’ll solve our energy problems by funding energy research. No doubt incentives help, but that’s not the way seminal discoveries are made. Science is driven by curiosity. It is driven by innate human impulse for exploration and the intrinsic joy of finding things out. Even though the results of scientific discovery can, and do, change the human condition, the incentives come from human curiosity about how the world works. Some examples:
When Albert Einstein labored over his general theory of relativity, he was trying to figure out how gravity works. Other scientists had discovered that Newton’s laws didn’t completely describe the effects of gravity in extreme conditions, nearby to enormous masses like the sun, for instance. Einstein got to wondering if there was a better theory of gravity. His search turned up all kinds of strange phenomena, like clocks slowing down in a strong gravitational field. The search was driven by simple curiosity, but today those discoveries contribute to extraordinary technologies, including the global positioning system. Airplane navigation, cell phones, the GPS in your car absolutely rely on the equations of general relativity for their operation.
One of my professors, Arthur Schawlow, along with his colleagues, developed the laser. They were trying to understand the quantum behavior of light and measure fine differences in the electron energy levels inside atoms. Abstract stuff, basic physics. They had no notion, at the time, of the now ubiquitous practical applications of their invention—scanners at grocery checkout, laser eye surgery, high accuracy surveying instruments, etc. Another of my professors, Felix Bloch, was interested to determine the magnetic moment of the neutron, inside atomic nuclei, and, thereby, understand its composition. He had no idea that his discoveries would become the NMR (nuclear magnetic resonance) detectors in precision chemistry laboratories (and on the Mars Rover) and the MRI machines that doctors rely on to find out what’s going on inside the human body.
The latest of world-changing breakthroughs is, arguably, CRISPR-Cas. It’s a protein regulatory system invented by bacteria many hundreds of millions of years ago to protect themselves against viruses. Jennifer Doudna, Emmanuelle Charpentier and their colleagues found CRISPR-Cas doing basic research, trying to figure out the biological chemistry of an unusual strain of bacteria. Before their investigations, they had no idea their research would enable us to cut and paste genes. CRISPR-Cas has become the essential tool in genetics research and, one day, may allow doctors to cure genetic disease by removing defective genes (segments of DNA) and replacing them with normal genes.
Schawlow (b. Canada), Bloch (b. Switzerland), Doudna (U.S.), Charpentier (France) and their thousands of colleagues around the world are motivated by the joy of discovery. Happily, there’s often a huge practical benefit. Economists estimate more than half of the growth in our economy since World War II has resulted from such discoveries and their technical spin-offs (Bromley, 2001). The average rate of return on research investment is about 30 percent (Macilwain, 2010). NASA research and development, to cite just one example, generates on average 1600 innovations per year, each of them on average generating $1 million in new revenues (NASA, 2013).
That’s a bit of science. That’s why scientists are marching this weekend. They are speaking truth to power, that science is not only intrinsically captivating but that it is an international collaboration essential to our prosperity and well-being. It provides the evidence on which to base sound policy. It generates wealth and improves the human condition. It helps us understand this strange and beautiful universe. The nation would do well to listen.

References: Allan Bromley. American Physical Society Commentary. 2001. (www.aps.org /publications/apsnews/200104/viewpoint.cfm)
Colin Macilwain. Science economics: what science is really worth. 2010. (www.nature.com/news/2010/ 100609/full/465682a.html)
NASA Socio-economic impacts report. 2013. (www.nasa.gov/sites/ default/files/files/SEINSI.pdf)

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  • It's that time again! Another edition of great local news stories is 
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  • It’s getting late, do you know where your kids are? Read all the Rio Happenings for this week in print or online at ht1885.com.
  • Mormon crickets have hatched near Rangely. They were all sighted on BLM land north of Hwy. 64 near the junction of CR 96 and CR 1, down a dirt road near the Moffat County line.  The picture shown was taken yesterday by Mary Meinen from Rangely. She says the crickets are about the size of a ladybug (less than 1/2”). Some of them are actually yellow in color but most of them are darker. They are milling around and getting ready to start moving soon. Note: Photo is not to scale.
Rio Blanco County and the White River and Douglas Creek Conservation Districts are still asking for your help to identify additional hatch-outs of crickets so that control efforts can be put in place. The success of the program will highly depend upon local landowners and the public helping to locate crickets as soon as they hatch.  See last week’s paper for a list of ways to help or contact the County Weed & Pest District at 970-878-9670 or the Conservation District office at 970-878-9838 with any questions. Website: www.WhiteRiverCD.com
  • Read part three of the story of M.T. Streeter in this week’s edition of History Lessons! Find it in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
  • Meeker FFA Chapter members competed at the District Leadership Development Event in Craig, Colorado, this month. Top row from left to right: Eva Scritchfield, Charlie Rogers, Alan Rivera, Trent Sanders, Koy Weber, Orion Musser, Said Rodriguez, Carlos Carrillo, Aidan Tapia, Hayden Garcia, Tristan Rollins, Mathew Willey, Quentin Simpson. Middle row: Sidney Keetch, Aurora Stallings, Sydnie Ross, Ava Nay, Lili Piper, Leah Wood. Bottom Row: Jaicee Simmons, Kailynn Watson, Cody Richardson, Kayla Castillo, Braydin Raley, Autumn Stallings, Aimee Shults, Emily Hamm. Read the full story online at ht1885.com.
  • Choose-your-own-adventure…. Hear from our Editor in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
  • A crew from the Flat Tops Chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation joined forces last summer to remove obsolete fences to improve habitat for wildlife. Read the full story and the foundation’s update from their 30th Anniversary meeting in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
  • Black Sulphur Tavern held a grand opening and ribbon cutting for their new business at 364 Seventh St. The space has been renovated with several TVs and games and provides a fun, friendly atmosphere to watch your favorite sports team and enjoy a burger and wings. Owners Frank Maestas and Pat Maestas are pictured with their new staff and Chamber of Commerce representatives Stephanie Hanson, Trudy Burri and Margie Joy. Follow Black Sulphur Tavern on Facebook. Their hours are Wednesday and Thursday 3-9 p.m., Friday 3 p.m. - 1 a.m., Saturday 11-1 a.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to midnight.
  • The winning teams and individuals for the 18th annual White River Community Association Buy-Fly Fishing Tournament are as follows. Individual top weight catch was Dave Metrovich and longest fish was Kevin Massey. First place team won by Rio Blanco Abstract: Erik Eckman, Adam Parrett, Dave Metrovich and Wayne Kirkpatrick. Second place team was Drake Consulting: Travis Kaiser, John Douglas, Tony Bartolomucci and Bob Brandeberry. Third place team Mr. Rogers and the Hood (accepted by Doug Rogers) Gary Rogers, Mark Beauchamp, Kyle Schutte and Rick Gunter. The white fish have been frozen and will be served at the annual White River Community Association fish fry fundraiser in June.
It's that time again! Another edition of great local news stories is 
🐰 Hopping 🐰 your way this morning! Catch up on everything thats 🐣 hatching 🐣 in Rio Blanco County this week.
Need a copy? Signing up is fast and easy! Visit our website at ht1885.com/subscribe to get a copy sent to your door every week! 
We appreciate all your continued support!
It's that time again! Another edition of great local news stories is 🐰 Hopping 🐰 your way this morning! Catch up on everything thats 🐣 hatching 🐣 in Rio Blanco County this week. Need a copy? Signing up is fast and easy! Visit our website at ht1885.com/subscribe to get a copy sent to your door every week! We appreciate all your continued support!
2 hours ago
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1/9
It’s getting late, do you know where your kids are? Read all the Rio Happenings for this week in print or online at ht1885.com.
It’s getting late, do you know where your kids are? Read all the Rio Happenings for this week in print or online at ht1885.com.
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
2/9
Mormon crickets have hatched near Rangely. They were all sighted on BLM land north of Hwy. 64 near the junction of CR 96 and CR 1, down a dirt road near the Moffat County line.  The picture shown was taken yesterday by Mary Meinen from Rangely. She says the crickets are about the size of a ladybug (less than 1/2”). Some of them are actually yellow in color but most of them are darker. They are milling around and getting ready to start moving soon. Note: Photo is not to scale.
Rio Blanco County and the White River and Douglas Creek Conservation Districts are still asking for your help to identify additional hatch-outs of crickets so that control efforts can be put in place. The success of the program will highly depend upon local landowners and the public helping to locate crickets as soon as they hatch.  See last week’s paper for a list of ways to help or contact the County Weed & Pest District at 970-878-9670 or the Conservation District office at 970-878-9838 with any questions. Website: www.WhiteRiverCD.com
Mormon crickets have hatched near Rangely. They were all sighted on BLM land north of Hwy. 64 near the junction of CR 96 and CR 1, down a dirt road near the Moffat County line. The picture shown was taken yesterday by Mary Meinen from Rangely. She says the crickets are about the size of a ladybug (less than 1/2”). Some of them are actually yellow in color but most of them are darker. They are milling around and getting ready to start moving soon. Note: Photo is not to scale. Rio Blanco County and the White River and Douglas Creek Conservation Districts are still asking for your help to identify additional hatch-outs of crickets so that control efforts can be put in place. The success of the program will highly depend upon local landowners and the public helping to locate crickets as soon as they hatch. See last week’s paper for a list of ways to help or contact the County Weed & Pest District at 970-878-9670 or the Conservation District office at 970-878-9838 with any questions. Website: www.WhiteRiverCD.com
2 days ago
View on Instagram |
3/9
Read part three of the story of M.T. Streeter in this week’s edition of History Lessons! Find it in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
Read part three of the story of M.T. Streeter in this week’s edition of History Lessons! Find it in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
3 days ago
View on Instagram |
4/9
Meeker FFA Chapter members competed at the District Leadership Development Event in Craig, Colorado, this month. Top row from left to right: Eva Scritchfield, Charlie Rogers, Alan Rivera, Trent Sanders, Koy Weber, Orion Musser, Said Rodriguez, Carlos Carrillo, Aidan Tapia, Hayden Garcia, Tristan Rollins, Mathew Willey, Quentin Simpson. Middle row: Sidney Keetch, Aurora Stallings, Sydnie Ross, Ava Nay, Lili Piper, Leah Wood. Bottom Row: Jaicee Simmons, Kailynn Watson, Cody Richardson, Kayla Castillo, Braydin Raley, Autumn Stallings, Aimee Shults, Emily Hamm. Read the full story online at ht1885.com.
Meeker FFA Chapter members competed at the District Leadership Development Event in Craig, Colorado, this month. Top row from left to right: Eva Scritchfield, Charlie Rogers, Alan Rivera, Trent Sanders, Koy Weber, Orion Musser, Said Rodriguez, Carlos Carrillo, Aidan Tapia, Hayden Garcia, Tristan Rollins, Mathew Willey, Quentin Simpson. Middle row: Sidney Keetch, Aurora Stallings, Sydnie Ross, Ava Nay, Lili Piper, Leah Wood. Bottom Row: Jaicee Simmons, Kailynn Watson, Cody Richardson, Kayla Castillo, Braydin Raley, Autumn Stallings, Aimee Shults, Emily Hamm. Read the full story online at ht1885.com.
3 days ago
View on Instagram |
5/9
Choose-your-own-adventure…. Hear from our Editor in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
Choose-your-own-adventure…. Hear from our Editor in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
4 days ago
View on Instagram |
6/9
A crew from the Flat Tops Chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation joined forces last summer to remove obsolete fences to improve habitat for wildlife. Read the full story and the foundation’s update from their 30th Anniversary meeting in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
A crew from the Flat Tops Chapter of the Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation joined forces last summer to remove obsolete fences to improve habitat for wildlife. Read the full story and the foundation’s update from their 30th Anniversary meeting in this week’s edition and online at ht1885.com.
5 days ago
View on Instagram |
7/9
Black Sulphur Tavern held a grand opening and ribbon cutting for their new business at 364 Seventh St. The space has been renovated with several TVs and games and provides a fun, friendly atmosphere to watch your favorite sports team and enjoy a burger and wings. Owners Frank Maestas and Pat Maestas are pictured with their new staff and Chamber of Commerce representatives Stephanie Hanson, Trudy Burri and Margie Joy. Follow Black Sulphur Tavern on Facebook. Their hours are Wednesday and Thursday 3-9 p.m., Friday 3 p.m. - 1 a.m., Saturday 11-1 a.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to midnight.
Black Sulphur Tavern held a grand opening and ribbon cutting for their new business at 364 Seventh St. The space has been renovated with several TVs and games and provides a fun, friendly atmosphere to watch your favorite sports team and enjoy a burger and wings. Owners Frank Maestas and Pat Maestas are pictured with their new staff and Chamber of Commerce representatives Stephanie Hanson, Trudy Burri and Margie Joy. Follow Black Sulphur Tavern on Facebook. Their hours are Wednesday and Thursday 3-9 p.m., Friday 3 p.m. - 1 a.m., Saturday 11-1 a.m., Sunday 11 a.m. to midnight.
5 days ago
View on Instagram |
8/9
The winning teams and individuals for the 18th annual White River Community Association Buy-Fly Fishing Tournament are as follows. Individual top weight catch was Dave Metrovich and longest fish was Kevin Massey. First place team won by Rio Blanco Abstract: Erik Eckman, Adam Parrett, Dave Metrovich and Wayne Kirkpatrick. Second place team was Drake Consulting: Travis Kaiser, John Douglas, Tony Bartolomucci and Bob Brandeberry. Third place team Mr. Rogers and the Hood (accepted by Doug Rogers) Gary Rogers, Mark Beauchamp, Kyle Schutte and Rick Gunter. The white fish have been frozen and will be served at the annual White River Community Association fish fry fundraiser in June.
The winning teams and individuals for the 18th annual White River Community Association Buy-Fly Fishing Tournament are as follows. Individual top weight catch was Dave Metrovich and longest fish was Kevin Massey. First place team won by Rio Blanco Abstract: Erik Eckman, Adam Parrett, Dave Metrovich and Wayne Kirkpatrick. Second place team was Drake Consulting: Travis Kaiser, John Douglas, Tony Bartolomucci and Bob Brandeberry. Third place team Mr. Rogers and the Hood (accepted by Doug Rogers) Gary Rogers, Mark Beauchamp, Kyle Schutte and Rick Gunter. The white fish have been frozen and will be served at the annual White River Community Association fish fry fundraiser in June.
6 days ago
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9/9

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