Name: The danger of science denial
Uploaded: 2010-04-12T09:38:00Z
Duration: 16 min 12 s
Description: Vaccine-autism claims, "Frankenfood" bans, the herbal cure craze: All point to the public's growing fear (and, often, outright denial) of science and reason, says Michael Specter. He warns the trend spells disaster for human progress.

Vaccine-autism claims, "Frankenfood" bans, the herbal cure craze: All point to the public's growing fear (and, often, outright denial) of science and reason, says Michael Specter. He warns the trend spells disaster for human progress.

Michael Specter: The danger of science denial

The danger of science denial

In an age where a child in New Delhi can expect to live as long as the richest man 100 years ago, science heralds unmatched progress.

Despite the eradication of deadly diseases like smallpox, a billion people still go to bed hungry, underscoring the urgency for innovation.

The clash between genetically engineered food and organic preference is not science but ideology, risking progress in global food security.