7 chapters across the catalog
Scientist Patrick Brown admitted to omitting key factors like forest management from a study on wildfires to ensure its publication in the journal Nature. Brown stated that prestigious journals prefer narratives that focus exclusively on climate change as the primary driver of environmental disasters. He argued that this bias misinforms the public and hinders practical solutions to wildfire prevention.
Extreme Weather Connectivity, Ocean Heat Absorption
Meteorology professors link back-to-back hurricanes like Harvey and Irma to warming oceans and climate change, suggesting extreme weather is the "new normal." A study in the journal *Science* finds that oceans are absorbing heat 40% faster than previously predicted by the UN. This rapid warming is tied to increased rainfall intensity, coral reef destruction, and declining oxygen levels in the sea.
The hosts discuss the limitations of cloth masks, citing a report from Science Daily and the British Medical Journal. They argue that masks may unintentionally lead to herd immunity by allowing small amounts of the virus to spread. A tangent follows regarding the scientific inaccuracy of characters in TV mysteries using handkerchiefs to protect themselves from methane or carbon monoxide.
A study published in the journal Science suggests that up to 50% of the population may possess pre-existing immunity to SARS-CoV-2 through memory T cells. This immunity likely stems from previous exposure to common cold coronaviruses, explaining why many individuals remain asymptomatic. The research indicates that herd immunity thresholds may be reached much sooner than the standard 60-70% projection.
The American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS), chaired by Stephen Chu, operates a China division in collaboration with the China Association for Science and Technology. Through its Sci-Line initiative, the AAAS provides a centralized "motherlode" of quotable experts for lazy or under-resourced journalists. This structure allows for the rapid dissemination of specific scientific narratives across mainstream media outlets.
The hosts recount a hoax by science journalist John Bohannon, who published a deliberately flawed study claiming chocolate helps with weight loss. The study was picked up by global media outlets without verification. The hosts use this as an example of "amateur hour" in modern journalism and the ease with which "bad science" is disseminated.
Astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson appeared on Charlie Rose to discuss "science deniers" and the role of journalism. Tyson argues that journalists should not give equal time to fringe perspectives on established scientific truths, such as climate change. He suggests that "emergent truths" should be reported without the obligation of providing a balanced platform for skeptics.
