6 November 2015

Someone Needs Some Support

Posted by Dan Satterfield

Screen Shot 2015-11-06 at 12.53.15 AMFood science is way out of my knowledge base but when I see someone who is doing great science communication being hounded away from it, I want to help. Kevin Folta has a popular podcast about food science called Talking Biotech. Unfortunately, the following note was posted on his Facebook page today:

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I think the following quote from Isaac Asimov sums up the state of affairs we find ourselves in these days.

CaptureIf you think GMO foods are dangerous, prove it. Not in a blog post, but in a science journal. Prove it in a paper that holds up to the scrutiny of other experts in the field.I sent a note to Dr. Folta and urged him to reconsider. Communicating science is needed now more than ever, whether it be about our origins, our climate or the history of the Universe. To the anti GMO crowd: Folta is right, until you prove him wrong.

Do the science.

My note to Kevin:

Kevin, I don’t know you, but don’t stop what you’re doing. Ignore them and keep plugging on. Take it from someone who writes and talks about climate science (on air and online) that a LOT of folks are immune to scientific facts, and nothing you say will change their minds. There’s some exc. psychology out there on this type of thinking, and I’ll send you some links if you are interested, but the key is to reach everyone else!
People who have not thought much about GMO food (or food at all) are your audience, and this kind of science communication is vitally important.I can tell from listening to your podcast, that you know that lives depend on it! Do not let a loud group of authoritarians stop you from communicating accurate science.