In the audience for Saturday's panel discussion, part of the Josephine L. Hopkins Foundation Workshop for Science Journalists, are from left, rear, Ann Kellan, CNN science correspondent; Jessica Ancker, freelance science writer; and David Shapiro, professor of communications at Ithaca College. Robert Barker/University Photography
"Should cloning be listed in the Yellow Pages under 'C'?"
Stephen Hilgartner, Cornell assistant professor of science and technology studies, raised that issue in comments during a panel discussion, "Is Science Dangerous to Society? Or Is Society Dangerous to Science?" in the Space Sciences Building on Saturday.
Hilgartner was one of several speakers who called for greater accuracy and breadth of scientific writing in the media in order to combat public lack of knowledge about science.
Cloning, eugenics and sustainability were some of the controversial points covered in a series of panel discussions on cutting-edge scientific issues in the public forum, which was part of the Fourth Annual Josephine L. Hopkins Foundation Workshop for Science Journalists at Cornell. See story.
"Animal and Human Cloning and Genetics," the topic of the first discussion, was moderated by Peter Bruns, professor of genetics and director of the Division of Biological Sciences, and featured Larry Palmer, professor of law; Robert Foote, the Jacob Gould Schurman Professor of Animal Science Emeritus; and Hilgartner. Foote examined the basic biology behind cloning, Hilgartner looked at the social ramifications of cloning, and Palmer examined cloning in the context of society.
Foote detailed the advantages of cloning mammals, such as the propagation of endangered species, as well as the disadvantages of cloning embryos.
Foote said he set out "to separate fact from fiction" for the audience of science journalists. After dispelling the fallacy that cloned humans would be identical, Foote reminded the audience that the prenatal environment for the fetus is as different as the postnatal environment in shaping the development of a child.
Hilgartner focused on the ethical issues regarding cloning. Because cloning could be undertaken for a variety of purposes, he said, "the ethical issues depend on the particular proposed practice."
According to Hilgartner, society ought to question the benefits and risks in terms of health and cost of undertaking the practice of cloning. Society also must consider who is making the decision to clone -- individuals, the government or science professionals.
Palmer raised the question of the effect of cloning on the family, religion and science as a whole, as well as discussing law as it relates to science and medicine.
"Law is a complex social institution as much as science is a very important one, and the way they interact will be very interesting in the coming months," he said.
The second part of the afternoon focused on global environmental change. Moderated by Bruce Lewenstein, associate professor of communication and of science and technology studies, the panel featured Will Provine, the Charles A. Alexander Professor of Biological Sciences; Kurt Gottfried, professor of physics; and Richard Schuler, professor of economics and of civil and environmental engineering and director of the Cornell Institute for Public Affairs.
Schuler discussed sustainability from an economist's viewpoint. "The objective of sustainability is to maintain a level of per capita happiness. Global climate change is a subset of sustainability," he said.
In discussing some of the issues of modern science, Provine focused on eugenics as a method of population control. "Genetic counseling, which is already happening, is just voluntary eugenics," Provine said.
Provine also commented that scientists themselves are hiding issues of modern science that may be very difficult to confront. But, he said "it doesn't do us any good to bury our heads and not pay attention to those issues."
Gottfried discussed the accelerated pace at which society is damaging the ecosystem because of population growth and demand for a higher standard of living. However, he said "the dangers in the long run can only be known in the long run."
In the meantime, he said we ought to examine the social responsibility of the scientific community to convey to journalists a better understanding of technical issues in order to improve the "lack of scientific literacy among politicians, the public and the press."