Category Archives: Uncategorized

Who Put the Politics in Science?

Posted on January 26, 2012 by Cynthia (Istá Thó Thó) Coleman Emery

We’ve been ringing our hands over the role of politics in science. And for good reason. Politicians and scientists have come to loggerheads over stem cell research, the Morning After pill (also called Plan B) and climate change.

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Separating Facts from Values

Posted on January 10, 2012 by Cynthia (Istá Thó Thó) Coleman Emery

One critic charges that Western Science separates facts from values. The provenance of science is to define the facts, while “politicians and moralists” are left to define values. Problem is, according to Bruno Latour, you cannot distinguish facts from values, … Continue reading →

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Science as Prescription

Posted on January 4, 2012 by Cynthia (Istá Thó Thó) Coleman Emery

faulty scientific logic in journalism

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We Are All Connected

Posted on December 25, 2011 by Cynthia (Istá Thó Thó) Coleman Emery

I heard a story this week that illuminates the connection we have to one another. Aspen trees, I am told, appear to be separate towers in wooded forests but are, in fact, connected at their roots. The trees create an … Continue reading →

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Wrangling over Sustainability

Posted on December 1, 2011 by Cynthia (Istá Thó Thó) Coleman Emery

We were wrangling recently over the word sustainability: what does it mean for American Indians? I can readily point to such issues as language preservation, where tribes work diligently to teach language classes. The Osages run regular classes and the … Continue reading →

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Exploitation and Scientific Discovery

Posted on October 30, 2011 by Cynthia (Istá Thó Thó) Coleman Emery

One of my graduate students is at the tail-end of her thesis on science communication: a look at how folks talk about a best-selling book in online conversations. She defends her thesis this week. The book, The Immortal Life of … Continue reading →

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Formative Years

Posted on October 6, 2011 by Cynthia (Istá Thó Thó) Coleman Emery

Growing up in London in the late 1960s made an indelible impact. The city was vibrant and incredibly accessible via bus and underground. I went to high school with a band of desperados keen on scouting the music scene and … Continue reading →

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Schadenfreude

Posted on October 1, 2011 by Cynthia (Istá Thó Thó) Coleman Emery

Feelings of Schadenfreude crept into my sinews this week, making me feel delightful contrition in one fell swoop. How superficial to admit I enjoy the misfortune of others: the antithesis of being empathic. But sometimes a situation gels before your … Continue reading →

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Living in the Moment

Posted on September 3, 2011 by Cynthia (Istá Thó Thó) Coleman Emery

Summer is waning in the Pacific Northwest. It’s getting darker earlier. The morning chill of autumn is right around the corner. I avoid planning for the fall blues and instead try to live in the moment.

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The Accidental Gardener

Posted on August 27, 2011 by Cynthia (Istá Thó Thó) Coleman Emery

I marvel at the ripening tomatoes straining under the weight of a heavy bough in my backyard, testament that benign neglect is often the best choice.

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