Scientific illiteracy all the rage among the glitterati

By Steve Connor, Science editor The Independent When it comes to science, Barack Obama is no better than many of us. Today he joins the list of shame of those in public life who made scientifically unsupportable statements in 2008. Closer to home, Nigella Lawson and Delia Smith faltered on the science of food, while Kate Moss, Oprah Winfrey and Demi Moore all get roastings for scientific illiteracy. The Celebrities and Science Review 2008, prepared by the group Sense About Science, identifies some of the worst examples of scientific illiteracy among those who profess to know better – including top politicians. Mr Obama and John McCain blundered into the MMR vaccine row during their presidential campaigns. "We've seen just a skyrocketing autism rate," said President-elect Obama. "Some people are suspicious that it's connected to the vaccines. This person included. The science right now is inconclusive, but we have to research it," he said. His words were echoed by Mr McCain. "It's indisputable that [autism] is on the rise among children, the question is what's causing it," he said. "There's strong evidence that indicates it's got to do with a preservative in the vaccines."

Xavier Writes: For once, I stand to defend Obama on his comments. Science has NOT proven that preservatives used in vaccines could be the cause of Autism. For the writer of this article to jump in and suggest that the "rise in Autism is a result of increased awareness" is simply not entirely truthful.  It is the opinion of this writer, which has no scientific backing whatsoever. How can I say this?  Simply because I trust NOTHING that the drug companies have to say regarding their research of these vaccines.  When money is involved, it is more than likely that it has influenced the reporting of the findings and is likely that the reporting is skewed in favor of where the money falls. As long as there is money involved, trust nothing.  Considering what we are experiencing currently with this economic crisis in America, I think this statement is a good one!