National Academy of Sciences Rejects Science-Religion Dichotomy

Linked below is a brief book review of Science, Evolution and Creationism, a 70-page volume published by the National Academy of Sciences. Its basic tenet seems to be encapsulated in this quote from the NYT article: “attempts to pit science and religion against each other create controversy where none needs to exist.”

I couldn't agree more. There needs to be a balance between science and religion; leave science to the scientists and theology to the theologians. If someone from either side wants to make comments on an issue that concerns both camps, it should be done with an attitude of engendering harmony, not dismissing others' findings out-of-hand.

I make no bones about the fact that I am undeniably a Christian, and I believe in the truth of the Bible. However, that doesn't mean that I have to subscribe to knee-jerk Creationists' beliefs that God must have created the Earth in six literal 24-hour periods. I can believe in theistic (God-directed) evolution, with the "days" of Genesis corresponding with "ages" or "eras" of undefined duration, without compromising my belief in Scripture as the inerrant Word of God.

Evolution Book Sees No Science-Religion Gap - New York Times

Translating thought to sound

Eric Ramsay, who has been conscious but paralyzed for eight years (and thus unable to communicate), will soon be able to "speak." Neuroscientists have been able to decode the electrical pulse information from the speech area of his brain, and hopefully soon their computer will ba able to decode that information to recreated the sounds Mr. Ramsay is attempting to convey.

BBC NEWS | Health | Paralysed man's mind is 'read'

xkcd did it again

Great stuff... I especially like the bit right after "visible light" and "UV light."

xkcd - Electromagnetic Spectrum - By Randall Munroe

A Blog Post About Sex!

Well, sex chromosomes, anyway. The article linked below is extremely well-written, informative, and enjoyable. Check it out!

For Motherly X Chromosome, Gender Is Only the Beginning - New York Times

Earth, Mach II?

It appears that scientists have discovered a planet outside our solar system that is likely to have liquid water and earth-like temperatures. It's much closer to its star than Earth, but said star is a red dwarf that emits much less heat than our sun.

I really don't have much to say about this, but I think it's really cool!

First habitable Earth like planet outside Solar System discovered - Malaysia Sun