Clipmarks | earnric's 'evolution' clips

Devolution...

Tue, 17 Jun 2008 17:40:13 GMT

clipped by: earnric
clipper's remarks: The ability of mankind to cling to ancient myths when they can't fully grasp science is astounding...

Clip Source: fogghorn.blogspot.com

You would think I wouldn't have to beat this subject to death, but here we go again. Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal, said to be on the short list for running mate with the idiot McCain, wants his kids to be exposed to the "best science" because he's a "Christian" and to be politically correct according to Christian politics, that means ancient and resoundingly debunked legends handed down from illiterate goatherds on the edges of civilization. Jindal insists that the denial of all observed facts packaged as Intelligent Design is a "legitimate scientific discipline." It's not. It's none of those three things, but perhaps it makes Bobby Jindal just dishonest enough to appeal to American voters.

Tags: evolution, culture, religion

TED - Ideas worth spreading...

Fri, 06 Jun 2008 17:27:34 GMT

clipped by: earnric
clipper's remarks: If you haven't checked out this site I strongly suggest you do... I can't believe I haven't clipped it before!

The site covers everything from culture and entertainment to scientific accomplishments and wonder... It is packed with videos by some of the best scientists, entertainers and thinkers of today.

Clip Source: www.ted.com

Janine Benyus points out that nature has to its advantage around 3.8 billion years of "research and development," and lists wonderful examples of natural designs that solve intractable human engineering problems. Juan Enriquez describes how nature is driven by a remarkable information engine -- DNA -- and what that means for our future.

Richard Dawkins, perhaps the world’s most outspoken and influential evolutionary biologist, describes a "queer" natural world abundant with surprises and peculiarity, and warns us that even our minds are products of evolution.

Tags: science, culture, evolution

The Science of love...

Fri, 09 May 2008 21:37:37 GMT

clipped by: earnric
clipper's remarks: A very short excerpt describing the scientific basis of "love" ...

Clip Source: www.templeton.org

What science offers for explaining the feelings we experience when believing in God or falling in love is complementary, not conflicting;

I find it deeply interesting to know that when I fall in love with someone my initial lustful feelings are enhanced by dopamine, a neurohormone produced by the hypothalamus that triggers the release of testosterone, the hormone that drives sexual desire, and that my deeper feelings of attachment are reinforced by oxytocin, a hormone synthesized in the hypothalamus and secreted into the blood by the pituitary.

Further, it is instructive to know that such hormone-induced neural pathways are exclusive to monogamous pair-bonded species as an evolutionary adaptation for the long-term care of helpless infants. We fall in love because our children need us! Does this in any way lessen the qualitative experience of falling in love and doting on one's children?

Tags: evolution, emotions