1966 12 23 Science - Vol 154 No 3756 - Burke-Gaffney and Cannon

Magazine Overview

Title: Science
Issue: Vol. 154, No. 3854 (implied by page numbers and date)
Date: October 28, 1966
Publisher: American Association for the Advancement of Science
Country: USA
Language: English

This issue of Science magazine features a collection of letters and short articles covering diverse topics, including educational approaches, academic culture, UFO phenomena, technological advancements, and hospital information systems.

Letters

A Sequence for Biology Studies

James Bonner of the Division of Biology at the California Institute of Technology responds to a previous letter, advocating for a different sequence in biology education. He agrees with the sentiment that children should learn about the variety of plants and animals, their ecologies, anatomies, and taxonomies in elementary school. However, he proposes teaching classic biology in elementary school and molecular biology in high school, or possibly junior high school, to better prepare students for the excitement of modern biology. He feels that the BSCS Blue Version high school course is a significant improvement, making biology intellectually stimulating and understandable, and that it successfully awakens student interest.

The Lean and Hungry Effort

Eugene G. Kovach, from International Scientific and Technological Affairs at the Department of State, expresses concern about a perceived lack of drive and "lean and hungry" effort among graduate students. Based on observations during a two-week visit to a respected state university, he notes that many graduate students seem comfortable with their living quarters and stipends, exhibiting little urgency to finish their programs. He observes a heavy reliance on sophisticated equipment and a general expectation of being supported, suggesting that the distance between the student and the taxpayer dilutes feelings of responsibility. Kovach contrasts this with his perception that in the past, admission to graduate school and receiving a fellowship was a significant accomplishment, implying a current complacency among students.

UFO's and Leprechauns

M. W. Burke-Gaffney from Saint Mary's University in Halifax, Canada, comments on the future of science and UFO phenomena. He suggests that while 21st-century science will identify more atmospheric phenomena, scientists should remind people that UFOs have not yet provided evidence of extraterrestrial beings, and the existence of "little green men" is no more established than that of leprechauns. He references a report by William Dunbar of Mississippi from 1800, which described a UFO in the form of a house. Burke-Gaffney posits that "houses" are a 19th-century UFO image and "saucers" are a 20th-century image, suggesting that these phenomena might be psychological reflexes rather than objective descriptions of stimuli. He admits the possibility of something behind the images but likens the description of hovering or rapidly ascending objects to eye reflexes.

Spacecraft Design

Walter F. Cannon, from the Department of Science and Technology at the Smithsonian Institution, briefly comments on spacecraft design, suggesting that if NASA were to make spacecraft "a little more pointy," it might align with 20th-century science and potentially accelerate progress.

Project Hindsight: Basic Research

Helen L. Hayes addresses the Project Hindsight study, which reported a small contribution from basic research to new military weapons. She explains that the study excluded ideas that were difficult to identify, particularly those originating from educational processes or specialized study rather than recorded conversations. Hayes cautions against the Department of Defense concluding from this study that basic research is not worth supporting, using the analogy of the Mississippi River's contribution to the flow, implying that foundational research, though not always directly traceable, is essential.

Electronic Network in Hospitals

G. Octo Barnett, from the Laboratory of Computer Science at Massachusetts General Hospital and Harvard Medical School, clarifies a statement made in a previous article about the feasibility of a national electronic network for transmitting hospital records. Barnett emphasizes that while the Massachusetts General Hospital has a computer project, it is not yet capable of operational participation in such a network. He highlights the complexity of using computers to process medical records and the need for significant development in computer technology, terminal utilization, and understanding medical practice and hospital characteristics before a comprehensive network can be realized. He agrees with the thesis that such a network is desirable for improving patient care and facilitating medical research but stresses that viable units must first be established.

The Measure of Good Teaching

This letter discusses Warren Weaver's editorial on "Good teaching." The author argues that a good teacher must fulfill two roles: communicating subject matter and doing so in an interesting, enthusiastic, and dedicated manner. The writer believes that students are best equipped to judge the effectiveness of communication, as measured by their opinions of teachers. However, students cannot judge whether the instructor is imparting appropriate content information, as they may be enthusiastic about teaching disproven facts.

New Products and Announcements

Ozone Now Available In Cylinders

This section announces a new process by Matheson that makes ozone available in stainless steel cylinders, mixed with "Freon-13®," for laboratory use. The mixture can be stored for extended periods, and the dissolved ozone can be used as a reactant, a gas mixture of constant composition, or a gas by vapor withdrawal. Applications include sterilization, water purification, food preservation, and the destruction of toxic compounds. The cylinders are shipped and stored under specific conditions, with refrigeration recommended for longer shelf life.

Recurring Themes and Editorial Stance

The issue reflects a broad scientific discourse, with a focus on the practical application and societal impact of scientific endeavors. There's a recurring theme of evaluating educational methods and the motivations of students, particularly in higher education. The inclusion of letters on UFOs suggests an engagement with popular scientific mysteries, approached with a critical and analytical perspective. The magazine also highlights technological advancements, such as the availability of ozone in cylinders and the potential for electronic networks in hospitals, underscoring the continuous progress in scientific and technological fields. The editorial stance appears to be one of encouraging critical thinking, rigorous scientific inquiry, and the responsible advancement of knowledge.