Edwards mistaken on scientific ideals

Chris Edwards' March 28 column, "Scientists function as part of society," argued that scientists are normal human beings and should not be treated as an authority to be trusted implicitly. This thesis is correct, but his writing displayed an ignorance of science that should be addressed. \nEdwards wrote, "Scientists refer to the millions of DNA cells they can't figure out as 'junk' DNA." His implication is that scientists in general have a kind of hubris: What they don't understand, they classify as useless "junk." While I'm no expert, I believe "junk" DNA is more commonly referred to as "non-coding" DNA, because it isn't involved in the production of proteins. It is not the case that scientists are ignoring non-coding DNA because they don't understand its function, they simply understand that not all DNA is active all the time. \nEdwards wrote, "Less than 60 years ago, scientists were still reading the bumps on people's heads in attempt to understand their personalities." His implication is that the entire scientific community generally accepted phrenology until recently, on the basis of little evidence. While a few scientists accepted phrenology 60 years ago (and, I'm sure, a few still do today), the scientific community as a whole dismissed phrenology in the late 1800s. And it was regarded as controversial even before that. \nEdwards concluded, "(scientists) are just people and 'they' will make a lot of serious mistakes if we don't educate ourselves and watch them." In this, he is, of course, correct. But educating ourselves about science is a rigorous process, not a matter of reading a few popular books and calling it quits. The incorrect knowledge displayed by Edwards is more dangerous than no knowledge at all (although both are very dangerous.) \nThe best point of Edwards' column can be reduced to one phrase: "Question authority." Science is a methodology -- one which best represents the spirit of that sentiment; it is not a body of knowledge pointlessly defended by stodgy academics bent on preserving the status quo. The best way to begin the process of educating yourself and watching scientists is to take courses in physics, chemistry, biology and other sciences while you are attending IU. Don't let the opportunity pass you by.