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Govt targets science literacyIn response to the National Science Challenges report, the government is committing to the improvement of the understanding of science in New Zealand.
 When the ten National Science Challenges were announced earlier this year, the deciding panel also issued a special 'Science and Society' challenge to the government, saying in their final report:
"There is a challenge for the leadership of New Zealand to take concrete steps to address deficits in the public and policy understandings of science, to address issues in STEM (science, technology, engineering and maths) workforce development and to foster a more innovative and aspirational use of science in the nation's development."
"...We must advise that this is the most important Challenge to address if New Zealand is to advance through research and science and their application."
Responding to this challenge, Science and Innovation Minister Steven Joyce and Education Minister Hekia Parata this week announced the Science and Society project, a unique joint education-science sector plan to lift engagement and achievement in STEM across New Zealand.
The objectives of the project are to increase STEM skills of young people to meet the needs of 21st century life and the labour market, and to more generally improve science literacy across the population.
"The Science and Society project is a unique opportunity for the education and science sectors to work together and increase scientific literacy," said Education Minister Hekia Parata in a media statement.
The initiative has been applauded by the NZ Association of Scientists who are supportive of the aim into increase understanding of science both in the education system and beyond. In a media release Dr Nicola Gaston, President of NZAS, said "More broadly, there is a need to boost understanding of science among teachers, students, and across the whole adult population as well, as it is the nature of scientific knowledge to develop beyond what any of us once learnt at school."
The project has started with a stocktake of existing programs, and will be developing a strategic plan and a list of key initiatives. A reference group of experts, chaired by Sir Peter Gluckman, will be established to advise officials and joint ministers on the draft project plan.
The in addition to unveiling the project the government also announced $10.5 million in further funding for schools to raise student achievement in maths and science.
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What was big in science news this week...
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Pulitzer winner leads media roundtable
Award winning science journalist Deborah Blum rounded out her visit to NZ with a lunchtime session for media at the SMC
 Deborah Blum, a Pulitzer prize-winning science journalist, author and blogger, is a Professor of Journalism at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. At a media roundtable hosted by the Science Media Centre, she discussed media responses to public concern over both toxic and "toxic" chemicals, including fluoride, arsenic, pesticides and food additives; best-practice for general reporting on these issues; and how the notion of "chemical-free" living may be more dangerous than we think. A captivating speaker, Deborah regaled an invited audience of journalists, writers and bloggers with experiences drawn from her many years of science writing and investigative reporting. She also touched on new direct publishing avenues available for science writing through online e-publishers, and the increasing prominence of science blogging and long format online-only magazines. For more information on upcoming events like this, please contact the Science Media Centre. |
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Controversial GM study retracted
A controversial study on the effects of GM maize on rats has now been retracted by the publishing journal after a year-long investigation.
 The article by Gilles-Eric Séralini and colleagues, published in the journal Food and Chemical Toxicology last year, suggested that genetically modified round-up resistant corn could cause cancer in rats.
The research was met with widespread criticism at the time, with many academics claiming the methodology of the study was deeply flawed.
A media release from the journal has now announced that, having completed a full investigation, they will be retracting the article. The release stated that the investigation found no evidence of fraud or intentional misrepresentation of the data but noted:
"However, there is a legitimate cause for concern regarding both the number of animals in each study group and the particular strain selected.
"...A more in-depth look at the raw data revealed that no definitive conclusions can be reached with this small sample size regarding the role of either NK603 [GM maize strain] or glyphosate in regards to overall mortality or tumor incidence."
Experts contacted by the UK SMC were largely welcoming of the retraction.
Prof Cathie Martin, Group Leader, John Innes Centre, said:
"The major flaws in this paper make its retraction the right thing to do. The strain of rats used is highly susceptible to tumours after 18 months with or without GMOs in their diets. Keeping animals alive beyond their recommended lifespan means the results are inconclusive and also raises serious animal welfare concerns."
Prof David Spiegelhalter, Winton Professor of the Public Understanding of Risk at the University of Cambridge, said:
"It was clear from even a superficial reading that this paper was not fit for publication, and in this instance the peer review process did not work properly. But at least this has now been remedied and the journal has recognised that no conclusions can be drawn from this study, so I suppose it is better late than never. Sadly the withdrawal of this paper will not generate the publicity garnered by its initial publication."
Further expert commentary can be found on the Science Media centre website. You can read more local comment about the retraction from SMC Manger Peter Griffin at SciBlogs and University of Auckland Professor of Statistics Thomas Lumley on StatsChat. |
Policy news and developments
Hector's dolphins: The Government has today announced its final Threat Management Plan for dolphins which confirms additional protections for the Maui's dolphin in Taranaki.
POP reports: A Ministry of Health funded report from Massey University levels of toxic contaminants called persistent organic pollutants have reduced by half in the last 15 years.
Wine research: Primary Industries Minister Nathan Guy has announced a new $17 million research and development project to produce low-calorie, low-alcohol wine.
Science & society: The government has kicked off a unique joint education-science sector plan to lift engagement and achievement in science, technology, engineering and maths.
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Quoted: New Zealand Herald
"This is a time capsule looking back at the birth of the solar system''
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Sciblogs highlights
Some of the highlights from this week's Sciblogs posts:
23 and Me skepticism - Eric Crampton discuss the genomic databases in the wake of the FDA shutting down a marketing of a DNA testing company.
Dismal Science
Dr Seuss, futurist? Analysing trends is all good and well, writes Robert Hickson, but it doesn't take into account the creative nature of the 21st century.
Ariadne
Nitrate in Canterbury groundwater - Carl Hanson gives an objective overview of what is becoming and increasingly emotional issue.
Waiology
Two weeks in Warsaw: Damage control - Cindy Baxter reports from Poland on the latest UN climate talks.
Hot Topic
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Research highlights
Some of the major research papers that made headlines this week.
Please note: hyperlinks point, where possible, to the relevant abstract or paper.
Exotic invaders seduce, eat locals: Invasive South African praying mantises are a fatal attraction for New Zealand's only native mantis species. University of Auckland researchers have shown that native males are more attracted to introduced females than females of their own species. This attraction can be fatal, as the invasive females often killed and consumed the native males. Biology Letters Dragonfly inspires antibacterial material: A synthetic antibacterial surface made of black silicon has been developed by Australian scientists. The material takes its inspiration from the surface of dragonfly wings, which are known to have natural antibacterial properties, and could lead to the development of other biomimetic antibacterial surfaces for applications such as medical implants. Images available. Nature CommunicationsControl on the tip of your tongue: Tongue piercings make a fashion statement, but for a group of paralysed wheelchair users they also provide means of transport control. US researcher have used high-tech tongue piercings as a wireless controller for wheelchairs allowing users to steer with a flick of their tongue. images and video available. Science Translational MedicineExercise - it's never too late to start: Regular physical activity can increase the chances of a healthy old age by as much as seven times, even when sport is started relatively late in life, say Canadian and British scientists. The findings are based on a sample of almost 3500 older people followed or more than eight years. BMJMarriage instinct better than conscious opinion: How quickly people respond to positive and negative words after seeing a photo of their partner is a better predictor of marriage outcomes than questionnaires about marriage satisfaction, say US researchers who followed 135 couples over a four year period.
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Upcoming sci-tech events
For these and more upcoming events, and more details about them, visit the SMC's Events Calendar.
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