July 15, 2009

Today on Word of Mouth, Americans generally respect scientists, yet comprehend little science. Only half of adults know that the earth orbits the sun once per year, nevermind the climate change, pandemic diseases, and food shortages. Writer Chris Mooney says scientific illiteracy threatens our future. Religion, education, Hollywood, the media, and scientists themselves share the blame. But we’ll go beyond fingerpointing and look at how to fix the problem. Plus, a White House tech initiative brings policymaking to the public. And a fashion photographer reveals beauty within the world of severely disabled people, by handing them the cameras.