Comments on: Question of the Week: What branch of science do you find most interesting?

By: Ryan Frechette

Ryan Frechette — Mon, 29 Mar 2010 13:37:39 +0000

All caps does not equal importance.

By: John P E Curtin

John P E Curtin — Thu, 04 Feb 2010 00:37:17 +0000

Planetary science seems to link all of the other sciences together. When the Kepler mission releases its latest discoveries we will have discovered more than 600 extrasolar planets. For the 21st century Planetary science will develop using as its basis all the other sciences and all of them will contribute to our discoveries in the other ones. Planetary Science seems to be , by necessity , the most inclusive of all the sciences. In the past each of the other sciences have had many practitioners that have maintained that their science is the best of all sciences and that this other science isn’t really a science but Planetary Science could not do that without falling apart. Therefore Planetary science is the most interesting and its practitioners are the most modest.

By: Dana Patterson

Dana Patterson — Mon, 18 May 2009 14:11:52 +0000

I find chemistry the most intriguing of all the sciences. Chemistry explains the origins and details of life. Of course all the sciences are interconnected, which makes ‘science’ in general facinating. In a shift towards a sustainable world, “green chemistry” will be of upmost importance. The way we produce materials through reactions and catalysts is in dire need of a makeover. Mass production and the results of the industrial revolution are smacking us in the face and leaving a giant handprint. Through green chemistry, we are slowly creating new processes that generate less waste, recycle the leftovers, and use renewable resources. The future lies in the hands of the young scientists with creative, innovative ideas.

By: Emilio Malaguti

Emilio Malaguti — Mon, 18 May 2009 12:57:48 +0000

As many replied, Chemistry is my preferred science, not only because is the one I am in contact with for the past 25 years, but also because is present since the starting of time with the broth of life.

By: leo

leo — Mon, 18 May 2009 01:22:46 +0000

I do not know if EPA could be classed with the word nazis, but I do know that they do not want permanent solutions for the superfund program or correct many of they problems associated with hazardous waste materials. I do have the proof to back up what I have said for both this administration and the last administration. I also have the proof that they do not care about science that is presented to them. I would ask that you check your impaired water list where you live and also look at the nearest superfund to you and then look at the law in the cfr that congress passed that EPA is suppose to be following. Make sure you check the second step of the nine step process that CERCLA clearly states what they (EPA) is suppose to be following at superfund sites, capping and deed restrictions do not qualify in the cercla laws, nor are they permanent

By: Patricia

Patricia — Sun, 17 May 2009 19:54:53 +0000

Bioethics…so fascinating…so many issues…and no easy answers!

By: azrider

azrider — Sun, 17 May 2009 17:48:38 +0000

All science is imporant. We would still be in the Dark Ages without it, and the battle continues even after 2,00 yr’s with “Belief” trying to debunk it all. Thank’s to the brave men & women who broke through with life saving knowledge at the risk of their own life. We must now use all branches of Science to get this little blue planet back on tract before We totally destroy it..Praying ain’t going to do it..Now Faith, that’s a different matter.

By: PEG BITTNER

PEG BITTNER — Sun, 17 May 2009 16:37:14 +0000

I HAVE FOUND ASTRONOMY THE MOST INTERESTING SCIENCE EVER SINCE I WAS A CHILD. I HAVE HAD A FASCINTION OF OUTER SPACE AND WHAT IS BEYOND FOR 50 YEARS. I HAVE HAD THE SAME EXCITEMENT AND CONCERN FOR EACH SPACE LAUNCH AND ANTICIIPATION FOR A NEW DISCOVERY WITH EACH ONE. WHEN WE LANDED ON THE MOON AND IT WAS BROADCASTED IT WAS THE GREATEST DAY I HAD EVER LIVED. BUT NOW WITH THE HUBBLE TELESCOPE AND ASTRONAUTS ABLE TO TAKE WALKS INTO SPACE WITHOUT BEING TETHERED THE GREATEST DAY IS YET TO COME. WHO KNOWS WHERE SPACE EXPLORATION WILL TAKE US AND I AM HERE FOR THE RIDE. IT IS UTTERLY AMAZING WHAT IS OUT THERE AND BEYOND AND WE ARE GOING TO FIND OUT

By: Craig Conant

Craig Conant — Fri, 15 May 2009 20:29:48 +0000

I agree that chemistry is the most interesting science. It is either at the root of many other disciplines, or is so fundamental to them that they cannot be understood properly without taking chemistry into account. Even in bonehead astronomy classes you learn that the universe has a chemistry – each element emits a different spectographic imprint. Biology can’t be understood without first understanding the chemistry of DNA and RNA. You can’t understand why bone material disintegrates in some soils while papyrus remains relatively intact in others without understanding soil chemistry – meaning you can’t even do archaeology properly without some knowledge of chemistry. And don’t get me started on nuclear physics – it’s chemistry at the level of particles and subparticles.

By: Chris S

Chris S — Fri, 15 May 2009 18:24:46 +0000

Science is a facinating tool, especially when applied to what might be referred to as Natural History…. then it really starts to be fun. Must be the result of my early love affair with the American Museum of Natural History. My initial membership was a Christmas present from my mom back in 1961 and up through high school I knew my way around the place practically blindfolded. I’ve retained my membership, but live too far away to visit anymore. Sigh….
I majored in Biology and Environmental Studies as an undergrad and currently work for a state conservation department… but that is only a fraction of what I find facinating.
It’s all grist for the mill and as long as it keeps itself grounded in what I’ll call the “real world”, then I’m happy. Too much number crunching or armchair theorizing and I tend to suspect that the Ivory Tower folks have turned scientific inquiry into a form of philosophy that may or may not translate well into reality.