A YEAR shy of its 150th anniversary, the theory that philosopher Daniel Dennett called 鈥渢he best idea anyone has ever had鈥� is under renewed attack.
Florida鈥檚 department of education will vote next week on resolutions demanding that the teaching of evolution is 鈥渂alanced鈥� with creationist accounts. Texas, with its own curriculum debate upcoming, will be monitoring the outcome. If Florida admits creationism to the science classroom, Texas may do the same.
In the face of the creationist threat, scientists are determined to ensure that festivities going on around the world next year 鈥� which will also mark Darwin鈥檚 200th birthday 鈥� are a success.
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For example, the UK Research Councils to extol the importance of Darwin鈥檚 legacy. 鈥淩esearchers are very keen to spread the message about Darwin鈥檚 work,鈥� says Pat Middleton of the Biotechnology and Biological Sciences Research Council. 鈥�It鈥檚 applicable to modern life itself.鈥�
The website will concentrate on a different academic field inspired by evolutionary theory each month, beginning with the social sciences and economics.
Evolution 鈥� Learn more about the struggle to survive in our comprehensive special report.
Focus on America 鈥� Delve into the science and technology questions facing the USA in our special report.
