Guest Thinkers — August 16, 2010

Straight Talk: McCain vs. Romney on Stem Cell Research

First John McCain was against embryonic stem cell research, now he’s for it.
First Mitt Romney was for embryonic stem cell research, now he’s against it.

If either of these GOP candidates win the nomination, given their track record on stem cell research and a host of other issues, it will be difficult for them to push the traditional “flip flopper” attacks on the Democratic nominee.

Over at the NY Times’ “The Caucus” blog, Michael Luo details a memo released by the McCain campaign describing Romney’s flip-flopping statements on stem cell research over the years. It’s a great read. The clincher is that the Romney campaign responds by arguing that the former Governor has always been consistent on the issue!

But before you accept McCain’s argument for “straight talk” in the campaign, watch this brilliant montage of contradictory McCain statements compiled by filmmaker Robert Greenwald and released on YouTube.

A technician in a clean suit inspects a large, segmented, hexagonal mirror inside a circular gray structure.

Hard Science

Why a James Webb Space Telescope mystery doesn’t (necessarily) break cosmology

The JWST's observations of well-developed galaxies early in universal history may coincide with accepted astronomical theory after all.

A book titled "Cultures of Growth" by Mary C. Murphy lying on a dark blue fabric surface.

Business

“Cultures of growth”: How small changes can build stronger, more successful teams

Psychologist Mary C. Murphy explains why growth-mindset teams outperform those centered around a lone genius.

Starts With A Bang

The Universe might never run out of hydrogen

The most common element in the Universe, vital for forming new stars, is hydrogen. But there's a finite amount of it; what if we run out?

Abstract monochrome sketch of two figures, one with head bowed and the other looking downward, conveying a contemplative or somber mood, suggestive of the Chiron effect.

Neuropsych

The Chiron effect: Are “wounded healers” better healers?

Sometimes you just want to hear, "I know what it's like."

Two women in vintage clothing, wearing bows in their hair, engaging in a tend-and-befriend moment on a grassy field, lying facing each other, smiling and talking.

Neuropsych

“Tend and befriend”: The simple relationship hack for burnout resilience

You really can get by with a little help from your friends — if you also look beyond your personal to-do list.

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