Science and the Investment in Particle Physics, Genetic Technology and Healthcare Systems

Should science invest in something that has no real tangible outcomes? Should the intellectual pursuit of science itself be honoured as a value, regardless of its practical use or prospects?

Next, can scientists effectively bridge the gap between infrastructrual deficiencies and medical intervention in countries that are most vulnerable to pandemics? 

In terms of examples, particle physics, genetics and pandemic research drive many key industries today from space and environmental engineering  to medicine and biotechnology.  Lame as it may sound, even the upcoming marvel film ('Ant- Man') tries to delve deeper into some of these theories. But it's best to steer entertainment and media out of this.

The following two pieces may already be quite compelling for many.

http://mag.alumni.unimelb.edu.au/our-genetic-awakening-brings-benefits-and-risks/

http://mag.alumni.unimelb.edu.au/ebola-the-lab-report/2/

To close, just when we think dark matter is anything but relevant to the many problems humanity faces today (which science may potentially provide solutions for), the writer argues for a more thoughtful engagement of issues in the field, literally...






http://mag.alumni.unimelb.edu.au/heart-of-darkness/

Enjoy...

Art, History and Politics: And The Plunder in Ancient Artefacts Continues

In one of the video recommendations for arts and culture, there was a feature on the economic value of art and how to go about appreciating it. It's a 'white-hot market', some say.
However, it's not always about abstract theories and invaluable aesthetics at work.





Should we ever put a price tag on art?

Things get complicated when art embroils itself into the dark world of politics.  Ancient artefacts deserve special mention here. Issues with contesation, intellectual property rights and national pride fuel the desires of criminal syndicates to trade in these priceless collections. Some even allege that the State is are not immune to these temptations as well.  Here are some depressing (or intriguing?) case studies from China and Iraq.

http://www.nytimes.com/2015/06/21/opinion/the-chinese-want-their-art-back.html?_r=0

http://www.albawaba.com/business/isis-terrorist-mosul-palmyra-nimrud-stolen-artifacts-iraq-syria-705646

The Science in (and Value of Natural History)

Last Saturday (June 27 2015), the press gave another extensive coverage to Singapore's first Natural History Museum (NHM) in NUS, one of the latest addition to the republic's academic and heritage scene. It also argues for an increased focus on museums as part of national development. The focus on local ecology and natural history is not new in Singapore. However, the persistence shown in justifying their role and value has gained greater traction over the past decade.

http://www.asianscientist.com/2015/04/topnews/nus-launches-singapores-natural-history-museum/

Why do countries invest in building museums? Who are the stakeholders involved in the complicated process of  specimen collection and curation?

More importantly, can anything be gained by investing in the past?

Let's look at these arguments from the perspective of natural history.

http://www.theguardian.com/science/punctuated-equilibrium/2011/apr/12/2

Perhaps it may inspire a more scholarly outlook on your next museum trip,
or have you already visited site of Lee Kong Chian NHM in NUS?

Technology and Mental Health: Impact and Concerns

We are assulted by information daily. This channel is one and I pen it with some guilt.



Has the expansion of the information age brought about more problems than solutions?

Are we losing a sense of control control over the very tools we invented?

This short article argues that a renewed understanding about neuroplasticity may challenge the above notion. Note the apt use of applied concepts, examples and vocabulary in presenting its case.


http://voice.unimelb.edu.au/volume-11/number-6/how-does-technology-affect-our-brains

Social Issues: On Grief and Human Solidarity

Why do people grieve? Have you?
What does it say about us and the culture we live in?

Are we able to better stand in silence and solidarity with another because of it?

http://www.deathreference.com/Gi-Ho/Grief-and-Mourning-in-Cross-Cultural-Perspective.html

It will be a difficult week for the nation and everyone in TKPS as they come to terms with the death of their loved ones. This event brought back memories of my own experience in Mt Kinabalu, having led 2 batches of ODAC students there with another group of teachers on our third trip. The gaps felt can never be named.

We rememeber all as we keep vigil with them.

Politics and Global Issues: When Political Entanglement adds Theological Fuel to the War on Terror

“America (will not have) permanent friends or enemies, only interests.”

Henry Kissinger

And past prophecies for further debate,
revealed...

http://vigilantcitizen.com/vigilantreport/isis-cia-creation-justify-war-abroad-repression-home/

http://www.globalresearch.ca/america-created-al-qaeda-and-the-isis-terror-group/5402881

Gender & Representation in National Sports (and its Discontents): Case Study in Brazil

And despite the publicity, 

' futebol feminina remains largely invisible, 
(leading to) the unequal fortunes of Brazil's soccer stars'

http://www.theatlantic.com/entertainment/archive/2015/06/neymar-marta-world-cup-brazil/394856/

AQ: Beyond soccer, what your take on the scene in Singapore?

Marketing the Female Viagra: On Science, Hard Data and Sexual Equality

• 
• It rages on...science as an ' ideological struggle against a patriarchal and discriminatory regulatory system', this time faulted and questioned for not meeting the health needs of women
• http://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/294903.php
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