Know What Works? Science

The unfortunate reappearance of measles in this country should send a clear message that science works. It also has a bearing on several other controveries that actually should be nonissues — climate science, for one.

Vaccines have been shown to be an effective way to halt what can be devastating diseases. Sadly, some groups, including the so-called anti-vaxxers, have responded to misinformation about false links between some inoculations and medical conditions. But the fact is, shots save lives, and the research processes to develop them are time-tested.

At its fundamental level, science is about understanding processes based on accurate observation. This evidence can lead to predictions that can be proved or disproved based on research. For whatever problem you might name — health care, air travel, safer cars, the warming climate — science is working to find a solution. The measles crisis shows us that while perhaps not perfect, science remains the best tool we have to cope with a complicated world. 

The unfortunate reappearance of measles in this country should send a clear message that science works. It also has a bearing on several other controveries that actually should be nonissues — climate science, for one.

Vaccines have been shown to be an effective way to halt what can be devastating diseases. Sadly, some groups, including the so-called anti-vaxxers, have responded to misinformation about false links between some inoculations and medical conditions. But the fact is, shots save lives, and the research processes to develop them are time-tested.

At its fundamental level, science is about understanding processes based on accurate observation. This evidence can lead to predictions that can be proved or disproved based on research. For whatever problem you might name — health care, air travel, safer cars, the warming climate — science is working to find a solution. The measles crisis shows us that while perhaps not perfect, science remains the best tool we have to cope with a complicated world.