Is evolution "just a theory?" Is there "proof" of climate change? Questions like those, Annalee Newitz writes, show how the public's understanding of scientific terms differs from what scientists mean: Quoting entomologist Gwen Pearson: "Things can be natural and 'organic,' but still quite dangerous. Things can be 'synthetic' and manufactured, but safe. And sometimes better choices. If you are taking insulin, odds are it's from GMO bacteria. And it's saving lives."
June 18, 2014