News to Note, July 24, 2010

1. News Which Upsets the Idea of Race

Out of Britain comes more news that upsets the idea of “race.”

2. Neanderthals: Fully Human

Evolutionists, like creationists, believe that Neanderthals were fully human, the same species as we are.

3. The Close Relationship Between Humans and Animals

From pets to livestock, humans often have a close relationship with animals. But is that part of the story of human evolution?

4. The Slow Collapse of Mainline Protestant Churches in the US

A Methodist church whose congregation once numbered more than 10,000 members has fallen to under 400 today—a decline reflecting the slow collapse of mainline Protestant churches in the U.S.

5. Elaine Ecklund's Survey of Scientists

In June we discussed the work of Rice University sociologist Elaine Ecklund, whose survey of scientists revealed that, among other things, “the academy seems to have a ‘strong culture’ that suppresses discussion about religion in many areas.” Ecklund now weighs in on the topic in a USA Today opinion piece.

6. And Don’t Miss . . .

• Adult stem cells are finding use in another medical therapy: removing plaque from arteries (in conjunction with nanoparticles). That marks yet another successful use (in pigs, at least) of adult stem cells, which do not require the destruction—and devaluation—of life, as do embryonic stem cells.
• Spiders encased in amber: despite their alleged age of millions of years, they look quite like spiders today.
• Is a gene responsible for sperm production 600 million years old? That conclusion, based on the fact that the gene was found across a variety of organisms, is “unexpected because many sex-specific genes, including other genes involved in sperm production, are usually under evolutionary pressure to change.” Couldn’t the commonality be better explained, then, by common design?

Remember, if you see a news story that might merit some attention, let us know about it! (Note: if the story originates from the Associated Press, Fox News, MSNBC, the New York Times, or another major national media outlet, we will most likely have already heard about it.) And thanks to all of our readers who have submitted great news tips to us. If you didn’t catch last week’s News to Note, why not take a look at it now? See you next week!

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