Creation Research Conference

A couple weeks ago, I attended the BSG (Biology Study Group)/CGS (Creation Geology Society) Conference in Cleveland, Georgia. This conference is held yearly and is a great way to connect with other creation scientists and find out the latest research in both biology and geology from a creation perspective. Biology topics included understanding the vegetation of Genesis 2:5, bioethics and environmentalism, baraminology (bara: created; min: kind) studies in plants and animals, adaptive mutagenesis and use of halobacteria for undergraduate research. As you can see, it covers a broad range of topics—genetics, zoology, botany, and microbiology. Geology topics included sediment transportation and deposition, radiocarbon dating and radiohalos, and research on the composition and formation of the Coconino Sandstone in the Grand Canyon—just to name just a few.

I really enjoyed the poster session and discussing in more depth with the presenters their findings. I even got some good resources for a new research project I will be starting soon on stromatolites. According to Wikipedia, “Stromatolites are layered accretionary structures formed in shallow water by trapping, binding and cementation of sedimentary grains by biofilms of microorganisms, especially cyanobacteria.” AiG Director of Research Dr. Andrew Snelling and I will be working on this project together. I will be researching the microbiology of these unusual formations, and Dr. Snelling will be researching the geology.

Next year the BSG/CGS Conference will be renamed “Origins 2011” (a bit easier to say and write!) and will be held in Rapid City, South Dakota. The year 2011 is special since it is the 50^th anniversary of the landmark book, The Genesis Flood by Henry Morris and John Whitcomb. There are plans to have several public sessions for laypeople and possibly some field trips to local geological formations at the conference. Check their website for more information.