As @thinkingpowers writes, “Theory might win the prize for the most commonly misunderstood word in science. In everyday usage, a theory is a hunch. A guess. Pure speculation. For example, I have a theory about why my cat yells (sings?) at night — he’s calling on the spirits of his ancestors to free him from the captivity of his luxurious life. But in science speak, a theory is exactly the opposite — it’s a broad explanation for a wide range of phenomena that’s supported by a vast amount of evidence. As science progresses and evidence accumulates, related ideas are combined into a single, clear, and powerful explanation. Theories form the basis of our scientific knowledge and are used by scientists to make predictions for further testing, and as such are continually subjected to scrutiny. Examples include gravitational theory, plate tectonic theory, evolutionary theory, cell theory, germ theory, and atomic theory. Understanding the natural world is the ultimate goal of science, and theories are about as close to the “truth” as we may ever get. So don’t be fooled when someone doubts science because 'it’s just a theory.'”

Organic food is not grown without pesticides. Organic food is not healthier. Organic food is not better for the environment. Organic food can be worse ecologically - lower yield, more off-target pesticide impacts, more land use, more tillage = worse for the planet. 1/

Facts usually won't cut it. We need to drill down to how beliefs are formed and protected. Melanie Trecek-King of @ThinkingPowers does a lot of writing/speaking about identity beliefs. youtu.be/bC4-WcUm7Io?si=uPFx…

Our @NATS_Science fall conference is Oct 18! I'm on the board, and we are highlighting all presenters! 🚨KEYNOTE ALERT!🚨@ThinkingPowers We are excited to welcome Melanie Trecek-King! Knowing enough doesn't change our minds. THINKING is where it's at. nebscinats.org/event-details…