NY Times Science

An interesting article from the Times regarding what appears to be learned reciprocity between non-kin in rats. For the moment it's unclear if and how this finding may relate to human behavior, but it certainly seems to be a development in the study of the evolution of cooperation.

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/10/science/10rat.html?_r=1&ref=science&oref=slogin

This is a review of Harvard philosopher Michael Sandel's book called “The Case Against Perfection.” I won't go into a lengthy review of this article at the moment, but I think it's worth a read as Genetic Engineering appears to be an issue that's heating up. Sandel, like other bioethicists, is worried by developments in science which he feels may “pose a threat to human dignity” or “diminish our humanity.” Apparently Genetic Engineering is one of these. Let me just say that I'll grant for now that there are "good" and "bad" uses for Genetic Engineering, but I remain unconvinced that the development as a whole is dangerous. More on this topic to come.

http://www.nytimes.com/2007/07/08/books/review/Saletan.html?pagewanted=1