Permit me to make a grand statement: science is not about revealing the truth, it’s about learning. And permit me to say something heretical: just because a scientist, as a scientist says something doesn’t make it the truth or even a particularly good conclusion based on the evidence. [Read more…]

Are health standards a good thing? I think so. Usually. With qualifications. I was reminded of those qualifications late last week. On Friday, the San Francisco Chronicle reported that two California State Senate bills were signed into law. One law sets standards for snack foods in schools, from kindergarten through high school, with limits on the calories, and fat and sugar content of individual snacks. The second law extends the ban on soft drinks to high schools and establishes standards for beverages available to students—basically restricting sugar content. This law also allocates $18 million for fruits and vegetables in school breakfast programs. [Read more…]