Dr. H. Holden Thorp, the editor-in-chief of the prestigious journal Science since 2019, described on Substack a discussion that occurred during a recent meeting of the American Association for the Advancement of Science (AAAS). In the closing plenary session, he posed to a "panel of scientific leaders" the question, "Who is a scientist?"

The answers from the audience "ranged from very narrow (just people who are doing or planning research) to very broad (every living human)."

Then Thorp offered his opinion:

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The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention released two important reports last year: the national births report for 2022 and the provisional births report for 2023. Both reflect a concerning trend: a decline in the general fertility rate among women aged 15-44 and a corresponding drop in the annual number of live births in the United States.

The numbers are stark. The numbers are stark. In 2022, the U.S. recorded 3,667,758 births, a figure nearly identical to the previous year's 3,664,292 births. These numbers are the nadir of a sustained decline in the national birth rate that began in 2007.

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Providing consistent high-quality healthcare is difficult and complex, and because frontline workers, who directly interact with patients, are critical to achieving that, attracting, retaining, and motivating these staff is essential. Conversely, anything that enhances turnover of staff can result in compromised care and adverse outcomes.

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Tooth decay is the second most common physical malady, behind only the common cold. Cavities in teeth are more than just a cosmetic nuisance; they can lead to significant health complications, including infections that may enter the bloodstream and precipitate heart or respiratory problems.

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The divisiveness pervading science and medicine has intensified since the COVID-19 pandemic, fueled by debates over vaccines, mandates and public health measures. Although anti-vaccine sentiment predates the pandemic, a small number of rogue physicians and influencers have amplified disinformation, jeopardizing public trust.

Medical doctor and Johns Hopkins University Professor Benjamin Mazer described the post-pandemic bitterness in The Atlantic:

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