Drug Discovery Today, Volume 13, Issues 3-4, February 2008, Pages 97-98. doi:10.1016/j.drudis.2007.12.003

The ability to understand and interpret scientific research is becoming a required skill in our society. It helps us choose our medical care, both for ourselves and for our loved ones. It informs our discussions about political funding, legislation, and candidates. It guides the education of our children and provides a gateway to careers in important and exciting new fields. It helps shape our understanding of the world around us and our impact upon it, in both positive and negative ways. Science does not define a strict path in any of these situations, but it does provide many insights that should not be ignored. At a time when scientific literacy is flagging, scientists have an obligation to educate the public, not only in journals and classrooms, but in personal interactions as well. ACS Chem. Biol., 2 (8), 501–503 10.1021/cb700169r Web Release Date: August 9, 2007