Cool looking beetle named for Stephen Colbert

William Atkins
Thursday, 07 May 2009 17:49

Science - Biology

Dr. Wheeler states, "Charting the species of the world and their unique attributes are essential parts of understanding the history of life. It is our own self-interest as we face the challenges of living on a rapidly changing planet."

Dr. Miller adds, "In a time when new planets are being found around other stars and people are wondering whether life exists elsewhere in the universe, many people aren't aware of how much is not known about life on our own planet."

And, "Opportunities like this help boost awareness of the vast diversity that remains undiscovered on Earth, and of taxonomy, the science that seeks to discover it."

Both scientists are trying to popularize science so it is not so mysterious to people, and so it comes across as an interesting subject (which it is).

Hopefully, more children will look to science as a course of study in school and maybe a major in college.

More scientists, engineers, and other professionals are needed in the United States and all over the world to better understand the world we live in, and the Universe that surrounds us.

And, in his own querkie way, Stephen Colbert is helping to make science more fun for all people.

There are even "Science is Fun" websites out there in Internet Land. Check out " From the University of Wisconsin, Dr. Shakhashiri has a Website full of fun chemistry experiments and cool science activities to do in school and at home.