One pundit says the GOP has unleased a 'perfect storm of science politicization and abuse.' Another pundit says the left is to blame. Who is hijacking science? Join Ira and guests Chris Mooney and Tom Bethell square off on the question, and on topics from global warming to stem cell research to nuclear power.

Plus, the latest on two cases of mad cow disease in the US. Some aspects of the cases don't seem to fit the profile of regular BSE, making some scientists worried that a variant form of the brain wasting disease could be on the rise. Call in with your questions and comments at 1-800-989-8255 (3-4 Eastern). Teachers, find more information about using Science Friday as a classroom resource in the Kids' Connection.

Guests:
Mo Salman
Professor, Epidemiology
Director, Animal Population Health Institute
College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences
Colorado State University
Fort Collins, Colorado

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Tom Bethell
Author, "The Politically Incorrect Guide to Science" (Regnery Publishing, 2005)
Senior Editor, The American Spectator
Washington, DC

Chris Mooney
Author, "The Republican War on Science" (2005, Basic Books)
Washington correspondent, Seed Magazine
Senior correspondent, American Prospect
Washington, DC

Books/Articles Discussed:

"The Politically Incorrect Guide to Science," by Tom Bethell. Regnery Publishing, 2005.

"The Republican War on Science," by Chris Mooney. Basic Books, 2005.

(find books discussed on previous broadcasts)

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This segment produced by Karin Vergoth